Biddy Baxter dead: Blue Peter legend dies as tributes paid to 'formidable' legend

Much-loved Blue Peter star Biddy Baxter has died aged 92, it has been announced.

Biddy worked on the children's show for more than 25 years and become renowned for her charity appeals, gymnastic displays and foreign travel reports.

She introduced millions of children to sticky-backed plastic thanks to her much-copied home made toys and played a big part in introducing the iconic Blue Peter badge after commissioning and working closely with young artist Tony Hart to design the famous ship logo.

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Biddy also earned a reputation as a formidable figure - who fell out with presenters in her desire to guard the Blue Peter brand. The show launched back in the 50s, and become a staple across several generations.

The tragic news of the passing of the Blue Peter great - who was awarded an MBE in the 1981 New Year Honours list - was announced on Facebook by Ten Acre Films, who published her biography last year. No cause of death has been given.

A statement 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," they wrote.

Fans have rushed to social media to remember her. One wrote on X: "Just heard the sad news. She lived a wonderful life and gave pleasure to millions of Blue Peter viewers. Her legacy will be remembered for years to come." Another said: "Let's have a round of Blue Peter pipes in honour of Biddy Baxter."

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.

Taking over as editor of Blue Peter in 1965, several years after the programme’s launch, she introduced viewer engagement segments including the national appeals, encouraging children to send letters, pictures and programme ideas.

She served as editor for more than two decades, winning two Bafta awards and receiving 12 nominations. 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.

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