Danielle Scott-Haughton obit

Danielle Scott-Haughton Dies: BBC Commissioner Worked On ‘Peaky Blinders’ & Agatha Christie Adaptations

 She was not on the list.

Danielle Scott-Haughton, the BBC drama executive behind shows including the upcoming Peaky Blinders series and Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero, has died. She was in her 30s.

Scott-Haughton’s passing was announced internally earlier this week by BBC content chief Kate Phillips and Lindsay Salt, director of drama. In an email, they said: “We have some truly awful news to share. Dani Scott-Haughton, one of our brilliant drama commissioners, died unexpectedly in her sleep.”

Phillips and Salt continued: “For those of you who knew Dani, you will understand just how extraordinary and special she was – full of joy for her job, super smart, deeply committed, bursting with integrity and a hugely talented commissioner who cared passionately about the work and every single person behind it. She lit up every room she walked into, and infused the drama team with positivity, kindness and the most infectious, warm energy.

“Dani was a real force in the industry, particularly in championing female and diverse writers and directors. She also celebrated all of her colleagues – always the first person to congratulate others … She was simply the most beautiful soul. None of us can quite believe that she’s gone. We’re in conversation with Dani’s family and will share more about plans to remember her soon.”

Scott-Haughton joined the BBC in 2023 as a commissioning editor, overseeing shows including EastEnders, the upcoming Christie series Endless Night, and comedy Just Act Normal. She was also credited as an executive producer on the two new series of Peaky Blinders.

Before her time at the BBC, Scott-Haughton worked at Balloon Entertainment for more than six years, with notable credits including Candice Carty-Williams’ drama Champion. She studied at the London College of Fashion.

In a statement, her former colleagues at Balloon said: “We are heartbroken at the death of our beloved Dani. She was the best. Not just the best at development though the writers she found, nurtured and helped take flight know she was that. Not just the best at production though she looked out for every single member of her shows’ cast and crew like they were the star. Not even just the best at friendship though she bettered and enriched the lives of all who were lucky enough to know her. She was simply the best person and we will love and cherish her forever.”

Damien Timmer, founder of Towards Zero producer Mammoth Screen, said: “Every interaction with Dani felt special – a phone message, a lunch, a script meeting, a readthrough – her passion for the job was infectious. She was sharp as a tack, had extraordinary charisma, and she was kind. Not performatively kind, but deeply kind.

“She cared about the audience and she cared about the people making the shows. If she heard someone was having a difficult time on set she would clear her diary and get on a train to see them. Countless times I would say, ‘Dani, can you just be my life coach?’ — but really, she was a life coach to all of us. She made us all try to be our best. It’s impossible to think of a world without her positive energy and light. For many of us in the UK industry, a good mantra going forward would be to ‘be more Dani.'”

Kate Oates, head of drama for BBC Studios Productions, said: “When Dani arrived as our commissioner at EastEnders, it felt like Christmas had come early. She was a fan of the show and a brilliant storyteller, who was dedicated to working with us to make the show the best it could be. With this combination of fierce talent and kind heart by our side, we couldn’t believe our luck. In the short time since she has gone, the messages of condolence have come thick and fast, from all across the production. Each one is a glowing testament to her. She will be greatly missed.”

The team at Death in Paradise producer Red Planet Pictures said: “We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Danielle Scott-Haughton. Dani was the BBC commissioning editor for our Paradise series and was a passionate champion of these shows, as well as every programme she worked on.

“It is impossible to put into words the energy and joy she brought with her each time she visited our shoots, or the wonderful collaboration of working with her. Her enthusiasm, positivity and determination not only to make every project as good as it could be, but also to take care of the people and world around her, was infectious and inspiring.  We will all miss her enormously.  Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult and very sad time.

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