22 Kids & Counting: Noel is having a 'mid-life crisis' in new trailer
The latest series of 22 Kids and Counting launched with a heart-wrenching moment as 11 year old Casper faced crushing disappointment.
The episode, which aired on Channel 5, saw the youngster grappling with the harsh reality of his football aspirations being dashed.
Casper's hopes of becoming a professional footballer were dealt a severe blow when a scout deemed him "not ready" for club level, despite his and his family's high hopes. Noel, his father, shared the disheartening update with viewers: "Ah damn. The email was about Casper."
"We've received an email from the football trial people - we were really hoping for the best that he was going to get picked by a scout and end up in a club. That was his dream and our dream as well for him. Unfortunately he didn't. He's just not got through."
In an attempt to soften the blow, Noel took his son to enjoy an ice cream sundae, but Casper's spirits couldn't be lifted, leading him to lose interest in his dessert and, heartbreakingly, in football itself. Noel expressed his concern: "It's gonna be upsetting because he had his heart set on this. There's no sugarcoating it unfortunately, I've just got to tell him."
He added: "I'm really keen Casper doesn't get down and fall at the first hurdle. He's got to keep his dream alive. I really hope he keeps going. We'll do our best to help him get there."
His wife Sue went on to agree: "It's the hard thing about parenting, isn't it, having to give your kid bad news. But it's something that as a parent you just have to do." While Noel said: "These are the things you're going to come across in life."
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Speaking to Casper, Noel said: "Unfortunately you didn't get scouted this time, but they did say they were pleased with your performance. But on that day none of the scouts thought you were ready yet for taking it that bit further for a club. I know it's not the news you wanted to hear. Are you upset?"
He then told the cameras: "It's heartbreaking having to give your little lad news like that. It's always going to be difficult. Poor old Casper, he's got his head down and he's really quiet. Holding the tears back."
22 Kids and Counting airs Sundays at 8pm on Channel 5.
