Blue Peter icon John Noakes, the rough-and-ready daredevil with the Yorkshire accent who captivated generations of children and transformed television forever, has died at the age of 83. His passing on 29 May 2017 left the nation mourning the beloved presenter.
The broadcaster's death carried additional poignancy due to the hardship he and his loved ones faced during his battle with Alzheimer's in his final years. Family friend Wendy Downes said at the time: "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 people's memories and that is how his family would like him remembered."
John remained unforgettable as the Blue Peter action hero from 1965 to 1978 and for his "Get down, Shep!" catchphrase while wrestling with his hyperactive Border Collie. His exploits included scaling Nelson's Column without safety equipment, hurtling down the Cresta bobsleigh run, and skydiving from five miles high. These breathtaking viewing moments remain etched in television history decades later.
In 1977, he conquered the 170ft London landmark using a precarious ladder. Technical difficulties forced him to repeat the nerve-wracking stunt twice. As he clambered onto Admiral Nelson's head, he remarked: "By gum! His hat's a bit dirty." In 1973, he achieved a civilian world record by freefalling five miles during a parachute descent with the RAF. He then pulled down his trousers to reveal the bruises sustained after sliding 100 yards down the Cresta Run on his backside at 80mph, exposing that he was sporting his wife Vicky's black lace knickers.
The broadcaster delivered another unforgettable television moment in 1969 when Lulu the elephant caused chaos in the Blue Peter studio, trampling on Noakes in the process. "Ow, get off my foot," he yelled. Noakes's fearless approach, combined with one of the BBC's first regional accents, endeared him to audiences nationwide. However, it was his deep bond with Shep that truly captured viewers' hearts.
Shep joined in 1971, during the programme's golden era alongside presenters Peter Purves and Valerie Singleton and their pets, mongrel Petra and Siamese cat Jason. The Border Collie proved so beloved that "Get Down, Shep" became a chart hit for The Barron Knights following John's departure from the show in 1978. Shep subsequently featured in episodes of Go With Noakes. In 1987, he returned to the BBC to deliver some "very bad news" on television programme Fax, hosted by Bill Oddie, where he struggled to hold back tears while announcing to the nation that Shep had passed away. In 2008, John became emotional on The Weakest Link while discussing Shep's final days with his Aunt Evie.
Off camera, Noakes harboured resentment about his experience on Blue Peter. He branded editor Joan "Biddy" Baxter an "awful woman" in 1999. He added: "The pressure was terrible. One year I did nine weeks with only one-and-a-half days off. I collapsed on the floor and couldn't go on. That's the nearest I came to a breakdown." Baxter discovered Noakes, from Shelf, West Yorkshire, after reading a local newspaper theatre review of his performance in Hobson's Choice. He had pursued acting following his departure from the RAF, where he served as a mechanic.
Born John Bottomley in 1934, he was raised by his grandmother following the "painful" separation of his mother Sallie and father Arthur when he was nine. He subsequently adopted the surname of his stepfather, Canadian trumpet player Alfie Noakes. Having left school without qualifications, he briefly served in the RAF before studying at Guildhall School of Music and Drama, London, supporting himself through hotel work. He spent six years in theatre prior to his Blue Peter breakthrough. The trio of Noakes, Purves, and Singleton became the programme's most legendary line-up, attracting eight million viewers at its height. "It was a bit like an overgrown schoolboy's job," Noakes said. "I was Peter Pan, really. I sometimes think I still am."
He returned for a millennium special in 2000 to excavate a time capsule the trio had buried in 1971, and met the Queen in 2008 when the programme's veteran presenters marked its 50th anniversary. Following his departure from the series, John wrote a children's book, The Flight Of The Magic Clog, and featured on reality programmes. In 1982, he embarked on a round-the-world sailing voyage with wife Vicky, whom he married in 1965, but they were shipwrecked. They relocated to Majorca two years afterwards. In June 2015, Noakes disappeared on the island after his wife Vicky revealed he had been battling Alzheimer's for "some years". He was eventually discovered in a storm drain following a gruelling 10-hour search.
Valerie Singleton paid tribute, saying: "John was incredibly special. A rare talent who never conformed, John was his own man. Even now people ask me about him, which goes to show how much people still care all these years later."
