Be in no doubt that John Noakes was, and is to this day, the finest children's TV presenter the UK has ever seen. A star with a natural talent to educate and inform children, after they've been at school all day. Fantastic.
Agree. These people are so rare. I do wonder if he frequently felt, "not again" when asked to do another fearful task! As far as I know, he never refused.
@@johnboston6258 Looks like "Ross" and "JSFTT" on his Helmet. So surname of Ross I guess. ;) In Khaki, so maybe he was Paras rather than RAF? They did say it was going to be a joint-services jump, and the guy on the radio on the ground was a para?
Well the cameraman is Ray Willis, and other members of the team could be Ty. Barraclough and Dougie Fletcher or Peacock, the Ross could be Johnny Ross but I'm not sure, I ll ask around.
Totally agree. Different priorities in those days, back when people weren’t told to be ashamed to be British or that being patriotic was xenophobic. A country long lost now.
Hearing about John Noakes death was the only time I've felt genuine grief about someone who I've never met. I probably didn't realise it at the time but on reflection he was my childhood hero.
I remember watching this with my brother when it was first broadcast. This was the best TV we'd seen. I now appreciate John Noakes as an absolute star. Now in my 60s these are the sort of things that i remember like yesterday.
1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive 19.11.24 1211pm he had some balls, i'll give him that...stood atop nelson's column, also, after climbing up the statue with a ladder.... ladders seem to play a big part in john's life.... checking to see if there's anyone below? least of my worries....
@@stephensmith4480 1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive 20.11.24 0738am proper presenters in them thar days. now they're just dicks. and not in the in anyway amusing sense... when people had ambitions to do something or were allowed to reflect on childhood passions... not so now, eh? i wonder what the guys who front the show now are asked would be their childhood dream(s)... then again, he's probably the last bred of the televisual friendly nutter (in the best sense of the phrase)... various presenters taken out of their smug confines and put placed in situations way out of their comfort zone was good telly. unwilling daredevils such as peter duncan - i think he also starred in flash gorden - probably didnt last long for that very fact. halcyon days, indeed. did they have to do a lot of editing re: unsavoury language...? i would have thought i''m upside down at 20,000 feet would have been put a bit stronger than that... in my humble (expletive) opinion...
Absolute legend of a man, put his life on the line to bring us the best television of our lives. I for one am truly grateful for having experienced the many feats of John Noakes and feel so lucky to have witnessed his legendary presenting. A true daredevil in every sense of the word. 🙌 🙌 🙌
John Noakes was ‘The Last Action Hero’ of children’s TV…. Balls of steel; check out his climb of Nelson’s Column with NO safety equipment. The guy was a legend. Let’s not forget Shep the dog as well! RIP John 🫡
John Noakes had so many of the qualities needed to be an army officer. Impeccable character, bravery, and above all, the ability to crack jokes while staring Death in the face. Such a character instils confidence in all those around them.
I loved the way he had to stand on the absolute highest point; on top of the plume on Nelsons hat. He was the kind of guy you'd want next to you in any conflict. Fearless.
Born in 1955, by 1973 I had "grown up" from Blue Peter but this is a reminder of what an outstanding achievement the programme, particularly John Noakes and the team were. A week never went by when we were glued to our TV screens twice weekly watching Blue Peter before mum gave the call for "tea"!
The 3 standouts from John in this regard that I recall where this one, his death defying bobsleigh run and the absolutely jaw dropping climb of Nelsons Column.
Agreed. Although I thought the camera man who also went up Nelson's Column was even more daring. As I remember. After this story. It was back to the studio with Peter Pervie baking a cake
That vertical ladder climb up Nelsons column, with the leanig out bit at the top. Takes some guts that. Especially in his flared jeans, anorak and ordinary shoes. Always fondly remembered, by many i guess.
John Noakes had balls of steel. He did things that no other presenter would dare to even consider never mind do. Such courage and bravery. There is nobody like him on TV today.
