Josh Radford's Emotional Admission on 22 Kids and Counting
Fans of the popular Channel 5 series 22 Kids and Counting were left in tears as Josh Radford bravely shared his personal struggle following a recent diagnosis. The latest episode, which aired on Sunday, February 8, 2026, delved into Josh's unexpected journey, capturing a story that was both heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting.
A Birthday That Raised Concerns
The episode began on Josh's 18th birthday, a milestone that typically calls for celebration. However, his family grew worried when he expressed no interest in marking the occasion. Sue Radford, his mother, noted, "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." Initially, his father Noel assumed Josh was simply being lazy, but the situation soon took a more serious turn.
Health Scares and a Diagnosis
After Josh complained of vision changes and frequent headaches, Sue took him for an eye test. Josh described feeling like he was "going blind," which deeply alarmed his parents. Sue 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." The situation escalated when Josh was rushed to hospital after a panic attack at 3am, leading to a visit to the GP where his behaviour was initially attributed to feeling overwhelmed and anxious.
Ultimately, Josh was diagnosed with agoraphobia, an anxiety disorder characterised by intense fear and avoidance of situations where escape seems difficult or help is unavailable. This condition often stems from panic attacks and can lead to avoiding public transport, crowds, or even leaving home altogether. Over the following weeks, Josh became increasingly quiet, and his anxiety prevented him from participating in family events, such as birthday parties and births.
Family Reactions and Fan Support
Sue expressed her frustration and heartbreak, stating, "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." Noel also shared his feelings of guilt, admitting, "I do feel like I've let him down. As a dad, as a parent, should I have picked up on this earlier?" Despite the challenges, Josh remained hopeful, saying, "I do hope that me doing this does give people courage to also open up and ask someone for help."
Fans of the show quickly took to social media to offer their support. One viewer wrote, "I'm really sad about this I hope Josh gets the support he needs. I've been crying since the beginning." Another added, "Awww I just want to give Josh a hug, really feel for him." A third person commented, "Hope Josh is OK one step at a time love," while a fourth shared, "My heart breaks for the poor lad. Going through what he has." The outpouring of empathy highlighted the impact of Josh's story on audiences.
Conclusion
This special episode of 22 Kids and Counting, filmed over 12 months, provided a raw and intimate look into Josh Radford's battle with agoraphobia. It not only shed light on the realities of mental health struggles but also emphasised the importance of family support and open dialogue. The show continues to be available for viewing on Channel 5, resonating with viewers who appreciate its honest portrayal of personal challenges.
