Ex-That's Life! presenter, ChildLine and The Silver Line founder Esther Rantzen confirms cancer diagnosis

FORMER That's Life! presenter Dame Esther Rantzen has said she is "optimistic" after revealing she has been diagnosed with lung cancer.

The veteran broadcaster and charity founder, who lives in the north of the New Forest, said she was getting "wonderful support" from her friends, family and past and present colleagues.

In a public statement, the 82-year-old dame said: “In the last few weeks I have discovered that I am suffering from lung cancer which has now spread.

"At the moment I am undergoing various tests, to assess the best treatment.

“I have decided not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise, and because I would rather you heard the facts from me."

Dame Esther made a name for herself presenting That's Life! from 1973 to 1994.

In 1986, she founded the children's charity ChildLine, and in 2013 set up The Silver Line, a charity which helps older people overcome loneliness.

She was made a DBE in 2015 for her charity work.

Dame Esther continued: “At the age of 82, this diagnosis has prompted me to look back over the years, and I want to express my profound thanks to everyone who has made my life so joyful, filled with fun, and with inspiration.

“First and foremost my family. My three children Miriam, Rebecca and Joshua have been the most wonderful support, company, and source of love and laughter and I am deeply grateful to them.

“My friends have been amazing and have created memories which sustain me and give me strength.

“My colleagues with whom I have worked, and continue to work with in broadcasting, journalism, the voluntary sector, and in many other organisations have been a constant pleasure, and have amazed me with their tolerance of my wild ideas and awful jokes.

“I have been continuously inspired by the courageous children, older people and viewers who have trusted me with their life stories. I have always tried to live up to that trust.

“As I am sure you will understand, while I am awaiting the results of the tests, I am unable to answer questions. Thanks to the extraordinary skills of the medical profession there are wonderful new treatments, so I am remaining optimistic.”