The legend became a household name as generations of children tuned in going through endless ‘sticky back plastic’ as they turned washing up bottles into new creations
Blue Peter legend Biddy Baxter has died at the age of 92. The long-serving editor turned the children’s show into a television institution as generations of youngsters tuned in.
Her wholesome show was a mixture of pets, charity appeals, gymnastic displays, foreign travel reports and occasional history lessons which sstood the test of time. Over a quarter of a century generations of children went through endless rolls of “sticky-backed plastic” and the pleasure of making new creations such as rockets from plastic bottles.
A statement was released on Monday which said: “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.” No cause of death has been given.
Biddy Baxter created a new form of TV show for children. She was keen to see her viewers involved in the programme, long before audience participation became the order of the day.
She edited the twice-a-week show over a 26-year period, from 1962 until her retirement in 1988. But, according to the BBC, she also gained a reputation as a formidable figure: a tyrant who fell out with presenters and jealously guarded the Blue Peter brand.