Esther Rantzen's daughter blasts sickening fake AI photos showing star in coma
The daughter of Dame Esther Rantzen has blasted 'appalling' online trolls after they posted fake AI photos online claiming to show the TV host in a hospital bed looking close to death.
Becca Wilcox appeared on BBC One's Morning Live show to insist her mum was doing as well as she could be dealing with lung cancer at home, and did not look anything like the fake photos, reports the Mirror.
She said: 'I was just appalled by them. And I just want to say, first off, obviously these are not real pictures, they are fake pictures of what mum supposedly looks like.
'There is one I really hate because I think she is supposed to be dead or in a coma. It is an extraordinary thing to do I mean, a weird and horrible thing. She doesn't look like that.
'She's been very private about her battle with cancer. She knows that this is something that people are probably interested in, and she tries to do as much audio as possible. But for her, this journey is one that she wants to take with the privacy of her family, like lots of her friends haven't seen her for months and months, so that's the first thing they're seeing.
'I've had to warn my brother to tell his kids that these pictures are out there, that they're not they're not real. That's not what she looks like.' Giving an update on Esther's health, Becca added they had a birthday celebration for her last weekend and showed new unseen photos of her mother alone and alongside her.
Becca added: 'She looks great. You know, she has terminal cancer. She looks different to how she didn't fall but she looks incredible.
'What I'm really grateful is to show you these pictures, which is how she really looks. This is her Sunday (showing photos on screen). It was her birthday party. We had a huge half pavlova cake. And you know, this is, this is her walking around her garden, completely different. Yes, some people are in hospital beds, some people are unwell, but that was a fake picture. This is what she looks like. This is literally last Sunday. I wanted you to see Mum looking well.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
'I just want to put the record straight that she if she's not on a hospital bed, she's not dead. They're not real, they're not real pictures.'
In May 2023, Esther Rantzen has revealed her lung cancer, which she was diagnosed with in January, was in stage four. In as about her health, Dame Esther told the Mirror: "I'm on one of the new medications, and nobody knows if it's working or not. But I will have a scan fairly soon which will reveal one way or another."
At the time she explained she had gone public with her lung cancer diagnosis "because I find it difficult to skulk around various hospitals wearing an unconvincing disguise'.
Since then she has been a prominent supporter of the bill giving terminally ill adults in England and Wales the right to an assisted death. Stage four is the most advanced stage of lung cancer, and means the cancer has spread beyond the lungs or from one lung to the other. Dame Esther, who turned 85 on Sunday, enjoyed a successful TV presenting career which included hosting BBC consumer show That's Life! for 21 years.
In the segment on Morning Live, presenters pointed out that fake photos are becoming more of a problem online.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
20 minutes ago
- Daily Record
Rylan Clark's mum Linda rushed to hospital as BBC star takes time away from the airwaves
Radio presenter Rylan Clark has announced some sad news as his 72-year-old mum, Linda, was rushed to hospital Rylan Clark has shared the concerning news that his mother, Linda Clark, was taken to hospital this week, just a few days shy of her birthday. He told his followers he will be stepping back from work commitments for the time being. Rylan, aged 36, said on Friday, July 18 that his 72-year-old mother Linda is unwell and receiving care at an Essex hospital, where he thanked the "emergency team" for their efforts. He confirmed to his audience that he will not be presenting his BBC Radio 2 show tomorrow. The announcement comes shortly before Linda's birthday, which falls on Sunday. While Rylan did not elaborate on the reasons behind her hospital stay, he assured his Instagram followers that he would keep them posted on Linda's condition as she recuperates. Known for their joint appearances on Celebrity Gogglebox, Rylan released a statement on Instagram earlier this evening. He said: "Mummy Linda isn't well sadly so I won't be hosting the show tomorrow. "Thank you to the emergency team at Princess Alexandra Hospital. "Especially Tanya who really looked after my mum. Will keep you updated as she's on the mend. She's a trooper." Rylan later provided an update on his mother's health, writing in a subsequent message this evening: "She's doing really well thankfully. All going good. Cheers for all ur messages," reports the Mirror. Rylan, the popular BBC Radio 2 Saturday afternoon host, will be stepping aside this weekend, with Richie Anderson confirmed to take over the airwaves. The announcement came today that Richie will fill in for Rylan On Saturday. Richie, aged 37, is set to welcome former X Factor star Diana Vickers to the programme and reached out to his audience earlier for a bit of assistance. He's keen to get listener input ahead of his chat with Diana, who has recently launched her new Just Between Us podcast. Taking to his Instagram Story, Richie shared a video confirming he'll be covering for Rylan. He addressed his followers, saying: "I need your help. So tomorrow I'm sitting in for Rylan on Radio 2 and I'm gonna be joined in the studio by the icon Diana Vickers. She's got a new podcast out, relationship agony aunt, so we wanna use her advice skills as we do 'Diana's Dilemmas'. We want your fun household, family, relationship dilemmas." This update follows shortly after Rylan excitedly informed his fans that his mother Linda had joined Instagram. In just one week, she's attracted a following of over 110,000 users. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Rylan announced her arrival on the social media platform last week, saying: "So we've finally done it. Linda is now on Instagram. Bear with as she gets used to it but give her a follow if you want. Can't believe this is happening." Days later, Linda posted an update. Accompanied by a snapshot featuring herself, Rylan, and the Celebrity Gogglebox team, she penned: "Thank you for 100k followers! Still don't really know what it means but Ross is helping me... Luv yas."