Thank you, that’s the first time I’ve watched that since I was a nine year old boy. John was my hero. Me and my pals used to jump off the garden wall onto the lawn, practicing our roll over landings. Brilliant! Later my Dad, who was in the RAF, took me to an air show, where I met the Falcons team.
@@wainstones7381 Comments on ‘1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive’ 1521pm 23.11.24 why...was he in blue peter?
One of the best presenters ever. Shame to think it but most of them great RAF guys are no longer with us but their legacy lives on (This was 9 years before Falklands) and the pride and dedication lives on even today. Per Ardua ad Astra
Great stuff. Remember watching this in ‘73 just shy of my 7th birthday. BBC TV in the 70’s was really good. Blue Peter, Tomorrow’s World, Horizon documentaries not to mention Fawlty Towers and IAHHM.
John Noakes was my favourite Blue Peter presenter and the show was a perfect educational and fun programme for children. I so remember Johns parachuting and also bob run
It turns out that's not possible; seems you can only be awarded honours if you're still alive. Only exception to that is for bravery. i think John qualifies!
That John noakes the man was and still is a legend... really don't make TV like that any more... remember him climbing up Nelson's column still gives me the shakes now just thinking about it... what a lovely man... God bless him
My dad served in the Royal Air Force and was at RAF Abingdon in the late 60s up to 1971, I remember that training hanger they used to let us kids play in there, the ultimate adventure play ground.
I remember this so well! Watching it again was fantastic, thank you. In the 1990s I did a static line solo jump, and I recall that the climb to altitude was far and away the most terrifying part, making the jump that followed seem almost easy by comparison. It's the waiting that's scary. I can't begin to imagine what it's like jumping from five miles up though, wow! John Noakes was such a hero to so many of us.
Salutations to the camera crew. Behind every great presenter doing a daredevil stunt lies an equally great photographer who has to film them doing it. Rather them than me.
My family left England in 1968 when I was 10. Blue Peter was must see TV for us. John Noakes was a stud! I recall an episode where he went to a naval training facility that had a massive sailing ship mast and rigging. At the very top of the mast was a tiny perch where the 'button boy' would sit as a lookout. It required shinnying up the mast to reach. EEK! Why anyone in their right mind would think that seemed like a good idea escapes me to this day.
As a kid in the '70's spent Easter & Summer holidays on my Grandfather's Farm at Ramsholt on the River Deben, Suffolk. Often when we went to Woodbridge Marina in the Summer, John would be there moored up on his yacht with Shep on board. Always had a cheery word for us, stroked Shep and have his autograph somewhere - wonderful man and Presenter.
Fantastic TV, I would have been on the edge of my seat watching this. They should have sent Peter Purves as well - he wouldn't have needed a parachute with those flares.
I know this is a totally unoriginal thing to say, but what a guy! He was particularly important in our area coz he was the only person with our accent that the BBC (or the other companies) allowed on kids TV. We've come so far since then - ALL of us (Glaswegians, Geordies, Brummies, Cockneys, Jamaicans, Indians, etc) who don't talk like we should, apparently
That climb up Nelson's Column was far more dangerous. No parachute will save you from up there. Never forget that it wasn't just John Noakes but a cameraman climbed the column and jumped from a plane with him too.
Absolutely Brilliant John and very brave as well! Can recall seeing you on Blue Peter all those years ago but not this particular episode. RIP matey and still missed by so very many!
What an extraordinary presenter John Noakes was. I was brought up watching John's heroics on a wonderful kids TV show- Blue Peter. Fabulous memories indeed! RIP John and Shep his faithful hound!
JOHN NOAKES was a boyhood hero I always looked forward to his adventures especially when Shep joined him. I don't think there will ever been a children's presenter or children's TV as good as this again
Im now 53, i could be back there now as a young lad. Its Brought back such an amazing feeling of a fantastic childhood. John Noakes was the best. Peter Duncan followed on as the daredevil i believe
I remember this as if it was yesterday. There was no other presenter that matched his skills and persona. Legend is word used all to frequently today. Mr Noakes, for me, you will always remain the original legend.
