For tree surgeon Alan Paton, life in the UK meant spending up to 90 hours a week away from his family with work. Desperate for a more balanced life, the Patons spent a week in Adelaide to find out if emigrating could offer the answer. But, after being faced with high costs and the painful reality of leaving loved ones behind, we catch up with them a year later to find out whether they were able to make the move for good.
For teachers Vanessa and Phil Taylor, New Zealand offered the dream of a better family life in an ideal setting. However their children were less sure about a move down under. In 2009 they travelled to Auckland to spend a week discovering how the reality compared. But, after family developments put their plans on hold, the future looked far from certain. Two years on we re-join the Taylors to find out how and where they are now.
Faced with tough times at home in Leeds, the Cliff family embarked on a week-long trip to Adelaide to see if Oz could offer them the welcome chance of a new start. But, with emotions and prices running high, would emigrating really be the answer? A year later we revisit the Cliff family and find out where their journey took them next.
For 30 years, Lyn Horn dreamt of a move to Australia, however, persuading her teenage daughter to share that dream would be a tough experience for the whole family. Did their week in Adelaide convince them that emigrating would be worth the pain? A year later, where is the Horn family living?
For the Mills family, Oz offered a chance to live the lifestyle they had long dreamt of. But, after discovering that life down under would not come without sacrifices, were they able to take that final step and make the move for good? Two years on, find out what happened to the Mills family.
For teacher Scott Corbett, Australia offered the chance to live the outdoor life he dreamt of with his family. But wife Victoria feared the pain of leaving her home and family would be too much to take. After a year, find out what has happened to the Corbett family since their week in Adelaide.
Lois and Wayne Foster hoped that emigrating may offer their family the life they dreamt of down under. But for Lois it would come at the huge cost of leaving her teenage daughter in the UK. Find out if it was a price they were willing to pay.
Faced with work pressures at home, Helen and Tim Booth hoped a move to Australia could give them the chance to live the closer family life they dreamt of. But Helen's teenage daughter Steph had big worries about leaving everything she had at home. A year later, find out what happened after they made the big decision.
Nicki Chapman catches up with the Turner family, who spent a week in Perth.
Nicki Chapman catches up with the Coe family, who spent a week in Auckland, New Zealand.
Nicki Chapman catches up with the Stitt family, who decided to try a week in Australia.
Nicki Chapman catches up with Jim and Michelle, who were tempted to move to Australia.
Nicki Chapman catches up with Dave and Jenny, who spent a week in Darwin.
Nicki Chapman catches up with Karen and Alan, five years after their trial week.
Nicki Chapman catches up with Sharon, four years after she spent a week in New Zealand.
Nicki Chapman meets up with Ian and wife Jacqui, four years after they visited Perth.
Nicki Chapman meets up with the Buchanan family, who were divided over whether to move.
Nicki meets up with the Cliff family, who embarked on a week-long trip to Adelaide.
Single mum Tanya and her teenage son Jordan share an especially close bond. A year ago, Tanya believed Australia's outdoor lifestyle could improve the quality of life for both her and her wildlife-loving son, who has Asperger syndrome. The pair spent a trial week in Perth, Western Australia, checking out the property, work and lifestyle opportunities before facing a life-changing decision - whether to stay in the UK or leave loved ones behind and start a new life on the other side of the world? One year on, Nicki Chapman discovers if the pair went ahead and made the move down under.
Three years ago a motorcycling accident left Stan Baum fighting for his life. Although he was recovering, wife Andrea believed moving to Australia could help the process and offer the couple a better future. One year ago, they spent an emotional trial week living in Brisbane, before being faced with a life-changing decision - if they should leave behind loved ones who had helped them through tough times and make the move down under. One year on, Nicki Chapman finds out on which side of the world the couple are now living.
