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BRITAIN’S Biggest Family is back on our screens and tonight we saw the Radford family fighting back tears after their long-awaited dreams were shattered.
In tonight’s episode, the first of the new Channel 5 series of 22 Kids & Counting, Sue, 49, and Noel Radford’s dream of moving to the country is shattered.
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After living in their 10-bedroom house in Morecambe, Lancashire, which they bought for £240,000 and which has become known as the ‘millionaire’s mansion’ 20 years ago in 2004, the previous series, three months ago, saw Noel and Sue make a decision that would change their lives.
The family’s dream became a reality when an offer was accepted on a beautiful farm, surrounded by fields, that promised country living for the whole family.
Sue explains: “Ever since I was quite young I always wanted to live in the countryside.”
“It will be great for the kids. It’s everything we want.”
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But tonight’s episode left the pair completely devastated after Noel received a call from Kirstie, the estate agent.
As Noel, 53, drove home, Kirstie broke the heartbreaking news, as she explained: “The vendors have just contacted us this morning and there is a development going on.
“This is never an easy decision to make.
“Unfortunately, it appears that their own home purchase has fallen through, causing the chain to collapse and meaning that they have taken their home off the market.”
Noel tried to hold back his tears, cleared his throat and admitted: “I’m really pissed off.
“We had our hearts set on that house. The children have all seen it, they are really excited about it.”
Clearly very concerned, he added: “Sue will be absolutely devastated.”
When Noel got home, he broke the terrible news to his 22-year-old mother, who was cooking dinner at the time.
Who’s who in the Radford family?
The Radfords are the largest family in Britain, with 22 children.
Below you see the children from oldest to youngest:
- Chris – born on May 7, 1989
- Sophie – born December 13, 1993
- Chloe – born July 31, 1995
- Jack – born on April 9, 1997
- Daniel – born March 3, 1999
- Luke – born October 1, 2000
- Millie Radford – born August 29, 2001
- Katie – born November 14, 2002
- James – born October 17, 2003
- Ellie – born May 6, 2005
- Aimee – born April 21, 2006
- Josh – born July 3, 2007
- Max – born December 11, 2008
- Tillie – born on May 2, 2010
- Oscar – born October 22, 2011
- Casper, – born on October 3, 2012
- Hallie – born on June 3, 2015
- Phoebe – born July 24, 2016
- Archie – born September 18, 2017
- Bonnie – born on November 6, 2018
- Heidie – born on April 3, 2020
Sue, who previously admitted she cleans seven hours a day, was understandably very upset, saying: “I don’t feel like talking about it.”
Noel, who first met Sue when she was just seven, revealed at the time: “It’s taken the wind out of her sails.
How does the Radford family of 22 survive?
As Britain’s largest family, it’s no surprise that Sue and Noel Radford have hefty bills.
Together they have no less than 22 children and seven dogs, which makes some people wonder how they manage their money.
The Radfords support themselves with proceeds from Noel’s bakery, The Radford Pie Company, which is located near their home.
On their websiteit says: “Since 1999 we have had our own beautiful bakery, providing (and feeding) our large and growing family, as well as the local people of Heysham and Morecambe.”
The family expanded their business to process online orders in the UK.
The business is a family affair, with Noel at the helm and a number of their children helping out.
The older children, who work at least part-time, do not travel for free, but have to pay a small amount of rent to their parents.
“We seniors do pay a little bit of board and lodging. Granted, it’s not much, but I’m also trying to save for my own house at the moment,” their daughter Chloe said in a video on the Youtube Channel.
Sue added: “We’ve always said that if you want to buy somewhere, renting is a bit of dead money, so we’d rather you save that money and stay home for a bit longer.
“I also believe that they should pay board if they earn money. Our parents always raised us with the idea that we had to pay board.”
Noel and Sue are known for not relying on benefits to support their prolific brood, and for living off their pie shop.
They also indicated that they make money from brand partnerships on social media.
The Radford family stars in their own reality TV show 22 Kids and Counting, which has been running for four seasons.
Brand expert Andy Barr believes Noel and Sue were paid less than £10,000 per show.
He told the Daily mail: “The average fee per episode will be in the thousands, rather than the tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands that people often think is the case with these types of TV shows.
“If they continue to request a fourth or fifth season, then they can ask for a higher fee.”
He estimates the Radfords earn £5,000 per episode.
“She’s feeling really down and fed up.”
Following the family’s disappointment, the father of 22 confirmed, “We put the whole thing on hold.”
Sue spoke candidly about the situation: “We were absolutely devastated that we were not going to have that country life anymore.
“It was quite difficult.”
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