John Noakes dies aged 83
Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes has died aged 83
“John Noakes was one of the BBC’s most loved children’s presenters. He was a warm and engaging presenter who appealed to all ages and provided children’s TV with some of its most memorable moments. He will be missed by his many friends and family.” – BBC Director-General, Tony Hall
The Blue Peter personality had been suffering from Alzheimer’s for a number of years, with his family noting in a statement his passing was a ‘blessing’ after such a long period of ill health. John Noakes, became one of the best known faces of the children’s series which he co-hosted between 1965 and 1978 alongside a number of presenters, but is best known for his years alongside Valerie Singleton and Peter Pervis in the late 1960s and early 1970s.
Noakes was also well loved for his rapport with animals, especially the Blue Peter pets, with the dogs becoming his best-known co-star. First there was Patch, the son of original BP dog Petra, but it would be Shep, who joined the show in 1971, Noakes would be best remembered for working alongside; with the fondly remembered ‘catchphrase’ “get down shep“. By 1978 John had become the programme’s longest-serving presenter, appearing for more than 12 years, before finally leaving to host his own adventure series Go With Noakes.
1971; Blue Peter plant a ‘millennium tree’ for the year 2000 along with a time capsule at TV Centre. Valerie Singleton, John Noakes, Lesley Judd and Peter Pervis.
Blue Peter appeal, John, left, with Lesley Judd and Peter Pervis, right.
Despite the beeb owning Shep, he was allowed to keep the dog as his own once he departed BBC Television Centre for the final time, however disagreements with show boss Biddy Baxter over advertising featuring himself and a look-alike dog, saw him refuse to appear live on Blue Peter’s 20th anniversary show, opting for a pre-recorded message, while he stayed away from the 25th anniversary celebrations entirely. He returned to the BBC in 1987 to announce that Shep had passed away. He also later returned to Blue Peter for specials including marking the 40th and 50th anniversary of the programme.
As well as his famed animal love John was also renowned for being Blue Peter’s have-a-go guy which saw him take on numerous ‘daredevil’ type stunts and activities.
In later years John presented and guest appeared on a number of television shows including Channel 5’s Britain’s Worst Celebrity Drivers and ITV’s Mad About Pets. Before television Noakes had been part of the RAF as an engineer. He switched to acting, studying at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and made his television acting debut in Granada Television’s Redcap in 1964. He was born in Halifax, Yorkshire, in 1934.
“Whilst he will be greatly missed by his wife, family and many friends his release from continuing ill health must be counted as a blessing. His many escapades with his faithful companion Shep, during his time with Blue Peter, will live on in many peoples memories. That is how his family would like him remembered.” – Noakes family statement
Blue Peter celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2008.
I hope Patch and Shep have been reunited with John.