Billy Fitzpatrick was keen to make a new start for his family in New Zealand. For wife Beth, things weren't as straightforward. She struggled to come to terms with the thought of leaving her mum behind in the UK. Two years ago, the Fitzpatrick family spent a trial week living in Auckland. Beth seemed to be won over by the opportunities New Zealand offered, but did the family actually go ahead and make the move to the other side of the world?
Nurse Norma Jean believed a better future awaited her young family in Australia, even though she'd never been. But partner Steven wanted to stay at home, where he was surrounded by close friends, family and his beloved Newcastle United. One year ago, the couple spent a week in Adelaide sampling Australian property, work and lifestyle opportunities, and Steven seemed to be coming round to the appeal of a life down under. Twelve months after their time there, have the Robinsons made the move to Australia for good?
The close-knit Wintrip family were determined to spend more time together, and thought a new life in Australia could be the answer. The only problem was that moving would mean splitting their family up for good - a prospect mum Sheri found terrifying. One year ago, the family spent a trial week living in Perth, with Sheri and Paul hoping to persuade son Ryan to make the move along with daughter Grace. Twelve months later, discover if the family is still together, and which side of the world they're living on.
Glenn and Sue Morse had a seemingly idyllic life in the countryside with their two children. But long shifts as a policeman meant Glenn was missing out on his children growing up, and self-employed quantity surveyor Sue was feeling the pressure. One year ago, they considered drastic action to turn their lives around. Moving to New Zealand would see Glenn become a house husband while Sue would become the sole earner. A trial week living in Auckland saw the couple discover that while work for Sue would be available, it would come at a cost. One year later, which side of the world do the family call home?
Having had enough of British winters, Debbie Wynn was determined to move her family to Australia even though she'd never been there. Son Jacob was happy to go but Debbie's dream faced a hurdle in the shape of husband Carl. He was content with his busy life in the UK and couldn't understand the appeal of a country the family had never visited. One year ago, Carl began to see some potential in Debbie's vision of their future when the family spent a week living in Australia. But are the Wynns still in the UK or enjoying a new life on the other side of the world?
A job as a lorry driver meant John Woodland was spending most of his time away from home. Daughter Chloe felt he'd missed out on her childhood, and wife Kerry just wanted more time with her husband. After falling in love with Australia on an army posting, John was convinced a move down under could bring his family the quality time they desperately needed. A trial week spent living in Perth managed to bring at least one other family member round to the idea of emigrating. One year later, have the Woodlands gone ahead with a move?
Claire Whyte dreamt of moving to Australia, but husband Martin wasn't convinced a move would work. His daughter Nicole also couldn't bear the thought of being so far away from her grandparents. Two years after spending a week living near Brisbane on Australia's East Coast, did the Whyte family make the move down under?
Wendie Williamson had wanted to move her family to Australia for more than a decade. After going back to college and university to improve their chances of gaining a visa, both she and husband Peter believed the time was right for a move. The couple's 18-year-old son Sonny had his own life in Hartlepool and was reluctant to join them, but Wendie couldn't imagine leaving him behind. A year ago, Wendie had just one week in Australia to try and change his mind. So are the family still together? And where do they call home?
Nicki catches up with a family featured in the 2014 series who decided against the move to Australia.
A revisit to the Hoe family.
Nicki revisits the Bone Family.
Nicki revisits the Stitt family.
Nicki revisits the Connor/King family.
Nicki revisits the Baum family.
Nikki revisits the Power family.
Nikki revisits the Treagust/Woodward family.
Nicki revisits the Joseph family.
Nicki revisits the Randle family.
The Shah/Lloyd family are revisited by Nicki.
Nicki catches up with the Barker family who moved to New Zealand.
Nicki catches up with a family featured in a previous series of the show.
Nicki revisits the Clanahan family who previously appeared on the show in 2013.
Nicki revisits the Howes Family who previously appeared in the show in 2013.
Nicki revisits the O'Connor family who featured on the show originally in 2014.
