Sue and Noel Radford and their children were back on screens on Sunday for the latest episode of Channel 5’s 22 Kids and Counting which followed son Josh Radford’s story
Dan Laurie Deputy Editor of Screen Time
20:40, 08 Feb 2026Updated 22:19, 08 Feb 2026
Josh Radford admitted “I’m struggling” during the latest episode of 22 Kids and Counting
22 Kids and Counting fans rushed to support Josh Radford after he admitted “I’m struggling”.
During Sunday’s (February 8) instalment of the Channel 5 show, Josh Radford made a sad admission about how much he was “struggling”.
Filmed over 12 months, the special episode told the story he never expected to share which was ultimately moving, heartbreaking but uplifting.
The show begun on Josh’s 18th birthday and his family were left concerned when he said he wasn’t bothered about doing anything to mark the special occasion.
Mum Sue Radford observed: “Josh has always been the life and soul of the party. He’s always a bubbly joker, so him not wanting to socialise, that for me, that’s not Josh.”
While dad Noel Radford assumed his son was being “lazy” things took a worrying turn, leaving the family in fear.
The special episode of the Channel 5 show followed Josh’s story
After complaining about a change in vision and an increase in headaches, Sue took the youngster for an eye test.
While Josh felt like he was “going blind” his mother explained: “He said his eyesight had gone funny and he felt like something seriously wasn’t right.
“When Josh said he felt like he was going blind, that obviously as a parent really does worry you. He was really, really scared.”
Later in the episode, Josh was rushed to hospital after he was awake in panic at 3am. After a trip to the GP, the teen’s behaviour was put down to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Sue and Noel Radford were surprised when Josh didn’t want to celebrate his 18th birthday
He was also diagnosed with agoraphobia – an anxiety disorder marked by intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape seems difficult or help unavailable.
Agoraphobia often stems from panic attacks but also from fears of being trapped or embarrassed, leading to avoidance of public transport, crowds or even leaving home.
Four weeks later, Josh become increasingly quiet and his anxiety even stopped him leaving the house.
Sue stressed: “Family things, birthday parties, births, he’s just not been able to do anything. It’s so frustrating and as a mother it really does break your heart.”
Fans have been left emotional after listening to Josh’s story
Unsure on what to do next, Noel admitted: “I do feel like I’ve let him down. As a dad, as a parent, should I have picked up on this earlier?”
Josh said: “I do hope that me doing this does give people courage to also open up and ask someone for help.”
Fans rushed to social media to send a supporting message to Josh, with one writing: “‘m really sad about this I hope Josh gets the support he needs. I’ve bene crying since the beginning.”
Another added: “Awww I just want to give Josh a hug, really feel for him.” A third person said: “Hope Josh is OK one step at a time love.”
A fourth wrote: “My heart breaks for the poor lad. Going through what he has.” Someone else said: “This is so emotional for me to watch. I feel so connected with this story and I still struggle today with my anxiety. Thank you Josh.”
22 Kids and Counting is available to watch on Channel 5
Anyone who needs to talk to someone about mental health issues can call the Samaritans on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000