Blue Peter legend Biddy Baxter's will was extremely generous, leaving huge amounts to her loved ones and charities. The BBC TV icon died on August 10 last year. It was later confirmed she had been battling breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Now, almost eight months after her death, it has been revealed she left a fortune of £3,874,219. She left a total of 100 bequests in her will which were divided up between her executors.
The Worshipful Company of Musicians charity received 25 per cent, which was the largest share, getting a whopping £887,477.50. Durham Cathedral, Durham University and St Mary’s College of Durham all received a 16 per cent share. A 14 per cent share of £496,987.40 went to All Saints Church, Margaret Street, London. Her goddaughters Elizabeth Thomas and Josephine Dixon both received £35,499.10. The balance of £390,490.10 was divided equally among the kids TV star's friends and associates.
Biddy's death was confirmed in a Facebook post from Ten Acre Films, who had published her biography in 2024.
"We are sad to report that longtime Blue Peter Editor Biddy Baxter has died at the age of 92. We salute a true pioneer, who navigated changing times in the television industry with instinct, tenacity and style," they wrote
Kate Phillips, Chief Content officer for the BBC, paid tribute in a statement, saying: "Biddy Baxter was a truly inspirational television producer who transformed children’s broadcasting through her passion and commitment.
"I was fortunate enough to work with Biddy, she was fabulous, formidable, and visionary, ensuring that children’s thoughts, interests and ideas were at the very heart of Blue Peter. She enriched the lives of millions across the country and leaves an enduring legacy. Our thoughts are with Biddy’s family and friends at this sad time."
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In 2013, Biddy recalled a meeting with the careers officer at her university, where she noticed information about working for the BBC.
"It wasn't that I was being snotty about secretarial work or teaching, I just didn't want to do either of them," she said. "This particular teaching officer seemed to me – though maybe I was being unduly sensitive – to have this blind spot about women. All the men were going off to do these amazing things. I really should be grateful to him."
Undeterred following graduation, she joined the BBC as a studio manager in 1955, becoming a producer of schools' English programmes in 1958, and of Listen with Mother in 1961.
