7 Up's Paul 'I don't like greens' Kligerman shares his words of wisdom as series ends with emotional 70 Up
Paul did not want a wife in case she made him eat greensPaul Kligerman is one of the most memorable characters from 7 Up thanks to his declaration about ‘not liking greens’.
Aged 7, Paul captured the hearts of the nation when he was asked if he would like to have a wife one day.
The little boy who lived in a children’s home replied: “Say you had a wife and had to eat what they cooked you. And say I don’t like greens, well I don’t like greens.
“And say she said you have to eat what you’re given. But I don’t like greens.”
63 years on, Paul has rejoined nearly all of his fellow 7 Up stars as the groundbreaking documentary series comes to a close.
And before bidding farewell in the 70 Up finale, he has offered some poignant and important words of advice to viewers.
Paul ‘I don’t like greens’ Kligerman in 70 Up finale
7 Up viewers were introduced to Paul in 1964 when he was seven. He lived in a children’s home in Middlesex alongside fellow seven-year-old and 7 Up star, Symon Basterfield.
By the next episode, which was filmed seven years later, there had been a big change in his life. Paul had emigrated to Australia with his father and brother.
But confidence was Paul’s biggest issue. Now 14, he struggled with it.
In 1977, 21 Up captured Paul in Australia. He admitted he still “struggled to express his emotion”, but on the whole, things were looking up.
Paul admitted: “Things have fallen into line and everything. And I’ve started to enjoy life. I’ve started to think I’m not a no-hoper. I think that’s what I’ve always thought about myself.”
He married girlfriend Sue and they settled in Melbourne. Together, they had two children.
Paul also rebuilt his estranged relationship with his mother. The Up series meant he had to travel back to the UK for filming, which he says ‘brought them back together’.
Sadly, Paul’s beloved father died 10 years ago. It transpired that he had spent time living in a children’s home due to his parents’ “messy divorce”.
Paul’s words of advice to 70 Up fans
In 70 Up, viewers will see Paul doting on his multiple grandchildren. He and wife Sue are happily married still after four decades together.
Sharing some words of wisdom as the final Up chapter closes, he urges viewers to focus on their family bonds.
“You need a good family,” he reflects. “You need it for yourself and you need it to make your life whole.
“My dad, he passed away about 10 years ago. He brought us up and was a good man…” Paul breaks off as he chokes up. He then adds: “He did the best he did and, as far as I’m concerned, he did a good job.”
Paul will then tell 70 Up viewers: “You have to learn to be kind to other people and forgive them for their failings.
“Live the best, honest life you can. The happier your family is, the more it spreads out and just keeps getting bigger.”
When does 70 Up start?
70 Up will air across two episodes, with the first instalment starting at 9pm on ITV1 on Tuesday September 15, 2026.
The second and final episode will follow a week later, also at 9pm on ITV1.
ITV is also preparing two documentaries about the Up series, although a release date for these has not yet been confirmed.
What an emotional ride it’s been.
Read more: 7 Up’s Charles Furneaux will feature in 70 Up finale and reveal exactly why he quit the show age 21