John Noakes was incredible. Loved what he used to do on Blue Peter. This challenge & the Nelsons column one was so inspiring as a kid. When you watch it back now it's even more impressive. He was a genuine legend of kids TV.
John Noakes really did have a set of tungsten ones! lol What a brilliant presenter he was. Climbed up Nelson's Column with no safety gear. Sat in a bosun's seat dangling off Big Ben to clean the glass face of the clock. Drove a Formula 5000 racing car- at speed whilst following David Purley. What a Top Bloke John was!
I actually was on Blue Peter several times. It went out live and in those days had over 10 million viewers. Great presenters and second to none production team. Cant see modern TV presenters doing anything lie this!
Fantastic! I remember this vaguely from the time (I was 5 or 6). The front cover of that 1974's Blue Peter annual had a great photo of John in mid "flight" during this free fall jump.
Ah the 70s...how I miss my childhood.. Little thought given to health and safety or what might go wrong.. People just accepted the risk.. As part of life. You'd never get away with that now. Much missed Mr Noakes ❤
The things he did in Blue Peter were awesome, this was brilliant to watch again many years later. Another epic film was him climbing Nelson’s Column, epic. What a true legend.
I remember watching this the day it went to air (no pun intended). Shows like Blue Peter were not just informative & educational but exciting & fun. John was a pioneer in this regard & this jump as well as his endeavours with Nelson's Column & elephants in the studio will bear this out. When compared with shows of today, Im grateful to have been a kid when I was. RIP John. Rest easy, Airman.
John Noakes had balls of steel. I still sweat just thinking about the time he climbed Nelson's Column with no safety equipment! Fred Dibnah would be proud!
This was fantastic production, the like of which we'll nevert see again. From the days when the BBC lived the values of its founder, Lord Reith. What a hero John Noakes was.
Be in no doubt that John Noakes was, and is to this day, the finest children's TV presenter the UK has ever seen.
A star with a natural talent to educate and inform children, after they've been at school all day.
Fantastic.
Agree. These people are so rare. I do wonder if he frequently felt, "not again" when asked to do another fearful task! As far as I know, he never refused.
Agree
@@Spyder6664I'll bet my house he never went near it, based on how he lived his life. How do you live yours?
He was fearless. Nothing he wouldn't do.
and shep
The chap who bashed into John at the 22 minute mark was my dad. He passed back in 2021, so it's odd seeming him 'at work'.
Who was you dad? I was never in the RAF, but i did about 300 jumps at RAF Weston on the Green and knew most of instructors
@@johnboston6258 Looks like "Ross" and "JSFTT" on his Helmet. So surname of Ross I guess. ;)
In Khaki, so maybe he was Paras rather than RAF? They did say it was going to be a joint-services jump, and the guy on the radio on the ground was a para?
Well the cameraman is Ray Willis, and other members of the team could be Ty. Barraclough and Dougie Fletcher or Peacock, the Ross could be Johnny Ross but I'm not sure, I ll ask around.
@@carldowd406 It was Dave Ross. I know because he was my dad, also😉
@@JokMetal Rgr that mate, many thx and sorry for your Loss, am I right to think that he perhaps worked at JATE or Boscombe?... U P
John Noakes was an incredible presenter. Looking back now , what presenters today have the balls to do what Noakes did. Absolute legend of British TV.
Totally agree. Different priorities in those days, back when people weren’t told to be ashamed to be British or that being patriotic was xenophobic. A country long lost now.
Bloke had bollocks. Id not do the things he did for BP. Top fella. ✊🏿
zoe balls dad and that bloke from record breakers and that jimmy saville,legends.
(but i mean saville from our naive 70s perspective)
@@grahamhiggins1does 'xenophobia' make it bad?
"Get down, Shep!"
Hearing about John Noakes death was the only time I've felt genuine grief about someone who I've never met. I probably didn't realise it at the time but on reflection he was my childhood hero.
I cried when Petra died
"I'm twenty thousand feet and I'm upside down"... after another parachutist had just crashed into him... The greatest of all presenters!
