Following an introduction from BBC Commissioning Editor Emma Loach, joining host Rhianna Dhillon are director Julian Farino, executive producer Melanie Archer and contributors Oliver, Gemma, Orala as they discuss the hugely exciting return of the landmark generation-spanning documentary series “Up” - which has followed the lives of the same group of contributors every seven years since they were 7 years old- making its eagerly awaited return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer starting Wednesday 29^th September as a compelling two-part docuseries, 28Up Millennium Generation, produced by Multistory Media.

Watch here from 2.00pm this afternoon.

Series synopsis:

One of the BBC’s most ambitious documentary projects returns to BBC One this autumn for its fourth instalment. Over 20 years in the making, and made by the same production team throughout, 28Up Millennium Generation has followed the lives, every seven years, of a group of people with very different backgrounds from all over the UK.  All aged seven at the turn of the century, when the first film was made, they have now reached the age of 28.

As children we asked them about love, about God, about money and about their families. At 14 we found them pre-occupied with the challenges of teenage life. And at 21, as young adults, they were making their first steps towards independence, ending full-time study and searching for relationships and jobs.

Now we return to them at 28, as they settle into adulthood. Between them they’ve found fame, started new careers, and fallen in love.  They’ve struggled to overcome serious mental health issues, the pain of bereavement and broken dreams. Of our contributors, only a quarter have been able to afford their own home and only one is married and has children.  

The overriding theme of 28Up is that they have become more comfortable in themselves, and less apologetic about their opinions and choices, or as one puts it, 'got better and better at being me’.

Sanchez, from Leeds, has recovered from serious injury and the early end of his chosen career in professional football, to represent his beloved city in a different way; working as a local radio DJ and making regular appearances on TV.  Gemma from Bolton, who was born able-bodied but who was left severely paralysed by a rare virus that attacked her body at the age of two, has ‘found her calling’ championing the causes of other disabled people through her work for a local charity.  John from Slough ‘still loves all the same things’- anything vaguely dangerous and involving having a good time - but has still made time to go back to school and qualify as an electrician.  Oliver, from London who was educated at Eton, has reevaluated his priorities after spending time in the US and falling in love.  For Orala in Kettering, Covid has provided the impetus to to re-think and take a risk on a change of career embracing her love of music; and for Courtney in Liverpool a chance to prove to herself and others that she can survive and thrive in the toughest of times.  Having tried and failed to stick it out at uni first time round, Talan from Cornwall is working to overcome his battle with depression and is now in his second year of a degree at Nottingham University. And Ryan from Bolton, born with cerebral palsy, has finally moved out of his mum’s house and bought a home of his own. ntensely moving, the films are ultimately a celebration of the magic of ordinary lives, and a hopeful and optimistic account of what it means to be a British millennial.  21 years in the making, with the Ups we are privileged to witness the hopes, expectations, disappointments and joy of everyday life. And as a result, made to reflect on our own lives.