22 Kids and Counting stars fight back tears as son gets 'heartbreaking' news

The Radford family experienced a rollercoaster of emotions in the premiere episode of the new series of 22 Kids and Counting when son Casper faced a challenging moment.

As Britain's largest family graced our screens once more on Sunday (July 21), viewers were drawn into the drama of the Channel 5 programme.

Excitement was high as young Casper was selected for a coveted Premier League trial, with his parents Sue and Noel Radford beaming with pride. The trial was a golden opportunity for Casper to showcase his football talents in hopes of securing a place with one of the elite teams.

However, the outcome wasn't what the family had hoped for, and it fell to father Noel to break the difficult news. Opting for a gentle approach, Noel took Casper out for ice cream to soften the blow of not being scouted.

Noel explained to Casper: "The reason I've got here Casper is, remember when we went for the football trials and you were hoping to be picked by a scout? We've got an email back from them and unfortunately you didn't get scouted this time.", reports Lancs Live.

He added: "But they did say they were pleased with your performance but just on that day none of the scouts thought you were just ready yet to take it that bit further for a club."

Questioning his son, Noel asked, "I know it's not the news you wanted to hear. Are you upset? " To which a subdued Casper simply nodded in response.

Reflecting on the situation to the camera, with Sue by his side, Noel shared: "It's heartbreaking because just having to give your little lad news like that."

Sue chimed in with empathy, noting: "He was really upset wasn't he? ".

Noel Radford has opened up about the emotional challenges his son faced, saying: "I think he's had to hold the tears but we'll have to try again and go down and have another trial."

He also expressed his determination to support his son's aspirations, stating: "I'm really keen that Casper doesn't get down and fall at the first hurdle as such. He's got to keep his dream alive and these are the things you've got to cross at life."

The Radford family became household names back in 2021 when they burst onto our screens with their reality show. The prolific parents, Noel and Sue, have a brood that includes Chris, 34, Sophie, 29, Chloe, 28, Jack, 26, Daniel, 24, Luke, 22, Millie, 22, Katie, 21, James, 19, Ellie, 18, Aimee, 17, Josh, 16, Max, 14, Tillie, 13, Oscar, 11, Casper, 10, Hallie, eight, Phoebe, seven, Archie, six, Bonnie, four and Heidie, three.

22 Kids and Counting airs Sundays on Channel 5 at 8pm