An updated look at families previously featured on Wanted Down Under. Life was hard for the Holroyds in 2015. Dad Simon's working week started at 2.45am on Monday morning and didn't finish until after 8.00pm on Friday night. When he eventually got home, he was too tired to spend any quality time with his family. The routine was driving loving wife Helen to tears every day, and threatened to tear her family apart. Desperate for change, she believed a fresh start for her family in Australia could be the solution. But leaving the UK would also mean Helen having to say goodbye to her mum, the one person who was always there for her at home. When the family experienced a trial week in Australia, everyone agreed their future would be brighter down under. So one year on, where do they family now call home?
In 2015, Australia-born Shari was desperate to return to her home country. When she met her husband Karie while travelling in the UK eight years previously, she had been upfront about her desire to return down under - and he had agreed they would one day make the country their home. The big question was when that would happen. Happy with their life in the UK, Karie was questioning his work prospects in Australia and worried about living on the other side of the world from his family and friends. Frustrated at waiting for Karie to fulfil his promise, Shari had run out of patience and was considering making the move without him. A trial week in Perth revealed the country had plenty of potential for both Karie and Shari, but one year on was it enough to keep the couple united on the same side of the world?
When the Wards spent a trial week in Darwin in 2009, mum Helen and dad Gary were hoping the country would be the key to a happier future. Gary had visited the country ten years previously and had convinced Helen the climate and lifestyle would help alleviate her seasonal depression. But with teenage daughter Rebecca reluctant to leave her beloved horses in the UK, it looked like they could have a challenge convincing her to move. Fortunately the prospect of a laidback lifestyle in the sunshine eventually won her over, and by the end of the week the whole family were in agreement - their future lay down under. Seven years on, are the family in the UK or living the life they all fell for in Australia?
In 2014, Gentle Spenceley was desperate to convince husband Phil to uproot their life in the UK and move to New Zealand - the country where she was born. Having moved to the UK when she was just six months old, Gentle had spent a lifetime longing to return down under. When the couple chose the country as their honeymoon destination, she hoped it would sell itself to Phil as somewhere they could start married life. But three weeks down under failed to win him over. When they became parents to Harrison in 2012, Gentle had put her dream of emigrating on the back burner. However, when Phil revealed he didn't feel settled in the English countryside soon after, she seized the opportunity to make him reconsider moving to the other side of the world. A trial week in Auckland was Gentle's last shot at persuading Phil to cast aside his practical and emotional concerns in order to follow her dream - and her efforts finally paid off. Now, two years on, have the family made the leap and moved down under or are they still at home in the UK?
In 2015, singer Victoria Underwood was longing to move her young family to Australia so she could be living on the same continent as the older sister she idolised. When her sister Emma had emigrated eight years previously, Victoria had been utterly devastated, and the pain of living on opposite sides of the world hadn't eased with time. Husband Rob, however, had serious reservations about turning his back on their life in the UK - especially as it would mean breaking close ties with his 18-year-old son Billy, who was living in London. An entertainer too, Rob also feared a move would mean an end to the regular gigs he and his wife had built up in Grimsby. A trial week in the Gold Coast gave the couple their first taste of what Australian living would be like for them and their two young children. Happily for Victoria, Rob agreed they could make a good life for themselves down under. So one year on, are the family living the dream on the other side of the world?
In 2012, Stuart and Gill Orrett longed to move their family to Australia to be closer to their eldest daughter Christine and their baby granddaughter. A trial week in Perth showed them a snapshot of how their life would look on the southern hemisphere, and while youngest daughter Lauren wasn't convinced, the rest of the family agreed it was the place for them. When we caught up with the family in 2013, they were living in limbo in the UK. Convinced their future lay in Australia, paramedic Gill had managed to secure a job down under, but with a start date proving elusive, the family had no idea how long it would be before they were on the move. Three years later, have the Orretts finally made it to the other side of the world, or did they decide their future lies a lot closer to home?
