The latest series of 22 Kids and Counting has drawn complaints from viewers who say the show is increasingly staged, after an episode saw Millie Radford kick her husband Harvey out of the family home.
The new series of the Channel 5 programme began earlier this month, with Noel and Sue Radford allowing cameras back into their home. In a recent episode, viewers saw Millie, one of their eldest daughters, having relationship problems with her husband Harvey, a month on from their first wedding anniversary.
Noel walked into the home to find Harvey's belongings packed in a bag and a photograph of the couple torn up on the floor. A clip shared on Channel 5's Instagram showed Millie telling Harvey they were 'through', with Harvey telling the cameras he had gone back to his mum's house after being told to leave. Elsewhere in the clip, Sue attempted to help the pair reconcile by calling in an expert in family dynamics.
Viewers complain about staged scenes
The Instagram clip was captioned: "Millie kicks Harvey out after reaching breaking point. But when Sue brings in an expert and some home truths hit hard, will Harley finally change his ways?" However, many viewers took to the comments section with the same complaint.
One person said: "This whole show is more and more staged." Another added: "Never watched something so scripted and set up. Absolutely ridiculous. What are the chances Noel was with the camera crew and the photo was placed in the middle of the floor in the most obvious ripped up pile?"
Someone else wrote: "So staged now. I liked watching it a few years ago." A fourth added: "Love this programme, but it's getting more like a soap opera these days. Can tell things are set up for the cameras… saying they are moving house. Which never happened. Millie's door was left open, and a ripped photo was on the floor. So fake."
Defenders and reconciliation
One viewer defended the programme, saying: "It may be more scripted and edited, but the storylines aren't fake if that's what you're suggesting. Not sure why a programme affects you so much." Another shared: "I love this. Well done to the Radfords for actually supporting even though he's not their kid, what a beautiful support system Millie and he have, and what a beautiful thing to do for your grandkids! Just amazing parenting and support, thank you!!"
During the episode, the pair made amends. Millie and Harvey have recently welcomed their fourth baby, sharing the news on social media this week that they had a little boy called Cooper-Jax. 22 Kids and Counting airs on Sundays on Channel 5 at 8pm.
