7 Up cast to look back on their ‘hopes and dreams’ in final instalment of adored ITV documentary series

7 Up‘s “final chapter” 70 Up is set to be an emotional farewell as the beloved stars reflect on their “triumphs, trials and tribulations”.

The show, previously described as “the greatest documentary series of all time”, is coming to an end with one final instalment, 70 Up.

For more than six decades, viewers have returned to the ITV series every seven years to catch up with the lives of 14 ordinary people.

The cast of 7 Up are reuniting for one final 70 Up show (Credit: ITV)

Now, the groundbreaking programme is preparing to bow out with one last “epic and moving” instalment.

Viewers first met the participants as seven-year-old children, hearing about their hopes, dreams and ambitions for the future.

They then followed the group through their teenage years and into adulthood. They watched their careers, relationships, families and major life milestones unfold.

Now they have reached their senior years, the 7 Up stars are giving one final update before the cameras stop rolling for good.

What is 7 Up on ITV?

7 Up first aired in May 1964 as part of ITV’s World in Action current affairs programming. All 14 participants were seven years old and came from a wide range of social and economic backgrounds.

The idea for 7 Up was based on the saying “Give me the child until he is seven and I will give you the man”.

Producers wanted to explore whether a child’s future could be shaped by their upbringing and class. It was initially planned as a standalone documentary following a generation expected to reach adulthood around the turn of the millennium.

However, viewers became fascinated by the children’s ambitions and predictions for their futures. TV bosses then decided to revisit the group every seven years throughout their lives.

The most recent instalment was 63 Up in 2019.

Sadly, one of the original participants, Lynn Johnson, had died following a short illness. Her husband and daughters appeared in the programme and discussed the impact of her death.

ITV shares insight into 70 Up episode

Ahead of 70 Up arriving on screens, ITV has given viewers a glimpse of what to expect from the final chapter.

Confirming the programme for this autumn, the broadcaster said: “In 1964, World in Action screened the very first film – 7 Up. Every seven years since, cameras have returned to capture a journey from childhood to teenagers, to adulthood, through careers, marriage, divorce, parenting, bereavement and more.

“Now, the participants – whom viewers have come to know, and in many cases grow up with – are pensioners and retirees, looking back at their lives in a way very few people ever have, caught on camera and recorded forever.

“70 Up will be the end of this remarkable television journey.

“Viewers will join them for the last time as, having reached three score years and 10, they reflect on their triumphs, their trials and tribulations, and what happened to their hopes and dreams.”

A familiar face

The finale will catch up with former public schoolboy Bruce, foster carer Symon and Jackie, who left Scotland with a new partner.

Paul, who was once known for being shy, is now a grandparent, while “cheeky chap” Tony will give an update on his life.

Neil will also reveal where life has taken him, seven decades after he dreamed of becoming an astronaut.

Sadly, another original participant will be missing when 70 Up returns. Nicholas Hitchon died in 2023 after appearing in 63 Up.

The son of a Yorkshire farmer had emigrated to the US. In 63 Up, Nicholas spoke about his throat cancer diagnosis and his life expectancy, which he ultimately exceeded.

Meanwhile, viewers will see a familiar face return. Charles Furneaux left the Up series after 21 Up aired in 1977, but he is coming back for the final episode.

Lynn Johnson tragically died before 63 Up was filmed (Credit: ITV)

‘Poignant and moving’

ITV also says of 70 Up: “Sue will talk about marrying Glenn and decades working at Queen Mary University of London, while Peter has more music news.

“KC John who wanted a powerful career and lawyer Andrew, the prep school boy who famously read the FT, return. Alongside them is Suzy, the young ballerina who hated her private school.

“The series will remember fondly the late Lynn, part of the trio of friends. Meanwhile, we hear from Charles who left the programme at 21.

“And the series will also include a poignant and moving interview with the late Nick, the farmer’s son who fulfilled his dream to become a nuclear physicist.”

When will 70 Up be on? How many episodes?

ITV has shared a picture of the remaining Up originals taking part in 70 Up. The 11 strong group, without the late Lynn and Nicholas, are pictured. They are raising a glass as they reunite for one final time.

The group have spent more than six decades sharing their lives with viewers, making this final reunion an especially significant moment.

ITV has confirmed that 70 Up will air this autumn. An exact date is yet to be announced, but the broadcaster has confirmed exactly how it will air.

The finale will be shown across two hour-long episodes on ITV1 and ITVX.

Fans have been quick to celebrate the news, with one writing: “I’m so looking forward to this. Quite possibly the greatest documented record of lives lived.”

Another added: “I can’t wait for the final chapter I have followed this from the very beginning the highs and lows….I wanna be a jockey when I grow up is one phrase I always remember lol.”

And another viewer wrote on ITV’s social media: “AT LAST!! Addicted to this since 28 up!”

After more than 60 years, 7 Up is finally preparing to say goodbye.

It’s certainly the end of an era. Sob!

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