Dame Esther Rantzen is now unresponsive to her medication, according to her daughter. The esteemed television presenter and advocate, who is enduring terminal lung cancer, discovered a lump under her arm after feeling fatigued during December 2022's festive season.

Only a few weeks on from that troubling find, she received a stage four cancer diagnosis through a biopsy.

Amid her health battle, Dame Esther, at 84 years of age, has candidly discussed the Assisted Dying Bill currently under Parliament's scrutiny. However, it may take several years for the law to come into effect, as extra safeguards need to be established while the bill progresses among MPs.

Additionally, she hasn't shied away from expressing her stance on dying at the Swiss facility Dignitas, faced with the fact that assisted dying remains prohibited in the UK.

Aware of the potential legal consequences, Dame Esther acknowledges the risk: "My family could be prosecuted if I go," she previously expressed, reports the Mirror.

In a recent interview, Rebecca Wilcox, Dame Esther’s daughter, was asked about her mother's new treatment, which was once thought to be promising. Unfortunately, Rebecca disclosed that the medication no longer seems effective.

"I really wish that was true," she remarked before conceding, "I don't think that's the case anymore," during her conversation with 5 News.

Additionally, there's been frank discussion from Rebecca about the sharply painful reality that she might face legal action for joining her mother at the assisted dying clinic in Switzerland.

In a heartfelt conversation with Hello!

, Rebecca shared the poignant words of her mother: "My mum said that she lost her mother, her husband and her dog within a very short time and that of the three, the dog had the most wonderful death, and the others didn't."

Confronting the severe implications of her situation, Rebecca voiced her wishes that the journey to Dignitas remains in the distant future, yet acknowledged the legal perils involved: "We're just hoping that flight to Dignitas doesn't have to happen any time soon. I can't say whether I'd go with her because I'd face prosecution, which would be a nightmare at the worst time in my life and something I don't think I'd ever get over."

She further remarked: "But it would be a very strange version of me that would let her go alone."

Previously, in December, television host Angela Rippon, a dear friend to Dame Esther, disclosed that Dame Esther experienced a sense of relief upon learning that her assisted dying bill was met with favour in Parliament.

The motion to permit assistance in dying for an individual terminally ill with a prognosis of less than six months was carried by 330 votes to 275. Dame Esther, who is battling terminal lung cancer, has disclosed in the past year that she enlisted with Dignitas, the Swiss assisted dying organisation.

Angela, 80, has cherished a friendship with Esther for over three decades, and they continue to converse regularly by phone. Angela extolled her friend, saying: "She is an amazing person," and highlighted Esther's lifelong commitment to activism.

"All her life she's used her platform to create change. Silver Line, Childline, and all of those things that she's done. Now because this is very personal to her, she's used that influence that she has and that power that she has. She's done it again."

Angela believes Esther is extremely content with the recent developments, adding: "I think she is thrilled over what happened. I think she's delighted and I think she's relieved."

Dame Esther, who is facing terminal cancer, has been vocal about her wish to have control over the end of her life when her quality of life declines. Her fervent advocacy on this matter has contributed to the introduction of the bill.

While addressing the Television and Radio Club Christmas lunch, Angela continued her praise: "Esther has made a big impact, of course she did, but she has all her life. All her life she's been an inspiration to people for all sorts of things."

Angela also touched on the personal nature of Esther's current campaign: "And I think that this is very personal for her. The great thing with Esther is that when she takes on a campaign, she discovers that there are thousands of people who join in with her and support her."

In conclusion, Angela expressed admiration for Esther's influential role in various campaigns: "And I think that everything she's done, whether it was Childline or Silverline or now supporting Leadbeater on this, it's another of those instances where she's actually been a really important figure in a campaign and I think that's absolutely brilliant."