Former Blue Peter presenter John Noakes has been reported missing from his home in Majorca.
Local police in the district of Andratx said they were alerted by the 81-year-old’s wife Vicky at about 9am local time this morning.
Police and the Civil Guard are taking part in the search, and volunteers are expected to help out later today.
Police said Noakes, who presented the BBC children’s show for 12 years from 1966 to 1978, had Alzheimer’s disease.
“We are searching for Mr Noakes in the village. His wife reported him missing this morning. She is worried because of his state of health and the heat, which is around 35C (95F) today.”
Two photos of Noakes have been posted on the local council’s Facebook page asking people to look out for him.
They say he was wearing navy blue shorts and white and blue shirt.
Noakes moved to Majorca with his wife after a round the world yacht trip was cut short when their boat was badly damaged by a giant wave off the coast of North Africa.
They had embarked on the trip after Noakes quit Blue Peter in 1978 and Go With Noakes 18 months later.
Noakes, who trained as an aircraft engine fitter before training as an actor, was 31 when he made his first appearance on BBC One’s Blue Peter.
He became a firm favourite with fans for his friendship with his border collie Shep and became the show’s longest-running presenter.
Famous for his on-air efforts to calm down his lively dog, Noakes was often heard saying “Get down Shep!” which prompted the Barron Knights’ 1978 song of the same name.
BBC