Who Is John Noakes? Age, Biography and Wiki
John Noakes was born on March 6, 1934, in the bustling city of Stockport, England. He became a household name as one of the original presenters of the BBC children's program, "Blue Peter," where he entertained audiences from 1965 until 1978. Noakes was known for his adventurous spirit and engaging personality, often bringing a sense of excitement to the show with his daring stunts and heartfelt interactions with viewers. He passed away on May 28, 2017, but his impact on children's television and his engaging persona remain evident even in 2025.
| Occupation | Stage Actor |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 6, 1934 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England |
| Horoscope | Pisces |
| Country | England |
| Date of death | 28 May, 2017 |
| Died Place | Palma, Majorca, Spain |
Popularity
John Noakes's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his lifetime, John Noakes stood at approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall. His weight fluctuated throughout his years on television, often reflecting his active lifestyle. Although specific weight details may not be publicly accessible, his athletic build was evident as he participated in various physical activities on "Blue Peter."
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Throughout his life, John Noakes was married to his wife, Vicky Noakes. They shared a loving relationship and had a son named Paul. The couple's bond was a significant aspect of his life, providing stability and support during his television career. There are no recent updates on any relationships posthumously, as he remained a beloved figure rather than being defined by romantic involvements later in life.
He was educated at Shelf Council School, in Shelf and then at Rishworth School near Halifax, where he excelled in cross country running and gymnastics. His parents divorced when he was nine and he went to live with his grandmother.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2017, John Noakes had an estimated net worth of around £1 million. Although specific earnings details are not available, it is known that his long career in television, endorsements, and public appearances contributed significantly to his financial standing. His legacy continues to influence the entertainment industry, with ongoing admiration for his contributions.
However, shortly after leaving the show, Noakes was furious to discover that what he called his "dog money" ceased to be paid by the Corporation and he confronted Biddy Baxter in a phone call.
Baxter was adamant that since Shep had left Blue Peter, the programme should no longer be responsible for any of Shep's costs, although she did sympathise with some of his argument and felt that the BBC should pay Noakes for Shep to appear in Go With Noakes or for 'personal appearances' the dog made.
Regardless, she later wrote that Noakes was too angry to discuss the matter and the two rarely spoke again. Soon after this angry confrontation, Noakes relinquished Shep, who went to live with Edith Menzies.
Noakes subsequently appeared in a series of television advertisements for Spillers "Choice Cuts" dog food, using a dog that was indistinguishable from Shep but named Skip.
Career, Business and Investments
Noakes began his television career at a young age, but it was "Blue Peter" that truly catapulted him into fame. After leaving the show in 1978, he ventured into various television projects, including documentaries and travel series. Additionally, John Noakes authored several books and was involved in various business ventures, including hosting events and engaging with fans. Though retired from the spotlight, his influence can still be seen in the culture of children's television that he helped shape.
When Noakes decided to become an actor, he took lessons at London's Guildhall School of Music and Drama, which he paid for by doing a cleaning job and working as a hotel liftboy. He made his stage debut as a dog and a clown in a summer show with Cyril Fletcher. In 1964, he appeared in one episode of the television military police drama series Redcap.
Social Network
John Noakes was not extensively active on social media during his lifetime, which is common for many figures of his generation. However, fans continue to celebrate his life and legacy through various social media platforms, sharing memories and tributes. In 2025, his contributions to television remain fondly remembered, and tributes often circulate on platforms like Facebook and Twitter.
Alongside his Blue Peter work, Noakes also presented the BBC's Christmas edition of Disney Time with his Blue Peter colleagues on 27 December 1971. He returned to host the show solo at Easter 1979. In August 1972, he hosted four editions of BBC Radio 1's Junior Choice.
Overlapping with his period on Blue Peter, Noakes and Shep made six series of Go With Noakes in which they travelled around Britain getting involved in diverse activities like motor racing, rowing, aerobatics and painting. In each series Noakes used a particular mode of transport to get about such as a yacht, on foot, narrow boat, or classic car.
A total of 31 episodes of Go With Noakes were broadcast between 28 March 1976 and 21 December 1980.
Education
Growing up in Stockport, John Noakes attended local schools where he developed a talent for performance and communication. While details about his formal education are limited, it is clear that his passion for entertaining and engaging with the public was nurtured from a young age. His experiences in education played a pivotal role in his eventual career in television.
In conclusion, John Noakes remains a beloved figure in the history of English television. His adventurous spirit, dedication to his craft, and loving relationships have secured his place in the hearts of fans, ensuring that his legacy lives on even in 2025.
In the 2000s, Noakes trained in the Michel Thomas method of language tuition, and then became a language tutor, specialising in Romance languages. In 1999, Noakes co-hosted an ITV series entitled Mad About Pets and in 2004, he took part in the Living TV reality TV show I'm Famous and Frightened!.
A year later, he appeared in the Channel 5 programme Britain's Worst Celebrity Driver. On 14 June 2008, he appeared in a Blue Peter-themed edition of The Weakest Link, being voted off second. On 7 September 2013, he appeared with Peter Purves in Pointless Celebrities.
