The Radford kids create foolproof plan to send parents-of-22 Sue & Noel abroad for their FIRST couple’s trip in 30 years
BRITAIN’S biggest family were back on our TV screens tonight, with the seventh episode of the third series of their hit show, 22 Kids & Counting.
Sue Radford and her husband Noel, have 22 children, nine grand-children and six dogs.
Last year the family had their busiest year to date, but this year is sure to be full of more challenges and tribulations.
In their new series they’re facing a wave of super-sized family dramas, unlike anything they’ve ever experienced before.
In tonight’s episode, episode seven, Sue and Noel planned a romantic meal at home to celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary.
Sue said: “We’ll have a nice romantic meal here, which by the way, is never really romantic as we’ve always got kids that gatecrash.
“We can’t really go away, could you go imagine?”
Noel: “The house would go to chaos.”
But this year, the kids had other plans and considering Noel and Sue haven’t had a kid-free holiday in 30 years, the youngsters cracked a foolproof plan to send Mum and Dad off on their dream trip abroad.
The kids managed to get Sue and Noel out of the house, so they could gather for a “secret meeting” to discuss organising a trip abroad for the couple.
The Radford kids were determined to make the couple’s trip something to remember.
Once the kids had the plan sorted, they gathered Sue and Noel in the garden to tell them the news.
Casper explained: “Mum and dad, we have made a foolproof plan to celebrate your 30th anniversary. This is your chance to go away and have the best holiday you can and to not phone call us and to not worry about us.
“This is your challenge, will you accept it? Well, you’ve got no choice.”
The siblings came up with a plan so that the couple could go abroad and everything would be looked after in their absence.
They explained that Chloe would look after Heidi, Jack would clean the bathrooms and Luke would work at the bakery.
Sue noted: “The kids have thought of absolutely everything.”
Whilst Noel added: “They’re determined that we get away.
“30 years Sue – this is the first time that we’ve been able to get away and if it wasn’t for the kids organising it, we wouldn’t be able to do it.
“The only thing I’m a bit worried about – Luke looking after the bakery.”
Another of the couple’s worries was the Radfords’ youngest, Heidi – as she was still being breastfed.
Sue explained: “I’m just a bit worried about Heidi. I really hope she can cope and that I can get her off the boob before we go on holiday.”
The couple put their worries aside and listened to the kids instructions to jet away and forget about everything else.
They planned a luxury trip to the Maldives and soon enough, the time came to jet away.
The bumper mum said: “I very nearly backed out of going, twice, because we didn’t want to leave the kids.
“Now that we’re on our way it does feel a million miles away, but it’s time to concentrate on ourselves.”
After a long 18-hour journey, the couple finally landed in paradise in the Maldives.
As the couple relaxed in their swimwear, soaking up the sun, as Noel noted: “It’s just paradise.”
Sue agreed: “We’ve got to try really hard to not talk about the kids. Adult conversation only, no kids mentioned.”
Back in Morecambe, the kids were showing some surprisingly good behaviour as they carried out their chores.
But things soon took a turn for the worst, as Sophie had to take Heidi to the doctors after an accident at nursery.
The kids were faced with a dilemma – tell Sue and risk ruining the holiday, or keep quiet and risk fury when she returns.
Despite Sophie’s concerns, Katie stood firm in the family’s decision to leave the couple undisturbed.
5,500 miles away, unaware of the trouble back home, Noel and Sue were exploring the stunning island.
The pair went bike riding and snorkelling in the clear water seas.
After 30 years, the couple shared their top secrets for a long-lasting partnership.
Sue explained: “Tips for a really healthy marriage are, never go to bed on an argument, ever.
“Always support each other.”
Whilst Noel added: “I think the main thing is communication.
“And say yes to your wife to everything and it makes life so much easier.”
Sue then gushed: “I could never, ever, ever imagine myself with anyone but Noel.
“We’re just soulmates.”