16 Oct 2026, 03:05 PM

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From inspiring careers to treating people to unforgettable curries, the late presenter and campaigner had quite the impact on Guardian readers. Colleagues, admirers and TV show guests share their storiesThe summer of 1976 held a particularly fond memory for my family. In one episode of her programme The Big Time, my father took part in conducting the Royal Philharmonic in Croydon and met several of his musical idols. Esther and her team visited our home, causing much teenage excitement, took us for lunch at a local Indian restaurant (the height of sophistication) and after lunch asked me to sit on her feet in our back garden while she did sit-ups. We were kids, probably in the way of filming, but were included and treated warmly and impressed by her down-to-earth manner. We fondly remember the visit and as Dad said at the end of the film: “lovely Esther”. I’m glad she went on to make so many important contributions to the lives of so many. Rosalind Cresswell, Maine, USA Continue reading...

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