Legendary Blue Peter host John Noakes has died aged 83. Noakes, who hosted the show in the 1960s and 70s, was the BBC children's show's longest-serving presenter.
As well as being the show's daredevil, Noakes was also known for his relationships with the programme's dogs, Patch - the first Blue Peter dog Petra's puppy - and the border collie Shep, who inspired Noakes's catchphrase: "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 show.
He had been suffering from Alzheimer's, and 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."
During his 13-year tenure on Blue Peter, John Noakes became hugely popular with viewers and developed a reputation as the show's action man.
His feats included climbing Nelson's Column in London without a safety harness and using a rickety wooden ladder, a bruising encounter with a bobsleigh, and a record-breaking skydive.
The Yorkshire-born presenter was Blue Peter's longest-serving presenter, making his debut on the BBC's children's show in 1965 and staying until 1978.
As well as Blue Peter, Noakes also hosted 1970s' travelogue spin-off Go With Noakes, in which he travelled around the UK with Shep.
When Noakes left Blue Peter, the BBC let the presenter keep Shep but he was forbidden from using the dog in adverts.
Viewers of a certain age may also recall a famous incident when Noakes was in studio involving Lulu the baby elephant.
During a memorable appearance, she ran riot in studio, knocking down her handler while urinating and defecating on the floor.
