Tributes have been paid to BBC drama commissioner Danielle Scott-Haughton, who has died unexpectedly aged 36.
Scott-Haughton joined the BBC in 2023, executive producing the two new series of Peaky Blinders and overseeing established dramas such as EastEnders and Death in Paradise as well as Agatha Christie adaptations Towards Zero and Endless Night and BBC3 series A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder and Just Act Normal.
In an email to BBC staff, content chief Kate Phillips and drama director Lindsay Salt described Scott-Haughton as “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”.
They added: “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.”
BBC Studios Production head of drama Kate Oates 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.”
Diverse writers champion
Scott-Haughton previously spent seven years at Balloon Entertainment, where she established a reputation for nurturing underrepresented voices through her Diverse Writers’ Initiative.
Among her passion projects at the indie was Candice Carty-Williams’ BBC1/Netflix musical drama Champion. She also worked on Balloon’s BBC3 series Clique and E4/Netflix drama Kiss Me First.
Scott-Haughton came to Balloon’s attention after her web series Dear Jesus, plus spin-off The Alexis Show, which picked up prizes at the International Jamaican Film Festival and the Screen Nation Digital is Media Awards.
Nominating her as a Broadcast Hot Shot in 2017, Balloon head of development Dave Evans revealed that when asked in her job interview what she wanted to be in 10 years, Scott-Haughton replied: “Shonda Rhimes”.
In a statement, Balloon said: “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.”
"She made us all try to be our best"
Damien Timmer, founder ofTowards 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.'”
In an Instagram post, British Blacklist paid tribute to “a cherished friend” of the media platform and the wider Black British creative community.
“Danielle truly showed up,” they wrote. “In action, care, and belief. She was a steadfast supporter of Black creatives, Black stories, and Black-led platforms, always believing our stories deserved space, scale, and respect…
“Danielle’s legacy lives on through the stories she helped shape, the creatives she championed, and the community she nurtured with such care.
Nicole Lecky, the writer and star of BBC dramas Mood and Wild Cherry, said Scott-Haughton is “utterly irreplaceable”.
She described her as “an incredibly kind and funny soul and huge champion, force and support for black talent. She did so much publicly and privately for creatives.”
Meanwhile, producer and director Tobi Kyeremateng wrote: “Dani has the ability to make you feel like family as soon as you meet her. Nobody is a bigger champion of humanity than her. The most infection smile and a laugh that could light up cities. This loss is actually unfathomable. How lucky we are to have shared a lifetime with her.”