Danyel hated the UK's cold and wet weather and for years had longed to live a more outdoors lifestyle in the Australian sunshine. A previous attempt to secure the family a visa had resulted in her losing thousands of pounds - and with it, husband Guy's willingness to consider moving to a country none of them had ever visited. Convinced Australia wasn't where his family should be, he feared giving up the job he had held for 20 years and saying goodbye to their incredibly close-knit family in the UK. Eldest daughter Leeya was adamant she didn't want to leave her friends, and the thought of leaving extended family was enough to move another daughter, Lauren, to tears. A trial week in Perth proved insightful and confirmed Danyel's belief their life could indeed be better down under. So one year on, have the Pedley-McKnights decided home is where the heart is, or have they moved to the other side of the world?
A catch-up with the Horn family. Six years after a trial week in Adelaide, Australia, have they made the move, or are they still living in the UK?
A trial week in Adelaide was Richard's chance to convince his wife and daughter to make a move around the world. One year on, where do they call home?
Julie was longing to make Australia her home. A trial week in Perth helped to win over her husband Dan, so one year on, have they made the move?
A trial week in Brisbane was Hannah's chance to convince husband Zameer to move to the other side of the world. One year on, where do they call home?
When air traffic controller Andrew Crompton applied for a job in Australia, his wife Gemma was hoping it was a flash in the pan idea that would soon disappear. Months later, however, Andrew had secured a job offer, meaning his family could soon be jetting off for a new life on the other side of the world. Unfortunately for him, Gemma wasn't convinced Australia was where her family should spend the rest of their lives. Having previously served abroad in the armed forces, she was more than happy to be at home, and the thought of uprooting and leaving close family was enough to move her to tears. After spending a week on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Gemma had to admit she was impressed by what the country could offer her family. So one year after greenlighting her husband's ambition to move, have the family made themselves at home in Australia or have they decided to stay in the UK?
An updated look at families previously featured on Wanted Down Under. Paula Jones had struggled to make ends meet ever since becoming a single mum and, despite going back to university, had no choice but to rely on the state for support. Desperate to provide a better future for her children and escape the benefits trap, Paula was considering a fresh start with her family in Australia. But while son Luke was up for a move, daughter Kacey wasn't convinced that what the country had to offer was worth sacrificing the close relationship she had with her dad. On their first trip down under in 2015, the family spent a week in Adelaide. Did the financial reality of life in Australia live up to Paula's hopes and persuade Kacey to make the move? One year on, we find out where the Joneses are now.
In 2014, James Cornish was working around a hundred hours a week as a pub landlord. With his wife Lisa teaching accountancy at colleges across the country, the couple were missing out on quality time with their sons Sami and Luis. Desperate to address their work-life balance, Lisa believed they could turn their lives around in Australia. However, emigrating would come at a huge price as James's daughter from a previous relationship would be left behind in the UK. Even if the family could persuade Lauryn to visit regularly, James faced the prospect of being separated from her for most of the year. A trial week in Melbourne gave the whole family a chance to witness how much their lives could be transformed down under - and Lauryn agreed she would happily call the country her second home. Two years on, have the Cornish family called time on their busy life in the UK and moved to the other side of the world, or has the reality of James being so far from his daughter pulled the plug on their Australian dream?
Greg Wallen fell in love with New Zealand while travelling in the country as a backpacker. On returning to the UK, he was just months from making a permanent return down under when a dabble in online dating saw him meet the love of his life, Jenni. Three years later the couple were married and living in Sheffield, and Greg was a loving stepfather to three-year-old Evie. But his dream of living the Kiwi lifestyle hadn't disappeared, leaving Jenni faced with a massive decision. When the family spent a trial week in Auckland in 2015, Greg was hoping it would be enough to persuade Jenni to buy into his dream. So one year on, what side of the world do the family now call home?
