ITV’s beloved 7 Up series will end after 62 years with “epic and moving” final chapter 70 Up

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ITV’s famous 7 Up series, which has followed the lives of a group of people for decades, will end with a final, emotional episode later this year.

The documentary series 7 Up first aired in 1964, and ever since, filmmakers have revisited the original participants every seven years. The series follows their lives from childhood through adolescence and into adulthood, documenting major life events like careers, relationships, marriage, divorce, parenthood, and loss.

Now, with ’70 Up,’ viewers can see the participants one final time as they share their successes, struggles, and how life turned out compared to their childhood dreams.

In the final episode, the contestants will reflect on their lives with a level of openness rarely seen, all captured on camera for posterity.

The final episode will showcase a diverse group of individuals. We’ll meet Tony, a playful London cab driver who originally hoped to become a jockey, and Neil, who once dreamed of space travel. Also featured are Bruce, who considered a life as a missionary, Symon, a dedicated foster parent to over 120 children, Paul, a now-grandparent who is quite reserved, and Jackie, who recently moved from Scotland with a new partner.

ITV has announced that Sue will discuss her marriage to Glenn and her long career at Queen Mary University of London. Peter will share the latest music news. Returning to the show are KC John, who pursued a successful career, and Andrew, the former prep school student known for reading the Financial Times. Joining them is Suzy, a young ballerina who disliked her private school experience.

This installment of the series will lovingly remember Lynn, one of the three close friends featured. We’ll also catch up with Charles, who left the show when he was 21. Finally, the episode includes a touching interview with the late Nick, the farmer’s son who achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a nuclear physicist.

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Jo Clinton-Davis, a commissioner for ITV who oversaw the ‘7 Up’ series, described it as more than just a documentary. He believes it’s a reflection of our society and a significant piece of filmmaking that has become ingrained in our culture. The ongoing stories of the people featured in the series reveal universal truths about life, and it was this series that inspired him to pursue a career in television.

I’m incredibly proud to have been part of this series since its beginning with ’56 Up.’ It’s a wonderful way to remember Michael Apted, who will always be linked to it, and to recognize the ongoing commitment and talent of Claire Lewis. Now, Asif Kapadia, a truly gifted director, will bring his own energy and vision while carefully preserving the heart of the ‘Up’ series. Most importantly, this is a celebration of the bravery of the participants who continue to share their stories, allowing us to see ourselves reflected in their lives.

Asif Kapadia, the director of 70 Up, shared that he previously called the Up Series his all-time favorite documentary. He said he never imagined he’d later be asked to direct the latest installment, 70 Up, which he considers a legendary series. He’s a lifelong fan, having watched it with his family as a child in East London and continuing to enjoy it as an adult. He also had the pleasure of meeting the series’ original director, Michael Apted, on several occasions.

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I first met Michael Apted after he saw my film SENNA. He was impressed that, like him, I worked on both dramatic and documentary projects. Directing the latest installment of 70 Up has been a long-held ambition – it’s the definitive look at human life. Working with my fantastic editors, Andrew Hulme and Patrick Saxer, we faced the huge task of sifting through decades of footage, all while considering what it means to make a documentary. I truly hope viewers feel we’ve honored this incredible series with this final chapter.

The films ultimately explore themes of social class, education, and wealth, and importantly, whether a person’s early childhood truly shapes the adult they become – the idea that the first seven years of life are formative.

Mike Blair, creative director at MultiStory Media and executive producer of 70 Up, shared: “Working on this incredibly innovative series has been a real honor, especially since I’ve been a lifelong viewer. It’s both sad and satisfying to see it come to an end.”

We were fortunate to work with director Asif Kapadia, who deeply respects the show’s history – a history we all cherish. These films mark the end of a remarkable television era, and we sincerely hope they serve as a respectful and meaningful tribute, especially for those who have been with us throughout the decades.

70 Up will air on ITV later this year.

Authors

Katelyn MensahSenior Entertainment Writer

I’m a big fan of Katelyn Mensah’s work at TopMob! She’s their Senior Entertainment Writer and really stays on top of everything – from the biggest shows and reality TV to those important, impactful documentaries. Before TopMob, she was writing about reality TV and celebrity news at The Tab, and she’s got a solid journalism degree too, so she really knows her stuff.

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2026-04-16 14:05