‘The biggest documentary sequence of all time’ is coming to an finish after 70 years with tear-jerking finale hailed as ‘pure magic’

A documentary series branded the ‘greatest of all time’ is coming to an end with a tear-jerking finale.

The ‘Up’ series first hit screens in 1964, following fourteen participants who were all seven years old at the time.

There have been nine films, each released seven years apart and exploring how the cast members’ lives changed in the intervening period.

However, the final chapter is now imminently coming with a poignant finale film titled 70 UP. 

Familiar returning faces include ‘cheeky chap’ Tony, a London cabbie who had wanted to be a jockey – alongside Neil, who dreamed of being an astronaut and experienced homelessness.

Public schoolboy Bruce, who wanted to be a missionary, as well as Symon, who has fostered more than 120 children and has 12 (and counting) grandchildren.

There is also Paul, who was shy and is now a grandparent and Jackie, who left Scotland with a new partner.

In addition, Sue will discuss marrying Glenn and her decades spent working at Queen Mary University of London.

Also returning are Peter with music news, lawyer Andrew, KC John, who had wanted a powerful career, as well as Suzy – who began as a young ballerina who hated her private school.

Viewers will also hear from Charles, a former participant who stopped appearing in the films at 21 years old.

70 Up will also remember the participants who have passed away, including Lynn, who was part of a trio of friends.

There will also be interview footage of the late Nick, a farmer’s son who became a nuclear physicist and died in 2023. 

70 Up is due to air later in 2026.

Late director Michael Apted, who passed away in 2021, helmed the films from 1970 to 2021.  

Jo Clinton-Davis, Controller of Factual ITV and Commissioner 70 Up said: ‘The 7 Up story is much more than a TV documentary, it’s a document of our times. 

‘A truly distinctive landmark piece of film-making that has become part of our cultural fabric. 

‘In the evolving stories of our cast we see the universal themes of life play out. It is the series that made me want to get into television. 

‘It is the series that I am beyond proud of having been involved in since 56 Up. 

‘It is a tribute to Michael Apted who will forever be associated with it and to the continued dedication and remarkable skill of Claire Lewis. 

‘Yet in Asif Kapadia we have an outstanding director who will bring his passion, creativity and incredible flair whilst safeguarding the very precious ‘Up’ legacy. 

‘Ultimately, this is a tribute to the courage of all the cast who continue to share their lives with us so we can see our lives in them.’

Asif Kapadia, Director, 70 Up said: ‘In 2014 I named the Up Series as my favourite documentary of all time. 

‘Who knew that a decade later I would have the incredible honour and privilege to be asked to direct 70 Up, the legendary documentary series. I love the show! 

‘I have watched it all my life, first as a child with my parents and siblings, growing up in East London and then as an adult. 

‘I was lucky to meet Michael Apted a few times. I first came in contact with Apted when he interviewed me after he saw SENNA and he liked the fact I directed drama and documentaries, like him. 

‘Directing 70 Up has been a dream project for me, the ultimate portrait of human life, working with my amazing editors Andrew Hulme and Patrick Saxer, we had the challenge of cutting hours of archive material shot over decades, while also looking at the nature of documentary filmmaking itself.

‘ I hope the audience feel my team and I have done the epic series justice with the closing chapter.’

Producer Claire Lewis said: ‘After over 40 years of working with the participants of 7 Up it seems extraordinary that we have come to the end of this unique series. 

‘It’s been an incredible lifetime’s work and has given me a second family. I’m sad and content at the same time that it’s ending. 

‘Working with Asif, as well as Michael, has been an honour. But the highest accolade goes to the fortitude of our trusted contributors. 

‘We miss Michael, Nick and Lynn terribly; the jigsaw is not complete without them.

‘Thank you to them and thank you to the team. Each episode captures an era for our society and one for each individual. 

‘It’s pure magic. Thank you to the pioneers of ITV who made it happen. It’s film history.’