ONE of Britain’s first reality TV stars is back in the spotlight as a groundbreaking documentary which began following the fortunes of 14 children in the 1960s returns.

Tony Walker, who lives in Brakeley Square, Woodford Green, captured the hearts of the nation in 1964 when, as a cheeky seven-year-old, he appeared in the ITV documentary ‘7 Up ‘and spoke of his desire to be a jockey.

Since then, the programme has returned every seven years to catch up with Tony and the other children who featured in it, and the latest instalment, '56 Up' begins tonight (May 14).

Now a black cab driver, Tony said: “Every seven years things get a little bit hectic!

“The attention that we all get is unbelievable and it’s not only in this country.

“I’ve been recognised as far away as Sydney and New York.

“In August I’m off to Mississippi to take part in a charity fundraiser for underprivileged kids with Morgan Freeman.

“It’s just unbelievable that a kid from a council house in Bethnal Green is being asked to help out Hollywood stars, but that’s the impact the show has had across the world.”

Tony left school to follow his dream of being a jockey at the age of 15, but although he raced against Lester Piggott, his plan to make a living on the racetrack didn’t work out.

He said: “I still watch horseracing today and think ‘that should have been me’.

“But that’s life and I can’t complain too much.”

Although the show has many happy memories for Tony, he admits to finding some aspects difficult.

He explained: “My mum died in 1989 and my dad in 1990.

“It’s very emotional for me to see them on screen and I prefer to be on my own when I watch it because it makes me cry.

“They were so proud of me for being on the TV and for representing the East End.

“I’m glad I’m a part of the show and it’s amazing to think my five grandchildren will be able to watch me after I’m gone.

“Watching it now, I don’t think I’ve changed that much.

“If you look at the cheeky little kid from the 60s, that’s still me really. I’m just a happy go lucky guy.”

56 Up begins at 9pm on ITV 1 tonight.

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Twitter

Click here to follow the Wanstead and Woodford Guardian on Facebook