Biddy Baxter, the pioneering television producer who transformed Blue Peter into a national institution, has died aged 92, the BBC said.
As editor of the popular children’s programme between 1965 and 1988, she introduced viewer engagement segments including the national appeals and the famous Blue Peter badge.
The news was announced on Monday in a statement that read: “We are sad to report that longtime Blue Peter Editor Biddy Baxter has died at the age of 92.
“We salute a true pioneer, who navigated changing times in the television industry with instinct, tenacity and style.”
No cause of death has been given.
In the wake of her passing, former presenter on the show Peter Duncan remembered her as “a true force of nature”.
He told BBC Breakfast: “For me, she was a wonderful, inspiring person, and not just for her presenters, but for what she got onto BBC television, and the kind of things she projected about young people.
“She was a true enthusiast and a supporter of young people.”
He added: “She was truly a one-off within the BBC. I think that if something upset her, she would trail off to see the DG (director-general) and tell him what she thought, really. So we need people like that now more than ever.”
BBC’s Chief Content Officer Kate Phillips shared in a statement: “Biddy Baxter was a truly inspirational television producer who transformed children’s broadcasting through her passion and commitment.
“I was fortunate enough to work with Biddy, she was fabulous, formidable, and visionary, ensuring that children’s thoughts, interests and ideas were at the very heart of Blue Peter. She enriched the lives of millions across the country and leaves an enduring legacy. Our thoughts are with Biddy’s family and friends at this sad time.”
Meanwhile on social media, both fans and former colleagues took to X to remember the late editor and the legacy she created.
One penned: “Biddy Baxter, who has died at 92, was one of the most inspirational figures for anybody who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. One of the first people to realise children wanted their minds opened to a world of wonder. “Blue Peter” was incredibly trailblazing!”
Another remembered: “Just heard the sad news that legendary #BluePeter editor Biddy Baxter has died. She lived a wonderful life and gave pleasure to millions of Blue Peter viewers. Her legacy will be remembered for years to come.”
“Biddy Baxter rewrote the rules for children’s programming and proved that a woman could be both in charge and wildly successful on mainstream TV,” a third remarked. “She was also one of the first female producers in BBC television, at a time when Broadcasting House were very much a boys’ club.”
'She was truly a one off within the BBC if something upset her she would trail off and see the DG and tell him what she thought'
— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) August 11, 2025
Former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan spoke to #BBCBreakfast about long-serving editor Biddy Baxter, who turned the children's show into a… pic.twitter.com/cWTE3rof1G
A fourth added: “Sad news about Biddy Baxter. For those who are perhaps not old enough or just have no interest in telly stuff, Biddy Baxter didn't create Blue Peter, but she did make it become the Blue Peter that many of us remember.”
Born Joan Maureen Baxter in Leicester to Bryan Reginald Baxter and Dorothy Vera (nee Briers), she studied at St Mary’s College, Durham University, where she first encountered recruitment flyers for the BBC.
She joined the public broadcaster as a radio studio manager in 1955, and was promoted to producing Schools Junior English programmes and Listen With Mother, before making the transition to television.
Baxter took over as editor of Blue Peter in 1965, several years after the programme’s launch.
Baxter served as editor for more than two decades, winning two Bafta awards and receiving 12 nominations.
Biddy Baxter, who has died at 92, was one of the most inspirational figures for anybody who grew up in the 1960s and 1970s. One of the first people to realise children wanted their minds opened to a world of wonder. “Blue Peter” was incredibly trailblazing! https://t.co/NnbFNLv9Rg
— Neil Drysdale (@NeilDrysdale) August 10, 2025
Upon her departure from the show in 1988, she was awarded the programme’s highest honour, a gold Blue Peter Badge.
“I didn’t want to do anything other than Blue Peter,” she told The Guardian in 2013. “I certainly never wanted to be an administrator or in charge of anything.
“It was an absolute dream and I never wanted to do anything else. It was a terrific time to be in television.”
She continued to act as a consultant to BBC directors-general John Birt and Sir Michael Checkland after her departure, and received the special award at the Bafta Children’s Awards in 2013.
Baxter was made an MBE in 1981 and founded a trust to enable gifted music scholars to pursue postgraduate studies in 2003.
