‘Best’ Blue Peter presenter John Noakes dies at 83

Star famous for escapades with dog Shep had suffered from alzheimer’s

Former Blue Peter host John Noakes, famous for his escapades with Shep the dog and for being the TV show’s longestrunning presenter, has died aged 83. He had been suffering from alzheimer’s.

Tributes poured in for the star, who has been hailed as the “best” Blue Peter presenter, from the show’s former hosts Peter Purves, Janet Ellis, Konnie Huq and Anthea Turner.

Family friend Wendy Downes confirmed the news that he died peacefully on Sunday morning in a statement, saying: “He had endured and suffered from alzheimer’s over recent years and 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.”

The Yorkshire-born star worked on the children’s show for 12-and-a-half years in the 1960s and 1970s, when he developed a reputation as the show’s action man.

He was also known for his partnership with canine stars of the programme, Patch, the first Blue Peter dog Petra’s puppy, and the border collie Shep, who inspired Noakes’s catchphrase: “Get down, Shep!”

The presenting team of Noakes with Purves and Valerie Singleton on the long-running BBC show, famous for making things out of sticky-back plastic, was seen as a classic line-up.

He reunited with his former copresenters for Blue Peter anniversary celebrations, including the time capsule dig in 2000.