In the 2000s, Noakes trained in the Michel Thomas method of language tuition, and then became a language tutor, specialising in Romance languages. In 1999, Noakes co-hosted an ITV series entitled "Mad About Pets" and in 2004, he took part in the Living TV reality TV show "I'm Famous and Frightened!". A year later, he appeared in the Channel 5 programme "Britain's Worst Celebrity Driver". On 14 June 2008, he appeared in a "Blue Peter"-themed edition of the "Weakest Link", being voted off second. On 7 September 2013, he appeared with Peter Purves in "Pointless Celebrities".