Bravest and best presenter ever.
All in the name of children's tv in the 70s,im so glad i was a part of it.What a man.
TV presenters were a different breed in our day. Spoke to children with maturity and on a mature level of understanding.
I remember watching this with my brother when it was first broadcast. This was the best TV we'd seen. I now appreciate John Noakes as an absolute star. Now in my 60s these are the sort of things that i remember like yesterday.
1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive 19.11.24 1211pm he had some balls, i'll give him that...stood atop nelson's column, also, after climbing up the statue with a ladder.... ladders seem to play a big part in john's life.... checking to see if there's anyone below? least of my worries....
@@JJONNYREPP He also trained to become a Button Boy with The Royal Navy. Another daring feat he pulled off with ease.
I remember the following a posted letter episode , the night train was given the elbow earlier this year .
Ditto!.
@@stephensmith4480 1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive 20.11.24 0738am proper presenters in them thar days. now they're just dicks. and not in the in anyway amusing sense... when people had ambitions to do something or were allowed to reflect on childhood passions... not so now, eh? i wonder what the guys who front the show now are asked would be their childhood dream(s)... then again, he's probably the last bred of the televisual friendly nutter (in the best sense of the phrase)... various presenters taken out of their smug confines and put placed in situations way out of their comfort zone was good telly. unwilling daredevils such as peter duncan - i think he also starred in flash gorden - probably didnt last long for that very fact. halcyon days, indeed. did they have to do a lot of editing re: unsavoury language...? i would have thought i''m upside down at 20,000 feet would have been put a bit stronger than that... in my humble (expletive) opinion...
Absolute legend of a man, put his life on the line to bring us the best television of our lives. I for one am truly grateful for having experienced the many feats of John Noakes and feel so lucky to have witnessed his legendary presenting. A true daredevil in every sense of the word. 🙌 🙌 🙌
John Noakes was ‘The Last Action Hero’ of children’s TV…. Balls of steel; check out his climb of Nelson’s Column with NO safety equipment. The guy was a legend. Let’s not forget Shep the dog as well! RIP John 🫡
Wow 51 years ago, I was 9 and remember it like yesterday, good times ❤
Me too . Looking back at my childhood in the seventies. A different world.
I was 6 and i remember it vividly! Unreal thing to see on TV. He was amazing fella for sure.
John Noakes had so many of the qualities needed to be an army officer. Impeccable character, bravery, and above all, the ability to crack jokes while staring Death in the face. Such a character instils confidence in all those around them.
I agree, he didnt seem to be the rookie he was part of the crew.
He had actually served in the RAF as a young man.
Thank you for being such a fantastic part of my childhood John Noakes!!
Nelson’s column still makes my legs shake. He was a one off.
I loved the way he had to stand on the absolute highest point; on top of the plume on Nelsons hat. He was the kind of guy you'd want next to you in any conflict. Fearless.
Yes. This. Horrific!
Yes that was my fave ,John noakes was a fearless legend 🙌 👏
I could be wrong but sure I read the BBC didn’t even insure him for that climb.
Born in 1955, by 1973 I had "grown up" from Blue Peter but this is a reminder of what an outstanding achievement the programme, particularly John Noakes and the team were.
A week never went by when we were glued to our TV screens twice weekly watching Blue Peter before mum gave the call for "tea"!
Quite often liver and onions with mashed tater and gravy I bet...it was for me anyway!
Tea was served during the Magic Roundabout so we didn't mind missing that.
Nice
What a guy. Definitely earned his salary with his time at the BBC. Nice manner and brave.
The 3 standouts from John in this regard that I recall where this one, his death defying bobsleigh run and the absolutely jaw dropping climb of Nelsons Column.
Agreed. Although I thought the camera man who also went up Nelson's Column was even more daring. As I remember. After this story. It was back to the studio with Peter Pervie baking a cake
Reading through these comments John had a LOT of fans. He's remained strong in our minds for half a century. That's a feat in itself :)
Just so many happy memories as a child came from blue Peter and John and all are still fresh as a daisy in my mind
What Noakes used to do was massively underrated. This is hard-core
On what planet was he ‘underrated’? Widely acknowledged to be one of the greatest of all time in the job. Try again.
