John Noakes

Noakes gave Blue Peter the excitement of watching a familiar person attempt something extraordinary. His 1977 climb up Nelson's Column remains a striking archive example, with his matter-of-fact manner adding to the sense of adventure. The affection also comes from less spectacular studio moments and his association with Shep. Revisit him for the combination of courage, comic unpredictability and an ordinary speaking voice, with the filming and specialist support part of how those feats reached viewers.