John Noakes: Blue Peter legend dies, aged 83, after Alzheimer's battle

Blue Peter legend John Noakes has died after a battle with Alzheimer’s.

The 83-year-old presenter was a family favourite throughout his television career.

Mr Noakes was Blue Peter's longest-serving presenter.

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 his famous phrase: "Get down, Shep!"

His family said he died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday morning and that they hoped Noakes would be remembered for "his many escapades with his faithful companion Shep" during his time on the TV show.

Family friend Wendy Downes said in a statement: "John Noakes died peacefully on Sunday morning, May 28.

"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 peoples memories and that is how his family would like him remembered."

Mr Noakes landed the Blue Peter job after notching up small TV parts in series like Redcap and Mogul, when editor Biddy Baxter decided to have a third presenter on the show to join Christopher Trace and Valerie Singleton.

His feats while included ascending Nelson's Column without a safety harness using just a rickety wooden ladder, a sound problem meant he had to repeat the climb, a bruising encounter with a bobsleigh and a record-breaking skydive.

As well as Blue Peter, he made 1970s travelogue spin-off Go With Noakes, where he travelled around the UK with Shep alongside him.

Ex-Blue Peter presetner Konnie Huq took to Twitter to express her sorrow, writing: "He was a legend. So sad..."

She later posted: "John Noakes. Best Blue Peter presenter ever. RIP."

Anthea Turner called the presenter a "Blue Peter favourite", and Zoe Salmon, who presented the show between 2004 and 2008, tweeted: "I am deeply saddened to hear about John Noakes, a Blue Peter legend who will live on in our hearts. Privileged to have met him."

Katy Hill credited Noakes for her desire to present the children's show.

She wrote on the social media site: "Saddest news about the legendary John Noakes who inspired me to want to present Blue Peter & do everything he did. The best!"

Former presenter turned actress and author Janet Ellis, said: "The best, bravest, funniest BP presenter. If we didn't walk in John Noakes' shadow it's because he shone the light for us. RIP".

As well as former Blue Peter presenters, others who fondly remembered Noakes were quick to pay tribute.

Responding to a tweet referring to the TV star as "special to everyone of a certain age in this country", comedian Omid Djalili, tweeted: "Well said. John Noakes meant so much to so many of us. Such a sad day."