John Noakes was allowed to keep Shep, the ‘Blue Peter’ dog, according to a new book about the show’s editor.
John Noakes was allowed to keep Blue Peter dog Shep, a new biography claims
The late veteran presenter of the beloved classic children’s programme - who died in 2017 aged 83 - claimed in 1983 that he and his Border Collie were “forced apart by the BBC”, but a new book about Biddy Baxter, 90 - who worked behind the scenes on the series from 1962 to 1988 - has claimed John gave the pooch away when he went travelling around the Balearic islands.
In the new biography by Richard Marson, ‘Biddy Baxter: The Woman Who Made Blue Peter’ - of which an excerpt was published in the Daily Telegraph newspaper - it is claimed that the public broadcaster did allow the presenter to keep the dog, but with the caveat that he was not allowed to appear in other showbiz pursuits, like television programmes and adverts.
The tome claims that on John's last day working on the show - which also included presenters Valerie Singleton, 86, and Peter Purves, 84 - he ripped up the contract and tossed it on the floor.
However, man and dog were believed to have spent many contented years together and worked together again on the adventure show ‘Go With Noakes’.
Richard wrote: “John and Vicky took the life changing decision to sell their home in Britain and embark on an epic sailing adventure. Neither Shep nor Skip would be joining them.”
John's widow, Vicky, told Richard: "Dogs find being at sea quite disturbing and get very anxious."
The book also says Shep was then later taken to live with Edith Menezes, who worked on the show as a long-time pet handler and due to being owned by the BBC had his expenses to paid by the corporation.
When John first said that Shep was removed from his care with force by the BBC, Biddy is believed to have received letters accusing of her of cruelty.
Before the dog’s 1987 death, John went to see him one last time and his wife Vicky recounted their final visit.
She said: “We had just been to see Shep. By this time, he had stomach problems and was pretty much blind.
“But, immediately, he heard John's voice, whoosh, down the path he went like a bullet, and they were reunited. They were good mates, and John loved him.”