John Noakes, the daredevil Blue Peter presenter who captivated generations of children, died on 29 May 2017 at the age of 83. His death came after a battle with Alzheimer's disease 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.'
Noakes was best known for his fearless stunts on Blue Peter from 1965 to 1978, including scaling Nelson's Column without safety equipment, hurtling down the Cresta bobsleigh run, and skydiving from five miles high. His catchphrase 'Get down, Shep!' became iconic as he wrestled with his hyperactive Border Collie.
Born John Bottomley in 1934, he was raised by his grandmother after his parents separated. He later adopted the surname of his stepfather, Canadian trumpet player Alfie Noakes. After leaving school without qualifications, he served in the RAF before studying at Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Off camera, Noakes harboured resentment about his time on Blue Peter, branding editor Joan 'Biddy' Baxter an 'awful woman' and describing the pressure as 'terrible'. He said he once collapsed on the floor and couldn't go on, calling it 'the nearest I came to a breakdown'.
