BBC TV legend found dead in shed after receiving devastating letter
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Daniel Postgate, a cherished illustrator and BAFTA-winning children’s TV creator, spent his career bringing comfort and imagination to young audiences. His life ended tragically in June when the 61-year-old was found dead in a shed at his Whitstable home. An inquest has since revealed that a letter he received the day before deeply affected his already vulnerable mental state.
Postgate had recently separated from his partner of 35 years and was dealing with significant health issues. After the breakup, he was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome, a type of blood cancer. This followed an earlier struggle with aplastic anaemia in 2019, during which he endured demanding rounds of treatment.
Just before his death, he received an NHS letter regarding his condition. In a note addressed to his family, he referenced the letter, suggesting it had distressed him. Relatives told investigators he was someone who would analyse every detail, and they believed the message contributed to his decision, describing it as “the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
He had already completed one round of chemotherapy and expressed fears in his note that his illness might not be treatable. He also left a final message urging his family to love one another.
Two days before he died, his brother Simon spoke with him. Although Daniel seemed calm, Simon said his long-term depression made his true feelings difficult to read. He suspected Daniel “had something in mind.”
Coroner Sarah Clarke ruled his death a suicide, noting that Daniel made his intentions clear and did not want to continue treatment.
Postgate had continued his father’s legacy by taking over the Smallfilms studio in 2008, helping preserve classics like Bagpuss. The show won a BAFTA in 2015, and Daniel earned a nomination the following year.
He had recently been developing a Bagpuss film for 2027. Following his death, Smallfilms released a heartfelt tribute, mourning the loss of a kind, talented storyteller whose work touched generations.