Death In Paradise Honors BBC Editor Danielle Scott-Haughton

On the evening of January 30, 2026, viewers tuning in to the highly anticipated fifteenth series premiere of Death in Paradise on BBC One were met with a moment of unexpected poignancy. As the credits rolled on the sun-soaked detective drama, a photograph of Danielle Scott-Haughton appeared on screen, accompanied by the heartfelt words: "Dedicated with love to our friend and colleague." For many, it was the first public sign of the profound loss felt behind the scenes at the BBC and in the wider British television community.

Danielle Scott-Haughton, the BBC Commissioning Editor for Death in Paradise and its spin-off Beyond Paradise, had died suddenly and unexpectedly in her sleep in early January at the age of just 37. The news, first reported by The British Blacklist and later confirmed by the official Death in Paradise Instagram account, sent ripples of shock and sadness through the entertainment industry. Tributes poured in from colleagues, friends, and admirers—each one painting a picture of a woman whose influence and warmth far exceeded her years.

The BBC crime drama, known for its lighthearted mysteries and Caribbean charm, took a rare moment to honor the gravity of the loss. The show’s official Instagram account shared a moving tribute, stating, "We were devastated to learn of the passing of our friend and colleague Danielle Scott-Haughton. Dani was the BBC Commissioning Editor for Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise and was a passionate champion of both shows, as well as every programme she worked on. 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."

Scott-Haughton joined the BBC in 2023, quickly establishing herself as a passionate advocate for storytelling and the creative teams behind some of the corporation’s most beloved productions. Her influence extended well beyond the sandy shores of Saint Marie. She was deeply involved in a number of high-profile projects, including the upcoming installments of Peaky Blinders, where she served as executive producer on two new episodes, as well as Agatha Christie adaptations such as Towards Zero and the forthcoming Endless Night. Her commissioning work also included the comedy Just Act Normal and the legendary soap EastEnders, where her arrival was described by BBC Studios Productions Head of Drama Kate Oates as feeling like "Christmas had come early."

Oates, reflecting on Scott-Haughton’s impact, said, "With this combination of fierce talent and kind heart by our side, we couldn’t believe our luck." That sense of gratitude and disbelief was echoed by many. Damien Timmer, founder of Mammoth Screen, which produces Towards Zero, remembered her as "sharp as a tack" with "extraordinary charisma." He added, "She was kind. Not performatively kind, but deeply kind."

The British Blacklist, which first broke the news of her passing, paid a particularly stirring tribute. In a message shared alongside a collage of photographs, the organization wrote, "We are heartbroken to share the passing of Danielle Scott-Haughton, a brilliant BBC Commissioning Editor, producer, and a cherished friend of The British Blacklist and the wider Black British creative community. Danielle truly showed up. 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."

Her advocacy for diversity and representation was more than a professional commitment—it was a deeply held belief that shaped her every action. Those who worked with her recall her as a champion for underrepresented voices, never hesitating to push for stories that might otherwise go untold. Her colleagues describe her as a force of positivity, whose joy and determination made every project better and every team stronger.

Tributes from the wider creative community were immediate and heartfelt. Don Gilet, who plays a detective in Death in Paradise, was among those who offered condolences online. Radio presenter Clara Amfo summed up the feelings of many when she wrote on social media, "We love her beyond measure." The outpouring of grief was a testament to Scott-Haughton’s ability to forge genuine connections in an industry often known for its competitiveness and churn.

BBC content chief Kate Phillips and drama director Lindsay Salt confirmed Danielle’s death internally to colleagues earlier this month, ensuring that the news was shared with the care and respect it warranted. The BBC’s public statements consistently highlighted not only her professional excellence but also her personal warmth, with many noting that her energy and joy were "impossible to articulate, but they were palpable each time she visited our shoots."

Her legacy is visible in the breadth of her work and the affection with which she is remembered. As Commissioning Editor, Drama at the BBC, she supervised and contributed to numerous cherished programmes, including EastEnders, Just Act Normal, Death in Paradise, and Beyond Paradise. On the latter, she served as executive producer for the BBC’s contribution, helping to shape the tone and direction of a show that has quickly become a fan favorite.

For viewers, the dedication at the end of Death in Paradise’s series 15 premiere was a touching reminder that the magic of television is made not only by those in front of the camera but also by the passionate, tireless figures behind the scenes. Scott-Haughton’s influence, colleagues say, will continue to be felt in the stories she championed and the people she inspired.

The next episode of Death in Paradise is scheduled to air next Friday at 9pm on BBC One, a return to routine for a production team still coming to terms with their loss. Yet, as the tributes have made clear, Danielle Scott-Haughton’s impact will endure—woven into the fabric of the shows she loved and the industry she helped to shape. Her absence is keenly felt, but her spirit remains a guiding light for all who had the privilege to work alongside her.