22 Kids and Counting on C5: Sue and Noel Radford's son Josh diagnosed with agoraphobia
Josh will speak about his diagnosis in the next episodeSue and Noel Radford face a deeply upsetting moment in 22 Kids and Counting after their son Josh is diagnosed with agoraphobia.
The long-running Channel 5 stars are given the diagnosis in the next episode of the show.
It comes as 18-year-old Josh suffers a “funny turn”, prompting urgent concern from his parents and medical professionals.
Josh had called his dad Noel during the incident and explained that he felt ‘unable to breathe’.
Sue and Noel had already noticed their sixth eldest son was finding it increasingly difficult to leave the house.
After seeking advice and undergoing checks, doctors will confirm Josh has agoraphobia.
Sue and Noel Radford’s son Josh diagnosed with agoraphobia
According to the NHS, agoraphobia is defined as a fear of situations where escape may be difficult or where help might not be available if something goes wrong.
It also explains that people with the condition can experience panic attack symptoms when placed under stress. This includes rapid breathing and an increased heartbeat.
Josh speaks openly about his struggles in the trailer for the next episode of 22 Kids and Counting, which has just returned to Channel 5 for its eighth series.
The upcoming episode places Josh at its centre, as he reflects on how his life has changed.
In the emotional preview, Josh says: “Life was much simpler when you’re a child. When you grow older your life is more, I guess, stressful.
“I never would have guessed I’d have the problems that I have now. It’s hard to say that I’m struggling.”
The trailer also shows Noel receiving a distressing phone call while out shopping.
“Josh has had a funny turn. He says he can’t breathe,” Noel explains to the camera.
Sue and Noel then go on to speak to a doctor. They are visibly worried as she outlines the diagnosis.
“He’s stopped accessing life outside of the home. That would qualify a diagnosis of agoraphobia,” she says.
Looking out from his bedroom, Josh adds: “I do hope that me doing this does give people courage to also open up and ask someone for help.”
22 Kids and Counting returns
22 Kids and Counting returned to Channel 5 last night. The latest run launched with an episode centred on another major family upheaval.
The opening instalment of series eight focused on Sue and Noel’s 32 year old daughter Sophie. She has recently split from her husband Joe after 10 years.
Sophie shared her heartbreak with her parents and became emotional as she spoke about the end of her marriage.
“There won’t be any going back. Enough’s enough. It’s not very nice. You marry someone to spend the rest of your life with them,” she said.
Later in the show, Sophie disappeared for two days without making contact.
Viewers later learned she was safe and at home, having taken time out to mentally process the split.
22 Kids and Counting continues at 8pm on Channel 5 on Sunday February 8, 2026.
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