The team behind BBC Death in Paradise has issued a heartbreaking tribute after the loss of a young colleague.
BBC drama commissioner Danielle Scott-Haughton died unexpectedly in her sleep earlier this week at the age of 36.
The talented executive, who served as a driving force behind some of the broadcaster's most anticipated productions, had been working on the forthcoming Peaky Blinders series and the Agatha Christie adaptation Towards Zero.
Her death was confirmed internally by BBC content chief Kate Phillips and drama director Lindsay Salt, who shared the devastating news with colleagues.
Death in Paradise's official Instagram page shared a poignant announcement
|INSTAGRAM - BBC DEATH IN PARADISE
A statement shared on Death in Paradise's official social media on Friday account read: "We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friends and colleague Danielle Scott-Haughton.
"Dani was the BBC Commissioning Editor for Death in Paradise and was a passionate champion of both shows, as well as every programme she worked on.
"It is impossible to put into works 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.
BBC drama commissioner Danielle Scott-Haughton died unexpectedly
|BBC
"We will all miss her enormously. Our thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult and very sad time."
Ms Scott-Haughton had joined the corporation in 2023 as a commissioning editor, quickly establishing herself as a passionate advocate for storytelling and the creative teams behind major productions, including EastEnders and the upcoming Christie series Endless Night.
The BBC confirmed it is liaising with Ms Scott-Haughton's family regarding memorial arrangements.
Tributes have poured in from across the television industry following the announcement.
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Danielle Scott-Haughton worked on BBC series Death in Paradise
|BBC
Kate Oates, head of drama for BBC Studios Productions, said Scott-Haughton's arrival at EastEnders "felt like Christmas had come early," describing her as both a devoted fan of the soap and a gifted storyteller.
"With this combination of fierce talent and kind heart by our side, we couldn't believe our luck," Oates added, noting that condolences had flooded in from across the production team.
Damien Timmer, founder of Mammoth Screen, which produces Towards Zero, recalled how every encounter with her felt meaningful, whether a phone call, lunch or script meeting.
"She was sharp as a tack, had extraordinary charisma, and she was kind. Not performatively kind, but deeply kind," he said, adding that she would travel to support anyone struggling on set.
Tributes have poured in for Danielle Scott-Haughton
|X
Ms Scott-Haughton spent more than six years at Balloon Entertainment before moving to the BBC, with her credits including Candice Carty-Williams' acclaimed drama Champion.
Her former colleagues at Balloon issued an emotional tribute, stating: "We are heartbroken at the death of our beloved Dani. She was the best."
They praised her abilities across development and production, noting how she nurtured writers and looked after every cast and crew member as though they were the stars.
"She was simply the best person and we will love and cherish her forever," the statement concluded.
At the BBC, she had been credited as executive producer on two new Peaky Blinders series alongside her commissioning work on the comedy Just Act Normal. She studied at the London College of Fashion.