We've followed their lives for six decades - now the stars of 7 Up are bowing out
The long-running documentary series 7 Up is concluding with its final installment, 70 Up, airing on ITV. The show, which began in 1964, followed the lives of 14 British individuals from diverse backgrounds to explore the impact of the class system.
Why it matters
It marks the end of the most influential and longest-running documentary series in television history, providing a unique longitudinal study of human life.
Image source, ITV Image 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 Davis
Six 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. Inspired by the Jesuit saying: "Give me the child until he is seven and I will show you the man", it was intended as a one-off - a snapshot of Britain's class system and how it shapes us from a young age.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in