John

Having left school at 16 to complete his A Levels at college, John worked for five years in a bike shop before joining his step-dad Darren’s building firm, where he is learning the trade on the job. Although they have only just started working together, John and Darren have always been close. To John, Darren is simply ‘Dad’.

John moved out of the family home he shared with his four brothers when he was eighteen into a flat of his own. He loves the independence that comes with having a job and his own place. John works to support his passions – music and BMX – which take him all over the UK and the world.

We’ve seen you aged seven and 14 – but where are you now?

"Living in Slough, doing building and refurbishment."

Are you following the path you imagined for yourself when you were those ages?

"Not entirely, but I am happy with where I am."

And how have your relationships changed (your family, friends and partners)

"My family relationship is a lot stronger since I have been living on my own. I am now in committed relationship and have been for nearly a year with [girlfriend] Sophia."

Looking back to those ages, what advice would you give yourself?

"There is no advice I would give myself. Everything happens for a reason. I don't really regret anything; I don't have a bad life. I've got good people around me. And at seven and 14 I was a just kid with no worries. And to be honest I still am!"

Are there any moments you look back on and think ‘perhaps I would have done that differently’?

"Not really. There are some things career wise I would have done different due to my love of old cars, but have only really developed this love over the last three years."

Where should we expect to find you when Up New Generation returns in seven years' time?

"Who knows! [I'm] not going to plan ahead that far; just wait and see what my future brings. But hopefully more cars and more stamps in the passport. I imagine I'll still be riding my bike and playing with old cars!"