UK viewers left stunned – ADOPTED at just 10 days old, Noel Radford, now a Father of 22 – BREAKS DOWN during his seemingly healing 53-year search for his Birth Mother – BUT no one expected it to PUSH his Marriage with Sue Radford to the Brink.

Noel is on a quest to find his birth mum (Image: Channel 5)

Noel Radford was seen breaking down in tears moments after 22 Kids and Counting viewers were given a stark warning about “upsetting” scenes to come.

Sue and Noel Radford are the parents of Britain’s largest family. The couple have 22 children together as they have been growing their family over the past 30 years.

Sue was just 13 when she had her first child, and welcomed their latest addition back in 2020. A spin-off to the main show with aired tonight (July 20), titled 22 Kids & Counting: Noel’s Long-Lost Mum follows the couple as Noel sets out on a quest to find his birth mother.

Noel was placed up for adoption just 10 days after his birth back in 1971 and now wants to find out more about his past. Sue is also adopted but has shown no interest in tracking down her biological parents.

Airing on Channel 5, fans saw an emotional rollercoaster during 22 Kids and Counting: Noel’s Long Lost Mum. Ahead of the show, viewers were issued a warning regarding emotional scenes throughout.

Viewers were warned of upcoming scenes that may cause upset (Image: Channel 5)

Despite his search causing “disagreements” in his marriage, Noel admitted tonight that he was “only going to get one chance in life to find her”, as they brought in help.

On the show, Sue admits she has “never felt the need” to find her birth parents, which is a different experience to Noel. Opening up about feeling guilty, Noel confessed: “I do feel a bit rotten, a bit selfish almost. But I’m only going to get the one chance.”

And fans saw Sue share her worries that Noel would face “rejection” as she asked if he was to be rejected then “How’s he going to deal with that?”

But fans soon saw that two months after bringing in help from Leslie, it was confirmed that Noel’s birth mum had been found and despite the initial shock, she did want to meet him too. And Noel’s reaction was an emotional one as he broke down in tears with his head in his hands.

Noel received the news that his birth mother had been found (Image: Channel 5)

And fans have all spoken out on the emotional episode. On social media, one person wrote: “Its very emotional but his face said it all.”

Another added: “Not surprised Noel has reacted the way he did.” A third wrote: “it’s deffo an emotional one tonight had me in tears but I love 22 kids and counting.”

The show later saw Noel writing his first letter to his birth mother before the two eventually meet. However, Noel said it was “a lot to take in” as he shared he was feeling hesitant.

He added he and Sue were experiencing more problems following his journey as he reflects on whether it was the right decision to make.