They are like my children. Sometimes want to them, sometimes want to them...
a schoolgirl from London’s East End. She thought she would work at Woolworths, but became a children’s librarian. She struggled with a brain condition and died suddenly in 2013.
“It was devastating for all of us – the first member of our Up family has gone,” says Michael. “We knew while filming in her 40s she had an illness at work but it was a terrible shock when she died.” Hearing that Nicholas, a farmer’s son from the Yorkshire Dales, who became a US university professor, has throat cancer was another painful blow.
Nicholas, who settled in America after marrying Jackie, later divorced and by 49 had a new wife Cryss.
“Nick has always been helpful and smart as hell. It’s unbearable to think of him so ill,” says Michael.
Of all the cast, viewers perhaps have most affection for Neil Hughes, who endured mental heath struggles. In 1964 the lovable Liverpudlian dreamed of being an astronaut. But by 21 he was in a squat. By 28 he was homeless and living in the Highlands. He got his life together and is now a Lib Dem councillor. But Michael still worries about him the most.
“We strike a balance between checking on everyone and respecting their privacy. But with Neil, because I live in Los Angeles, Claire frequently had him over for Christmas with her family.
“It was a shame his marriage fell apart. But I like to think we have helped, in some way, to look after Neil.”
Michael, married with four children and three grandchildren, is careful not to predict if there will be a 70 Up.
“I have no idea what will happen And I’m 78 – I might drop dead any minute!”
LYNN JOHNSON
We were devastated to lose her and sad to make a tribute piece about her.
It was hard to do Lynn justice and heartbreaking to see the illness take hold throughout the years of filming. She was the first of the Up family to go and will always be missed. Sir Michael Apted has a deep relationship with the show’s cast
Tell us what you think: yourvoice@mirror.co.uk SYMON BASTERFIELD
Me and Symon both support West Ham and that’s a big bond between us.
When he was 14, I took him to the club’s ground and they let him go into the dressing rooms.
He’s a wonderful guy and is also very clear-headed.
PAUL KLIGERMAN He’s adorable. He’s honest with us, always very co-operative and is also very generous when we go to visit him in Australia.
He’s a very sweet and brave guy.
PETER DAVIES
He and I are incredibly friendly. But he was very upset and full of resentment when he was criticised for his political views.
We’re both football maniacs and always got on well, so when he declined to appear in three films it made me doubly angry.
To persuade him back, I said: “I’ll play your songs – you can just stand there and sing.” That’s what won him over. We are very chummy now.
SUSAN DAVIS Sue’s cheerful, optimistic and energetic. Her parents are still alive and she’s had no great tragedies in her life but is more reflective about the circle of life now.
She is divorced but very happy with her fiance.
NICHOLAS HITCHON