Esther Rantzen's TV return

Dame Esther Rantzen is to star on a new Channel 5 show inspired by \'That\'s Life!\'

The 78-year-old presenter - who hosted the BBC One satirical consumer investigation series from 1973 until 1994 - is "happy to be working", and plans to announce her new TV project at the end of the year.

She told The Sun\'s Bizarre TV column: "I\'m doing a new consumer show with Channel 5. It\'s going to be similar to \'That\'s Life!\' and we\'re hoping to announce it towards the end of the year.

Esther Rantzen didn't think she was 'attractive enough' for TV presenting

"I\'m happy to still be working and don\'t fancy retirement yet."

In July, the ChildLine founder was said to be in talks to bring \'That\'s Life!\' back to TV screens for the first time in 24 years, and she believes a modern version of magazine show would be a big hit with viewers nowadays.

She previously said: "Discussion about the show returning comes and goes.

"It is on the boil as we speak, so it\'s going to be interesting to see what happens.

"I think you could update That\'s Life! very well.

"By using emails and YouTube the show could be just as much fun but more up to date. I think it would be lovely to have it back.

"I think we need it back. There are so many scams around that are still driving people nuts. And there are so many ridiculous rules."

\'That\'s Life!\' attracted more than 18 million viewers at its peak, and the show led to Esther setting up charity ChildLine, which promotes child protection, in 1986.