Channel 5 has confirmed that 22 Kids and Counting will not air this Sunday night, leaving fans of the Radford family surprised as the broadcaster makes an unexpected change to its primetime schedule.
The popular reality series, which follows parents Sue and Noel Radford and their record-breaking family, is usually broadcast every Sunday at 8pm. However, this weekend’s episode has been removed at short notice and replaced with live snooker coverage.
Why Has the Show Been Pulled?
Channel 5 confirmed that Sunday’s fourth episode has been postponed to make way for the Players Championship snooker final, which will run from 6.30pm to 9pm from the Telford International Centre.
Following the snooker coverage, Rich House Poor House will air instead.
A spokesperson confirmed that 22 Kids and Counting has not been cancelled and will return to its usual slot the following Sunday.
What Happened in the Last Episode?The scheduling shake-up comes just one week after an emotional and distressing episode aired, which saw Millie Radford and Harley Passmore scrambling to raise £2,000 in a desperate bid to prevent their beloved puppy from being euthanised.
The commentary and analysis team for the tournament includes Stephen Hendry, Alan McManus, John Higgins and Matthew Stevens.
When Will the Radfords Return?
Channel 5 has confirmed that 22 Kids and Counting will return next Sunday, with a powerful episode focusing on Noel and Sue’s son Max, aged 16, as he prepares to sit his GCSEs.
Max has long dreamed of working in major engineering fields — from aircraft and submarines to ships and even spacecraft.
But the upcoming episode will explore the significant challenges standing in his way.
A Story of Determination and Neurodiversity
The episode synopsis reveals that Max, who is autistic, excels in logic, maths and physics, yet struggles profoundly with expressive subjects such as English.
The stakes are high: failing English GCSE could derail his ambitions before they even begin.
The programme promises an intimate look at Max’s determination, the pressures he faces, and the emotional toll on the Radford family as they support him through one of the most critical moments of his young life.
A Temporary Change — But a Big Reaction
While Channel 5 insists the schedule change is purely temporary, the decision has already sparked discussion among viewers, many of whom were expecting the next chapter of the Radfords’ story this weekend.
With emotion still running high after last week’s episode — and another deeply personal story set to air next week — fans will be counting down the days until the family returns to screens.
