Get ready for tears, joy, and moments that hit close to home—because the Radfords are back, and this time, their story goes deeper than ever before.
Fans of Britain’s biggest family, the Radfords, are in for a powerful new season as 22 Kids and Counting makes its highly anticipated return to Channel 5. Set to premiere on 20th July at 8PM, the beloved documentary series is about to peel back the curtain on a chapter of the family’s life that viewers have never seen before—one that centers not around the chaos of a big household, but around a deeply personal and emotional journey: Noel Radford’s search for his birth mother.
“Finding Mum: 50 Years Apart” — A Heartfelt Turning Point
The new season kicks off with an episode titled “Finding Mum: 50 Years Apart,” and from the very first teaser, it’s clear this won’t be a typical Radford family update.
Sue Radford, 50, took to Instagram to announce the return in a heartfelt post that sparked excitement across social media:
“We are back for a new series of 22 Kids and Counting! 20th July, 8pm, Channel 5 — we can’t wait to share what we’ve been up to.”
Alongside the announcement, a poignant teaser image hinted at the emotional weight of the series, featuring Noel front and center. For longtime fans, it was a powerful moment of vulnerability from a man usually seen calmly managing a household of 24.
From Chaos to Connection: The Radfords’ Unseen Struggles
Since their first appearance on 15 Kids and Counting in 2012, Sue and Noel Radford have built a loyal fan base captivated by their extraordinary family life—raising 22 children, navigating milestones from childbirth to weddings, running a bakery, and documenting it all with warmth and honesty.
But now, 22 Kids and Counting is taking a new direction—one that explores identity, loss, and belonging.
In a previous series, viewers saw a rare emotional glimpse into Noel’s past. During a candid therapy session, he revealed that he had been adopted at just 10 days old, and that he had never met his biological mother. That moment struck a chord with audiences, and now it appears Noel is finally confronting that lingering question: Who is my birth mum—and does she want to meet me?
“Noel is always really emotional when he talks about his adoption,” Sue said.
“He can never really hold his feelings in. His birth mum might not want anything to do with him.”
This new journey, filmed amid the backdrop of the family’s day-to-day life, could become one of the show’s most moving and human storylines yet.
Fans React: “We’ve Missed You!”
The return announcement has lit up fan pages and comment sections across the internet, with longtime viewers expressing excitement—and bracing themselves for what promises to be an emotional ride.
“YES I’VE BEEN WAITING SO LONG FOR THIS!”
“Hallelujah, something decent to watch – cannot wait!”
“Can’t wait to see what you guys have been up to ”
“This looks like the most emotional season yet. We’re not ready ”
Many are praising the Radfords for their openness and vulnerability, and for continuing to use their platform to share real-life stories that touch hearts across the UK and beyond.
What to Expect This Season
While Noel’s adoption journey is set to be the emotional centerpiece, viewers can still expect all the classic Radford chaos and charm that fans love—from birthday parties and teen drama to the realities of running a household of 24. As always, the series captures the raw, unfiltered moments that make the Radfords so relatable—even with 22 kids in tow.
Whether it’s a quiet heart-to-heart between father and son, a frantic school morning, or a deeply personal letter from the past, this new season promises to balance the big moments with the small, capturing both the laughter and the tears of family life.