Latest news with #BAFTAChildren'sAwards
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Blue Peter legend and pioneering producer died aged 92
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 . Biddy Baxter, the pioneering television producer who transformed Blue Peter into a national institution, has died aged 92, the BBC said. 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. READ MORE: Beloved member of Glasgow's Deacon Blue sadly died She introduced viewer engagement segments including the national appeals and the famous Blue Peter badge, encouraging children to send letters, pictures and programme ideas. The Blue Peter legend 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. (Image: PA Wire) '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.
The Irish Sun
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Biddy Baxter dead: Blue Peter legend dies aged 92 as tributes pour in to ‘formidable' BBC editor
LEGEND LOST Biddy Baxter dead: Blue Peter legend dies aged 92 as tributes pour in to 'formidable' BBC editor BLUE Peter legend Biddy Baxter has died aged 92. The star, who was behind the iconic BBC children's show, died on August 10. Advertisement 3 Biddy Baxter in 1968 Credit: Getty 3 Biddy Baxter and Edward Barnes attend the 'Blue Peter Big Birthday' celebration at BBC Philharmonic Studio in 2018 Credit: Getty 3 The former Blue Peter Editor has passed away Credit: Rex Features The tragic news was confirmed on Facebook by Ten Acre Films who published her biography last year. 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. No cause of death has been given. Advertisement Biddy first joined the BBC as a studio manager in 1955 before later joining Blue Peter in November 1962. Amongst her many accolades she was awarded an MBE in the 1981 New Year Honours list. In November 2013, she was the recipient of the Special Award at the BAFTA Children's Awards.