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Company run by Coldplay kiss cam scandal CEO launch probe
Their stunned reaction on camera led to allegations both parties were involved in an affair, though no official confirmation of this has been given. A tech company has launched a formal probe into a kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concerning its involving its CEO Andy Byron. Astronomer's married boss and a blonde woman were spotted in an embrace when they appeared on the big screen at the concert. The couple then squirmed with embarrassment after they were caught on the screen in front of 55,000 fans at the Gillette Stadium in Boston. Astronomer has since launched an investigation into the incident, reports the Mirror. In a an update, the company said via its LinkedIn account: "Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. "Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly. "Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video. Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Byron was seen with his arms around the woman when they appeared on the screen. Their stunned reaction led to allegations both parties were involved in an affair, though no official confirmation of this has been given. Their reaction racked up millions of views online and has since gone on to become a social media phenomenon. Footage also emerged of Coldplay's frontman Chris Martin cringing as the couple tried to hide. The star said: "I don't know what to do. Oh, s***, I hope we didn't do something bad." The Mirror has contacted Astronomer for comment.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Felix Baumgartner reportedly suffered mid-air heart attack before paraglider crash
The daredevil known for jumping from the edge of space is thought to have died after suffering a cardiac arrest Austrian daredevil Felix Baumgartner, famed for his 2012 jump from the edge of space, is believed to have tragically died following a mid-air cardiac arrest while paragliding in Italy. The 56-year-old sportsman passed away around 4pm on Thursday, July 17, with local reports indicating his craft landed in a swimming pool at a holiday resort in Porto Sant'Elpidio, Fermo, injuring a hotel employee on the ground. It's understood that Felix reported feeling unwell while airborne, subsequently losing control of his paraglider. The woman struck by his paraglider was swiftly taken to hospital, but her condition is not considered serious. According to Repubblica, the swimming pool was bustling with children at the time of the incident, who were sadly witness to the sports star's untimely death. Italian local media suggest Baumgartner suffered a cardiac arrest mid-flight, as reported by MailOnline. Baumgartner had launched from Fermo, but lost control of the powered hang glider while flying over the coast, for reasons yet to be determined. Following the crash, he lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest, reports the Mirror. Emergency services called for an air ambulance to transport him to Torrette Hospital in Ancona, but Felix was declared dead at the scene. Just hours prior to the tragic incident, Felix shared footage on his Instagram account depicting him paragliding in loops above a meadow, completely oblivious to the devastating events that would soon unfold. He had also uploaded an image of an airstrip accompanied by the words: "Too much wind." Felix Baumgartner gained worldwide recognition in 2012 following his successful record-shattering leap from the stratosphere at an altitude of 24 miles (128,100ft). His remarkable descent from the 'brink of space' whilst wearing a pressure suit took approximately 10 minutes, making him the first person to surpass the sound barrier during free fall. However, his extraordinary journey began much earlier, after he took up skydiving at merely 16 years of age. From 1988, he forged a partnership with Red Bull, and throughout the 1990s, he ventured into base jumping, establishing numerous records including 14 world achievements. By 2003, he had also claimed the distinction of being the first person to soar across the English Channel wearing a wingsuit. The town's mayor, Massimiliano Ciarpella, announced Baumgartner's passing via social media, stating: "Our community is deeply affected by the tragic disappearance of Felix Baumgartner, a figure of global prominence, a symbol of courage and passion for extreme flight." Heartbreakingly, mere days beforehand, Felix had posted a photograph taken almost precisely above the location where he perished in his motorised paraglider. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. On Saturday, July 12, he had written: "Flying holiday greetings from Fermo Italy. Where are you vacationing this year?" Felix Baumgartner achieved global recognition in 2012 when he successfully executed a record-breaking jump from the stratosphere, a staggering height of 24 miles. His descent from the 'edge of space' spanned approximately 10 minutes. The Stratos jump was sponsored by Red Bull, and became the centrepiece of a significant advertising campaign by the energy drink company.
