Who is Danielle Scott-Haughton? Babies tribute to ‘extraordinary talent’ explained and her link to Death in Paradise
The first episode pays tribute to a "real force" of the BBC
Babies, the new BBC drama from Stefan Golaszewski, includes a tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton. You may not be familiar with her – but you’ll definitely know her work.
The series, which is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, is one of Golaszewski’s most emotionally affecting projects yet. It’s also exactly what you’d expect from the creator of Him & Her, Mum, and especially Marriage: it finds the awkward joy and sadness in ordinary conversations.
It follows Lisa (Siobhán Cullen) and Stephen (Paapa Essiedu), a couple in their 30s who want one thing: to have a baby. Unfortunately, they’re forced to confront and overcome immense grief, all while seeing others around them live their dream.
The first episode ends on a sad note (if you’ve just started it, get used to that feeling). Its credits also include a tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton.
Babies’ tribute to Danielle Scott-Haughton explained
Danielle Scott-Haughton was a commissioning editor for the BBC. She died in January 2026 at the age of 36.
More specifically, she was the commissioning editor for both Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise, worked on EastEnders, and was credited as an executive producer on Peaky Blinders.
She began at Balloon Entertainment, where she set up the Balloon Diverse Writers’ Initiative (one of many moves to platform underrepresented talent throughout her career). Lindsay Salt, the BBC’s drama chief, hired Scott-Haughton in 2023, calling her a “true tastemaker and collaborator”.
Scott-Haughton also wrote and directed episodes of Dear Jesus and The Alexis Show in the early 2010s. Beyond her TV commitments, she was a lauded writer; when you have time, her Trench columns are well worth reading.
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Crucially, she’s also credited as an executive producer on Babies.
Death in Paradise team pay tribute to ‘friend’ Danielle Scott-Haughton
Following her death, the official Death in Paradise Instagram account shared an emotional tribute. “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,” the page wrote.
“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.”
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In an email to staff at the BBC, Salt and content chief Kate Phillips also wrote: “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.”
Wunmu Mosaku, the Oscar-nominated Sinners star who also appeared in Vera, commented: “Heartbreaking. Dani, we love you and will miss you deeply! I just can’t believe it, love to her loved ones.”
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