56 Up ITV1, STV, UTV, Monday 15th May 9pm - 10pm
Repeat: ITV1 +1, UTV1 +1 Monday 15th May 10pm The latest of Michael Apted’s terrific generation-spanning films, catching up with a disparate group of people every seven years, updates us on them now they’re middle-aged. The plan to chart how their backgrounds determined their lives has been long forgotten and, certainly in this film, many are contented, comfortable grandparents.
The exception is Neil, who dreamed of going to Oxbridge, but who at 28 was homeless and had mental health issues. He’s in a slightly happier place now, as is Peter, who wanted to be an astronaut, but as a 28-year-old teacher was so heavily criticised for his outspoken views on our education system, he refused to participate in the series again. He’s back.
New series. Nearly 50 years since viewers first met a group of British seven-year-olds in Granada TV's 7 Up documentary, Michael Apted returns with another update to find out how their lives have changed. Now in their mid-50s, the participants - who include Andrew, Bruce, Jackie, Lynn, Neil, Paul, Sue, Symon and Tony - discuss the highs and lows of getting older, reveal whether they have achieved their ambitions and reflect on their appearances in previous instalments of the landmark series.
Radiotimes
