Television legend Biddy Baxter, on of the masterminds behind the beloved BBC children’s programme Blue Peter, passed away yesterday (August 10) aged 92. At present, no cause of death has been confirmed.
The announcement was made on Facebook by Ten Acre Films, who published her biography last year. They posted: “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.”
Tributes poured in for the broadcasting trailblazer who, after becoming Blue Peter editor in 1962, created much of the programme’s framework that remains in use today. One fan shared: “We salute and remember Biddy Baxter MBE. She shaped Blue Peter – the longest running children’s show in the world. @cbbc #BluePeter #BBC #RIP”.
Another added: “Let’s have a round of Blue Peter pipes in honour of Biddy Baxter, died aged 92”. A third person commented: “Sad to hear of the death of the iconic & influential Biddy Baxter. I got to work with her on our ‘Who Peter’ film back in 2009 and she was entirely fascinating. In her career, she pushed hard, suffered no fools, but created an incredible legacy with her vision of Blue Peter. RIP.”
Another fan shared: “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!”
A further tribute added: “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. #BiddyBaxter”.
Another fan shared their thoughts: “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.”
In 2013, Biddy Baxter recounted an encounter with her university careers officer, where she spotted a leaflet about joining the BBC. She said: “It wasn’t that I was being snotty about secretarial work or teaching, I just didn’t want to do either of them. This particular teaching officer seemed to me – though maybe I was being unduly sensitive – to have this blind spot about women. All the men were going off to do these amazing things. I really should be grateful to him”.
After graduating, Baxter was undaunted and began her career at the BBC as a studio manager in 1955, later becoming a producer of schools’ English programmes in 1958, and of Listen with Mother in 1961. She joined Blue Peter in November 1962 and helmed the show for over 25 years, leaving an indelible mark on the beloved programme.
She conceived many of the formats still utilised on the show today. The Blue Peter badge, designed by Tony Hart, was introduced under her guidance in 1963.
She initiated the annual appeals to encourage children to submit programme ideas, artwork, letters and stories. Upon her retirement as editor, she was honoured with a gold Blue Peter badge in 1988.
Among her numerous accolades, she was awarded an MBE in the 1981 New Year Honours list. In November 2013, she received the Special Award at the BAFTA Children’s Awards.
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