70 Up stars Jackie and Sue reveal why iconic series 'would never be made today'
Jackie and Sue also share why only four girls were picked for the show7 Up originals Jackie Bassett and Sue Fitzgerald are not convinced the ground-breaking documentary series would be made today.
Jackie and Sue will appear in the show for one final time when the first 70 Up episode kicks off tonight.
The ladies were first interviewed about their lives alongside a string of other kids when they were just seven years old.
It was 1964 and the children came from a range of class and social backgrounds. They were then interviewed every seven years throughout their lives.
Now aged 70, Jackie and Sue have reflected back on the show. And they’re not certain it would ever be made in 2026.
Their thoughts come after ITV slapped a ‘trigger warning’ on their original 7 Up episode for “outdated attitudes”.
70 Up’s Sue and Jackie reflect on documentary series
Jackie and Sue attended the same primary school. In the early Up series’, they were interviewed together alongside fellow pupil and participant Lynn Johnson, who sadly died in 2013.
The ladies have now appeared on This Morning ahead of the 70 Up final to discuss their memories. They have also revealed why the show only ever picked four girls, compared with 10 boys.
Both Jackie and Sue put this down to the original director, the late Michael Apted’s “upbringing”.
“He really thought we’d all be housewives and maybe not particularly interesting,” Sue said on the ITV daytime show. “In his defence, he did say he regretted only choosing four girls.”
Jackie added: “He just had this idea that, even at 21, we were just going to be little women in the kitchen.”
Looking back, she admitted: “It’s a whole different ballgame now. I don’t think you could do it now.”
Agreeing, Sue said:”There’s too many rules about what you can say and what you can’t say. It was such a breeze, it was easy for us then.”
End of a era
Both Jackie and Sue feel the same about the Up series coming to an end. They feel honoured to have taken part. However, they are also relieved to be closing the door on it.
Jackie told hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard: “It’s bitter sweet. We always get the call that the next one is due and you panic a bit.
“You can’t remember what you’ve done. It’s quite nice to think it’s stopping. We haven’t got to think of any of that again.”
Sue added: “I’m full of pride because I do recognise it’s an achievement. For us, it’s just our lives. I’m sad now, but I think it’s a good time to finish.
“We’re all getting on a bit and who knows what’s going to happen now. At the moment, we’re all in a good place so it’s good to go out on a high.”
