We've followed their lives for six decades - now the stars of 7 Up are bowing out
The final installment of the long-running documentary series 7 Up, titled 70 Up, is set to air on ITV, marking the end of a six-decade journey following the lives of its original cast. The series, which began in 1964 as a one-off study of Britain's class system, has evolved into the longest-running documentary ever made and was recently voted the most influential TV show of the past 50 years. Participants like Jackie Bassett reflect on their experiences, including both the personal growth documented on screen and the tensions that arose with director Michael Apted over stereotyping and control of their narratives.
- ▪The 7 Up series began in 1964 with 14 seven-year-olds from different socioeconomic backgrounds and is now concluding with the 70 Up episode.
- ▪Michael Apted, who started as a researcher on the first episode, became the series' director and later a Hollywood filmmaker, considering 7 Up his most significant achievement.
- ▪Participant Neil Hughes experienced significant life challenges including depression and homelessness before becoming a Liberal Democrat councillor and lay preacher.
- ▪Jackie Bassett confronted director Michael Apted in the 49 Up episode regarding his gendered questioning and her lack of control over the editing process.
- ▪The show was originally intended as a single snapshot of the British class system but became a global phenomenon due to public interest in the participants' life trajectories.
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| Original publisher | BBC News — UK |
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| Publication time | Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:16:16 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-09-12T00:27:23.806Z |
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We've followed their lives for six decades - now the stars of 7 Up are bowing outImage source, ITVImage caption, 70 Up stars from left to right: Peter Davies, Symon Basterfield, Paul Kligerman, Tony Walker Neil Hughes, John Brisby, Andrew Brackfield, Bruce Balden Jackie Bassett, Suzy Lusk, Sue DavisByGeorge WrightPublished8 minutes agoSix decades have passed since Jackie Bassett first appeared on TV aged seven, skipping down the road with her little sister.It was 1964 and she had been selected by teachers at her east London primary school to appear in a documentary called 7 Up.The show interviewed 14 seven-year-olds from vastly different socioeconomic backgrounds.
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