Back in 2012, the Fitzpatrick family experienced a trial week in Auckland. After years spent dreaming about emigrating, prison officer Billy was hoping the trip would show his wife Beth that the country offered a better future for their two young sons. But used to life in the Scottish village where she had grown up, Beth wasn't willing to jump into relocating to a country she had never even visited without careful consideration, especially as it would mean cutting close ties to her mum. When New Zealand's properties failed to impress her, Billy's chances of pursuing the dream life he wanted looked shaky. But after witnessing how much the lifestyle would suit her sons, things started to turn around, and Billy was delighted when, at the end of the week, the whole family voted to make the country their home. Four years on, we find out which side of the world the family call home.
Having moved to the UK from Australia almost half a century ago, Simon MacLean had spent most of his adult life longing to return. He believed the time was right to make the move, but he needed to convince partner Jane to leave everything she loved in the UK, including her mum. Simon and Jane lived in Chester with their dog Harry. They had been together for three years, were very happy together and loved each other to bits. Simon had Australian citizenship, and the subject of moving had been a constant thread throughout their relationship. Although Jane wasn't opposed to emigrating, she was feeling under pressure to do it sooner than she wanted. As an only child Jane could barely conceive the idea of leaving her elderly mum. The trial week was Simon's long-awaited chance to convince the love of his life, but was it enough, and did Jane buy into Simon's Australian dream?
Back in 2015 the Huddart family were living in London - Dad Nik, mum Sofia, then five-year-old Aliza, Izzie, who was nearly two, and Idris, who was then three. After a career in IT Nik had spent the last two years as a stay-at-home dad, which gave him plenty of time to enjoy his beloved London and spend time with the children. Sofia had concentrated on her medical career, but the shifts were demanding. The couple had started to think about New Zealand as a destination that would give them a better quality of life. Sofia had got very keen on the idea, but Nik was much more cautious. If a move didn't work out, moving back to London would be hard as house prices would rocket, making it impossible for the family to get back on the property ladder. Their trial week was meant to decide where they should call home. Could Sofia get the job she would need, and would Nik fall in love with the lifestyle enough to leave London?
In 2011 the Buchanan family faced a huge decision - whether to leave their family in Scotland to start a new life down under. Angie and Jason had been married for six years, but since the beginning Jason had just one dream for his family. Angie, on the other hand, had very different ideas about their future - she wanted it to stay in Scotland. However, concerns about her children's future had pushed Angie towards considering a move to Australia. One of the main reasons was her first child Jordan. He was born with special needs, and his physical disabilities were so improved in the sunshine in the UK that a warm life down under could improve his life dramatically. But it was Angie's daughter Sophie who was resisting the move the most. She couldn't face living on the other side of the world from her dad. Six years after a trial week, where do the Buchanan family call home?
Jessie Samra and Kevin Raison wanted the best future possible for their children but had become increasingly concerned about their family's prospects if they stayed put in the UK. Though they had never been,they had set their sights on a new life in Australia. Ahead of them was a week to discover if the country could live up to their high expectations.
Hedydd Jamieson had harboured dreams of living in Australia for well over a decade. She and her husband Steven were desperate to cast off the shackles of running a restaurant to carve out more family time withtheir children. She believed that a life in Australia would restore equilibrium to their work-life balance, but she had just one week to convince Steven and eldest son Leon that a better life could await them down under.
In 2011 the Andrews embarked on their trial week. Two flights, 9,000 miles and 22 hours gave them plenty of time to think about the journey ahead. It was a week that had the potential to change their lives forever, a long way from their home in Folkstone in Kent.