One of those rare occasions when Shep got the chance to bark back,
“GET DOWN JOHN” 🐶
Great comment!😂👍
I half expected to see Shep on a lead dragged by John out the back of the Hercules.
Very good!
@@ciaran6171 reminds me of the joke about how does a blind parachutist tell when he's about to hit the ground? (His dog's lead goes slack.) :)
LOL
That vertical ladder climb up Nelsons column, with the leanig out bit at the top. Takes some guts that. Especially in his flared jeans, anorak and ordinary shoes. Always fondly remembered, by many i guess.
I know, just watching him on the tv I was almost vomiting....
Brought a lump to my throat when the end credits rolled. What a great youth I had and where are we now!
Agreed ,we where so fortunate to be born when we where , we had such a rich childhood, and now 😢
John Noakes had balls of steel. He did things that no other presenter would dare to even consider never mind do. Such courage and bravery. There is nobody like him on TV today.
I strongly believe we had the best of times being young at this time. Wouldn’t swap with todays youngsters for anything.
I grew up watching Blue Peter and John Noakes was an inspiration .! RIP and thanks
John Noakes and indeed Shep his collie taught me loads as a child. There isn’t any equivalent nowadays. God bless I’ll never forget you both.
John was the best presenter of all time. Nothing phased him and he always came over as being a very down to earth man.
fazed
And a heart as strong as a Lion that he was not afraid to show. I remember when he announced Shep dying, true love of mans best friend.
Thank you, that’s the first time I’ve watched that since I was a nine year old boy. John was my hero. Me and my pals used to jump off the garden wall onto the lawn, practicing our roll over landings. Brilliant! Later my Dad, who was in the RAF, took me to an air show, where I met the Falcons team.
Before Tom Cruise, there was John Noakes and Michael Crawford.
Don't forget Peter Purves.
and Compo.........
Don’t forget Fred Dibnah.
@@wainstones7381 Comments on ‘1973: JOHN NOAKES' Death-Defying Five-Mile FREEFALL | Blue Peter | BBC Archive’ 1521pm 23.11.24 why...was he in blue peter?
There's no comparison.
John Noakes was a national treasure if ever there was one. And as others have said one of the finest tv presenters in the history of the BBC.
One of the best presenters ever. Shame to think it but most of them great RAF guys are no longer with us but their legacy lives on (This was 9 years before Falklands) and the pride and dedication lives on even today. Per Ardua ad Astra
Great stuff. Remember watching this in ‘73 just shy of my 7th birthday. BBC TV in the 70’s was really good. Blue Peter, Tomorrow’s World, Horizon documentaries not to mention Fawlty Towers and IAHHM.
One of the special moments of my Childhood. Thanks for all you did to keep us Educated, Informed and Entertained.
I grew up in the greatest time for television. John Noakes was a legend of that period and is completely unsurpassed by anyone before or after.
This man was the very reason why i had many years of skydiving during my Army career, Mr Noakes, you are a true legend.
John Noakes was my favourite Blue Peter presenter and the show was a perfect educational and fun programme for children. I so remember Johns parachuting and also bob run
What a great chap. John Noakes & Blue Peter was 'must watch' TV as a child ... 🇬🇧
John noakes, a one of a kind tv presenter who was at the very top of his game,fearless and a gent. Today's presenters can't hold a candle to him.
My classic Blue Peter lineup, just throw in Tom Baker and my childhood is complete.
Totally agree, but would also add the Saturday afternoon wrestling from World of Sport to that list.
The man is an iconic.
John Noakes deserves a posthumous Knighthood.
It turns out that's not possible; seems you can only be awarded honours if you're still alive. Only exception to that is for bravery.
i think John qualifies!
