Dame Esther Rantzen says she has "limited time" left to live, but that heaven would be a "happy place" if she could be reunited with one special person. The 84-year-old, who founded Childline, opened up on her poignant dying wish in a new interview.

It's been a quarter of a century since she lost beloved husband Desmond Wilcox to a heart attack, but her love for him has endured through the decades, and the idea of an afterlife which would reunite them is keeping her going. She told The Times: "If there is a heaven, it would be a very happy place. It's a lovely idea to meet Desmond again and all those I have loved and lost — my parents and grandparents, my close friends and family." Just over a decade ago, the emotional presenter had admitted she'd gladly sacrifice a decade of her life if it meant she could have her husband back by her side for just ten minutes.

The pair had first met back in the 1960s, when he was her head of department at the BBC, and went on to have a 30 year marriage.

She recalled nostalgically that Desmond’s last words to her on his deathbed were ''I adore you'' - and she'll take that sentiment "to the grave".

Her love for him clearly hasn't faded in all the years since his death, and everything they shared has been of comfort to her as she battles with her health.