70 Up's Jackie Bassett reveals she's fled Scotland for the English coast following heartbreaking family death
There's also a new man on the scene7 Up original Jackie Bassett opens up about a big change in her life in the 70 Up finale.
Jackie reveals she has upped sticks and left her home in Scotland for a new life down south on the coast.
The move comes more than a decade after the death of her ex-parter Ian, who died in a traffic accident.
Jackie and her sons were shaken to the core following the tragedy and she went on to reflect about it in both 56 Up and 64 Up.
The mum-of-three has now escaped to Norfolk to find “peace”. She has also got a new man in her life.
7 Up’s Jackie moves to Norfolk
Jackie will share her big life update in the highly-anticipated Up finale, 70 Up. The two-part documentary will give fans a last update from the participants before they bid the show farewell.
Jackie will be seen breathing in the sea air in Norfolk. She also lets the cameras into her new home.
“I’ve moved down to Norfolk,” Jackie will explain. “The major reason for that is I needed peace for myself. The sunshine helps and makes me feel better.
“Overall, I think it’s just made me happier in total. It’s not just one aspect of my life that is better.”
Jackie is now living in a retirement complex with her partner Eddie. The pair actually knew each other from their childhood in east London and have recently reunited.
Jackie, who had been living in Scotland since the mid-90s, admits: “Since I’ve moved here [Norfolk], life has been easier. A lot easier. I can do what I went, when I want and how I want.
“I think I’m living my second childhood actually.”
What happened to Jackie’s ex Ian?
Fans will remember that Jackie has three boys. Her eldest son, Charlie, is from a previous and brief relationship. She then had two boys during her relationship with Ian.
In 2012, Jackie spoke about the tragic death of her ex-partner. Ian died just days after their first grandchild – a little girl – was born.
Ian, who had already split with Jackie, had been receiving treatment for cancer when he was a hit by a car.
Jackie told 56 Up viewers while cradling her new granddaugher: “Unfortunately, her granddad Ian was severely injured in a road traffic accident. He subsequently died of those injuries.
“Unfortunately he never regained consciousness so he never even met her. He took a photo of her in his coffin.”
Seven years later Jackie reflected on that tragic time.
Speaking in 64 up, she said: “That was a monumental mess. The boys were devastated. As much as Ian and I didn’t with each other, it didn’t mean we didn’t love each other. I don’t think I’ve ever stopped loving him.”
Read more: 7 Up’s Nick Hitchon makes surprise appearance in 70 Up but tragically died three days after filming
