Jewish broadcaster Dame Esther Rantzen has revealed that her lung cancer has progressed to stage four.

The 82-year-old, known for founding children’s charity Childline, said she decided “not to keep this secret any more because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise" and is "remaining optimistic".

Dame Esther, who also presented That’s Life!, told The Mirror "nobody knows" if the new medication she is trying is working and a scan "will reveal one way or another".

In an interview with the newspaper, she added: “My diagnosis of stage four lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I've been in my life, working with Childline and the Silver Line, and meeting so many fascinating and inspiring people, and especially lucky to have spent 21 years working as producer/presenter of That's Life!

"I'm not good at regrets. What I treasure most are the fantastic friendships I have made thanks to That's Life! during the last 50 years, the people I met and the team who worked so hard, and laughed so hard, together for so long."

Esther Rantzen

"My diagnosis of stage four lung cancer made me realise how very lucky I've been in my life," the 82 year old said. (Photo: Getty Images)

The broadcaster was speaking as she marked the 50th anniversary of the launch of That's Life! on Friday, May 26.

The programme, which aired from 1973 to 1994, features a mix of investigations, topical issues and entertainment.

Dame Esther founded Childline, which she established in 1986, in addition to her success as a journalist and broadcaster.

The charity offers counselling and support for children and young people in the UK up until the age of 19 and is now part of The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

The 82-year-old was made a DBE in 2015 for services to children and older people due to her charity work.