The Stirk family wanted to find out if emigration could offer them a better future.In 2012 Viv and Darren Stirk lived with their three children in Cleckheaton in West Yorkshire. Darren was a telecommunicationsengineer, Viv a school administrator, Daniella a student midwife, Emma a keen gymnast at 16 and Ben 12.The family were born and bred Yorkshire folk and were very happy living there. But Viv was looking for better. At first it was simply a quest for better weather, but the Stirks were such an active outdoor family - the Kiwi lifestyle Viv dreamt of seemed perfect for them. While Viv's hopes grew over the years, husband Darren took longer to come round to the idea of emigrating. But Viv knew that despite the risks, New Zealand would give her children a better life and better tomorrow. The two youngest were willing to give it a go, but eldest daughter Daniella had a much more difficult decision to face. She would be leaving her boyfriend of three and a half years. There was a lot at stake for the Stirks. Ahead was a week that would challenge them all half a world away from their home in Yorkshire, so five years later, it's time to find out where the family call home.
David McGuinness had talked about moving to Australia with his wife Jeanette since their very first date. But could he convince her to uproot their young family from their tight-knit Liverpool home? That wasthe major decision facing them in 2011.
Ten years ago Lee Ramoth tried to convince wife Lauren their life would be better on the other side of the world. But fast forward to 2016 and the shoe was on the other foot. The tables had turned and it wasLauren trying to persuade Lee to give up his very successful business and close family ties in the UK to pursue a future he once dreamed about in Australia.
Nine years ago a near-fatal road crash left Paul Nicholls fighting for survival. Given a second chance at life, he was determined to make the most of it - by moving his family to New Zealand. So where are they all now?
In 2012 Julie Godfrey's job working away from home had turned life into a nightmare, and her husband Alan couldn't take any more. A life down under beckoned, but in the end did they go?
After years on the move Mathew Royle Evatt was searching for somewhere to call home, and he believed that could be Australia. But did a week down under see his fiancee put up a fight?
Having survived challenging times, Gareth and Zoe Lloyd were hoping to make a fresh start in Australia. When their son Riley was born a move looked impossible, so where are they now?
Two near-death experiences had cheated Nazeem Mungur of the life he once knew. He was convinced moving down under could help him be the dad he once was, but did he persuade his wife to go?
The Wilsons wanted to find out if emigration could offer them a better life. But a move down under inevitably meant leaving loved ones behind. After a trial week in Australia, they were faced with the huge decision of whether to stay in the UK or make the move down under for good. In 2010 the pretty village of Wilberfoss near York was home to the Wilsons - 36-year-old Chris, Debs (then 35) and their two black labradors Beth and Susie. Chris spent his working life in the RAF and travelled the troubled hotspots of the world. When he left the air force he thought they would settle down. But it wasn't long before Chris came up with the idea that they should move lock, stock and barrel to the other side of the world. While Debbie understood his inner wanderlust only too well, she couldn't bear thinking of leaving loved ones behind to jet off into the unknown A trial week in the Gold Coast was full of surprises - good and bad - for the couple. At the end of the week, what way they would vote was by no means certain. What do you think? Let's find out if, seven years later, the Wilsons are living back in the UK or down under in Australia.
Moving to Australia had been Hannah's project since 2012. She believed her reluctant husband just needed to see for himself the opportunities it could provide. Would a week in Brisbane prove her right? Young couple Hannah and Zameer were struggling in the UK to make ends meet, Hannah worked 13-hour shifts, sometimes without breaks, and Zameer was constantly doing overtime to increase his family's income. Hannah truly believed he would thank her for moving the family down under - he just needed to see for himself the opportunities it could provide. For Zameer though, Australia was just the latest in a long line of Hannah's grand plans which may not work out for the best. Now three years later, did the Gaj family decide to remain in the UK or take the gamble and move down under?
Growing up, Rebecca Ellis listened to dashing sea-faring tales at her grandfather's knee, hearing about the beauty and excitement of the south seas and Australia, which captivated the young Rebecca. She had been determined to move there ever since and wanted to make a fresh start down under with her children and partner Kylie, but that meant leaving the kids' dad behind in Sunderland in the north east of England. A trial week in Brisbane gave Rebecca, Kylie and the family a chance to sample the sort of life they could lead and afford if they were to move. Any decision had to be unanimous, so a year later, where do the family call home?