That John noakes the man was and still is a legend... really don't make TV like that any more... remember him climbing up Nelson's column still gives me the shakes now just thinking about it... what a lovely man... God bless him
I heard that he actually had to climb Nelson’s Column twice, because there was a fault on the sound recording the first time.
it was the number one show for youngsters in the UK - never missed!
My dad served in the Royal Air Force and was at RAF Abingdon in the late 60s up to 1971, I remember that training hanger they used to let us kids play in there, the ultimate adventure play ground.
Same here, my dad was on the Falcons team.
@@madman1969 That brought back memories, bruv😉👍
I remember this so well! Watching it again was fantastic, thank you. In the 1990s I did a static line solo jump, and I recall that the climb to altitude was far and away the most terrifying part, making the jump that followed seem almost easy by comparison. It's the waiting that's scary. I can't begin to imagine what it's like jumping from five miles up though, wow! John Noakes was such a hero to so many of us.
Salutations to the camera crew. Behind every great presenter doing a daredevil stunt lies an equally great photographer who has to film them doing it. Rather them than me.
Look at the bloody state of us now......What a legend John Noakes was.
I remember watching this at the time. Wonderful to see again 50 years on. What a great character John was and what a daredevil :)
A proper presenter. Balls of steel.
A Mans, Man.
We were lucky to have him and Shep.
Brilliant. Loved that man. Brings a tear my eye. When TV and this country was great.
Well said, totally agree with you .
Such memories! Go with Noakes! And Shep ❤
Back when the BBC was worth the tv licence.
Love his natural enthusiasm.
And that final jump he did was no joke 💪
My family left England in 1968 when I was 10. Blue Peter was must see TV for us. John Noakes was a stud! I recall an episode where he went to a naval training facility that had a massive sailing ship mast and rigging. At the very top of the mast was a tiny perch where the 'button boy' would sit as a lookout. It required shinnying up the mast to reach. EEK! Why anyone in their right mind would think that seemed like a good idea escapes me to this day.
As a kid in the '70's spent Easter & Summer holidays on my Grandfather's Farm at Ramsholt on the River Deben, Suffolk. Often when we went to Woodbridge Marina in the Summer, John would be there moored up on his yacht with Shep on board. Always had a cheery word for us, stroked Shep and have his autograph somewhere - wonderful man and Presenter.
Still breathtaking 51 years on,I remember it well
Aah, no! John Pertwee 😁
Fantastic TV, I would have been on the edge of my seat watching this. They should have sent Peter Purves as well - he wouldn't have needed a parachute with those flares.
He was Superhuman as a kid of the 70's what an absolute Legend Noakes was 🇬🇧
I know this is a totally unoriginal thing to say, but what a guy!
He was particularly important in our area coz he was the only person with our accent that the BBC (or the other companies) allowed on kids TV.
We've come so far since then - ALL of us (Glaswegians, Geordies, Brummies, Cockneys, Jamaicans, Indians, etc) who don't talk like we should, apparently
I was six years old when I watched this on Blue Peter. Re watching it, I'm staggered how much I remember and took in at such a young age.
I've never liked heights so this gives me the colly wobbles, as did the old classic where John climbs Nelson's Column.
That climb up Nelson's Column was far more dangerous. No parachute will save you from up there.
Never forget that it wasn't just John Noakes but a cameraman climbed the column and jumped from a plane with him too.
@@philhawley1219 yep
John Noakes, a true pioneer of tv.
Brilliant stuff from the king of 70's tv. RIP John.
Absolutely Brilliant John and very brave as well!
Can recall seeing you on Blue Peter all those years ago but not this particular episode.
RIP matey and still missed by so very many!
What an extraordinary presenter John Noakes was. I was brought up watching John's heroics on a wonderful kids TV show- Blue Peter. Fabulous memories indeed! RIP John and Shep his faithful hound!
Awesome, the greatest children's TV presenter.
Blue peter, magpie, and HOW, all great stuff
HOW was the forerunner of "ask google".
