But Rantzen also presented the talent show The Big Time, which discovered Bellshill-born singer Sheena Easton in 1980.
It launched the Scot to superstardom — and a £40million fortune — as Sheena went on to sing the 1981 James Bond theme For Your Eyes Only and reach No2 in the States with the Prince duet U Got the Look in 1987.
And Esther reveals she nearly quit the Beeb to follow the Scot.
She says: "When I met Sheena at the first audition, she was just a student.
"But immediately I genuinely thought about resigning to be her manager. I remember saying '10 per cent of her is going to be worth a fortune.'
"She became one of the richest women in showbiz at one point. Maybe I should have followed my gut instinct."
bravenet.com