Lindsay Salt and Kate Phillips among those paying tribute to scripted exec
Danielle Scott-Haughton, BBC Drama’s commissioning editor who oversaw shows including EastEnders, Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, has died.
Scott-Haughton, who was a Broadcast Hot Shot in 2017, had served as a development executive at Balloon Entertainment for seven years during which time she set up the Balloon Diverse Writers’ Initiative. Prior to that, she had also served stints in postproduction at Sunset + Vine and MSV Post.
In 2023, she joined the BBC drama team as commissioning editor and was hired by drama chief Lindsay Salt, who said that Scott-Haughton’s “love for the industry is infectious. She’s a true tastemaker and collaborator.”
Scott-Haughton died unexpectedly in her sleep earlier this week. In an internal note to staff acknowledging her passing, Salt and BBC chief content officer Kate Phillips wrote: “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.”
Scott-Haughton looked after some of the BBC’s biggest and most loved dramas including EastEnders, Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise, Just Act Normal and the upcoming Agatha Christie adaptations.
She was also instrumental in the production of Candice Carty-Williams’ BBC drama Champion during her time at Balloon Entertainment.
“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,” Salt and Phillips said.
“Our thoughts are with Dani’s family and friends, and with everyone who had the privilege of working with her.”
A tribute from Balloon Entertainment 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.”
Red Planet Pictures, the production company behind the Death in Paradise franchise, also paid tribute to Scott-Haughton stating: “We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague”.
“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.”
Echoing sentiments of Scott-Haughton’s enthusiasm and positivity, Mammoth Screen’s managing director Damien Timmer said that “everyone adored Dani. She pushed us all to deliver the best work, but she did it with a real sense of positivity and fun. I witnessed so many small kindnesses from her to the people around her; she had a rare ability to really see us all, and to make us feel valued. She was a huge force for good and it is a devastating loss for the drama community.”
Kate Oates, head of drama at BBC Studios productions added: “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.”
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