JOHN NOAKES was a boyhood hero I always looked forward to his adventures especially when Shep joined him. I don't think there will ever been a children's presenter or children's TV as good as this again
Im now 53, i could be back there now as a young lad. Its Brought back such an amazing feeling of a fantastic childhood. John Noakes was the best. Peter Duncan followed on as the daredevil i believe
Fantastic...What an absolute legend!
John Noakes was one of my childhood heroes; truly the best of British. He was only on the telly but I still miss him!🇬🇧
I remember this as if it was yesterday. There was no other presenter that matched his skills and persona.
Legend is word used all to frequently today. Mr Noakes, for me, you will always remain the original legend.
"The lines get tangled and you could be killed". 1970s children's telly.
And no badge awarded
John Noakes was incredible. Loved what he used to do on Blue Peter. This challenge & the Nelsons column one was so inspiring as a kid. When you watch it back now it's even more impressive.
He was a genuine legend of kids TV.
John was an awesome presenter , this was just another day at work for him .
John was my hero when I was young. Brilliant.
and mine
John Noakes was one of my favourite presenters as a kid. A kind bloke with a real sense of adventure.
John Noakes really did have a set of tungsten ones! lol What a brilliant presenter he was. Climbed up Nelson's Column with no safety gear. Sat in a bosun's seat dangling off Big Ben to clean the glass face of the clock. Drove a Formula 5000 racing car- at speed whilst following David Purley. What a Top Bloke John was!
I actually was on Blue Peter several times. It went out live and in those days had over 10 million viewers. Great presenters and second to none production team. Cant see modern TV presenters doing anything lie this!
I always wanted to meet John. I know one or two who met him and said he was the nicest person. I remember watching this at the time. Crikey I'm old!
Noaksey was a top bloke. RIP.
Fantastic! I remember this vaguely from the time (I was 5 or 6). The front cover of that 1974's Blue Peter annual had a great photo of John in mid "flight" during this free fall jump.
Saw this live when I was 12, huge respect for John RIP
Over 40 years before Tom Cruse and hollywoods mad stunts we had John Noaks on Blue Peter and he’s just doing his usual presenting gig.
Ah the 70s...how I miss my childhood.. Little thought given to health and safety or what might go wrong.. People just accepted the risk.. As part of life. You'd never get away with that now.
Much missed Mr Noakes ❤
Bloody brilliant.
I'm amazed he was able to speak during the free fall like it was a normal conversation at 20000 feet! What a legend! They don't make them anymore.
The things he did in Blue Peter were awesome, this was brilliant to watch again many years later. Another epic film was him climbing Nelson’s Column, epic. What a true legend.
John Noakes...LEGEND!
I remember watching this the day it went to air (no pun intended). Shows like Blue Peter were not just informative & educational but exciting & fun. John was a pioneer in this regard & this jump as well as his endeavours with Nelson's Column & elephants in the studio will bear this out.
When compared with shows of today, Im grateful to have been a kid when I was.
RIP John. Rest easy, Airman.
John Noakes had balls of steel. I still sweat just thinking about the time he climbed Nelson's Column with no safety equipment! Fred Dibnah would be proud!
Always enjoyed watching John taking on any challenges - mostly dangerous! - when I was a kid. What a man. I reckon he could have passed SAS selection!
I remember this!!!!! I'm more impressed now than I was then!
John Noakes. I grew up watching Blue Peter. He was fearless. He did the toboggan and ended up in hospital. “Get down Shep!”
Brilliant.
He was one heck of an inspiration. He talked to us kids like people. So wonderful seeing this again. I was 7 when he did this.
Just as fascinating now as 50 years ago. John Noakes was an amazing presenter
This was fantastic production, the like of which we'll nevert see again. From the days when the BBC lived the values of its founder, Lord Reith. What a hero John Noakes was.
Many years later I was in the RAF and was cabin crew on VC10 aircraft. Part of my training was at North Luffenham and did the decompression test.
Brings back SO many memories of my childhood 👍🤙🖖✌🤘👌🍻
I remember this watching as a young lad, what a man John was, one of my boyhood heroes 😊