Dame Esther Rantzen brands Chris Serle 'funny, clever and charming' in moving tribute

Dame Esther Rantzen has remembered That's Life! co-star Chris Serle for being "funny, clever and charming" following his death aged 81.

The family of former BBC radio and TV presenter Serle, who worked on programmes throughout the 80s and 90s, confirmed his death to BBC News. The Bristol-born star rose to fame on the satirical consumer affairs show That's Life! alongside Dame Esther, presenting a variety of subjects including consumer advice, rights and investigations.

"I am so very sad to hear that Chris Serle, one of our best loved That's Life! reporters, has died," Dame Esther told the PA news agency. "He was as nice off camera as he was in the studio on camera funny, clever, charming, a very versatile presenter. When I first met him he was a producer, but it was clear that he had all the attributes of the best reporters."

"Viewers and listeners of That's Life! and the many other radio and television programmes he presented will be equally sad." Dame Esther sent her "deepest sympathy" to his friends and family.

It comes after BBC News reported Serle's death, sharing a statement from his family which described him as a "familiar and cherished figure on British television screens throughout the 1970s and 1980s". During his career, the star chaired Radio 4's Pick Of The Week and was the host of a long-running afternoon show on BBC Radio Bristol.

He also presented In At The Deep End and Points Of View for the BBC. Details for his funeral and memorial service are being arranged and will be shared in due course, BBC News reported. One fan reminisced: "Chris Serle did a terrific job on 'The Computer Programme' at the time an exciting look into what the future might hold and now a fascinating historical document. Well worth re-watching if you were there at the time!"

Another saddened fan shared their feelings, saying: "Sad to hear that presenter Chris Serle has passed away, at the age of 81. Those of a certain vintage might remember him co-hosting (alongside Ian McNaught-Davis) the 1982 series 'The Computer Programme', a show created to introduce the viewer to the world of computers. RIP."

"Chris Serle is in no small way responsible for feeding an obsession that’s never left me. Difficult to underestimate the impact that simple wee clips show “Windmill” had on me. So many Sunday mornings, bewitched as he introduced *treasure*. Thank you, Chris," another heartbroken fan posted.

Serle is survived by his wife Ali and their three children, alongside two children from a previous marriage.

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