In 2015, singer Victoria Underwood longed to move her young family to Australia so she could live on the same continent as the older sister she idolised. When Emma had emigrated eight years previously, Victoria had been utterly devastated, and the pain of living on opposite sides of the world hadn't eased with time. Husband Rob, however, had serious reservations about turning his back on their life in the UK - especially as it would mean breaking close ties with his 18-year-old son Billy, who was living in London. An entertainer too, Rob also feared a move would mean an end to the regular gigs he and his wife had built up in Grimsby. A trial week in the Gold Coast gave the couple their first taste of what Australian living would be like for them and their two young children. Three years later, have the Underwoods been able to settle their differences and make a life together down under, or are they still in the UK?
Single mum Lisa and her ten-year-old daughter Jessica found life in the UK a bit of a struggle. A childcare centre manager, Lisa was often forced to rely on financial support from her father to keep their heads above water, and the realisation she couldn't provide Jessica with the lifestyle she thinks she deserves was getting her down. Desperate to turn things around and secure a happier, brighter future for her daughter, Lisa believed their situation could be greatly improved by moving almost 10,000 miles away, to Australia. But having never set foot in the country before, would the reality of life on Australia's gold coast prove to be just what they need?
Nicki Chapman catches up with mum Perse and partner Debbie, who sampled a week in New Zealand. One year on, cameras reveal whether they decided to make the move.
Catching up with former Olympic diver Ben Swain, who had hoped to persuade wife Katie to move to Australia, a country he fell in love with while competing at the Commonwealth Games.
Zoe Whylie had fought hard to build a life for her family. She wanted to give them the lifestyle she never had. She felt her children were growing up too fast in the UK and thought Australia could be the answer. But was a move half way around the world the way to do it - especially when the eldest child fought her all the way? Meet the Whylie family from Halifax, West Yorkshire. Mum Zoe, 15-year-old, soon-to-be-16 Courtney, her sister Taylor, nine, and youngest of the family Harley, who is eight. Zoe always had big dreams for her family even though it has been a tough ride. Having Courtney at 16 and becoming a single mum made her a target for bullies. But the taunts only made her stronger, and by the time Taylor and Harley were born Zoe was determined to make a better life for her and her children. She studied hard, got to university and is now a social worker in Bradford and adores - and is very good at - her job. But she was still dreaming of a better life and thought Perth would give them that. She had been planning and saving for four years and Australia could now become a reality. There was just one problem - her daughter Courtney. She didn't want to go and Zoe wouldn't make the move without her. So 12 months on, where are the Whylie family living now?
Back in 2009 Sally Mills wanted to bring her family to Australia. Jem and Sally Mills ran a successful psychotherapy business in Sussex and wanted to see if they could do the same in the surfers' paradise of Byron Bay. Did the harsh employment realities and the cost of living down under put an end to their dream? Nine years later, are the Mills living in the UK or Australia?
Nicki Chapman catches up with a woman who planned to move to New Zealand following a painful divorce, discovering if she persuaded her second husband to join her in starting over.
18-year-old Richelle and her Mum Lorraine did everything together, but Richelle's dream to move to New Zealand meant the pair could spend the rest of their lives on opposite sides of the world. Richelle had one week in Auckland to persuade Lorraine that moving to New Zealand would be worth leaving her mum behind in Wales. And that's not all - for Lorraine, starting a new life at the age of 50 was a daunting prospect. Would Lorraine's concerns be addressed or would Richelle and Lorraine's close bond be broken for good? Five years later are the Barkers living on the other side of the world in New Zealand or close to home in the UK?
Catching up with Simon MacLean and his fiancee Jane, who spent a trial week living in Perth, Australia, to see if they decided to make the move to the other side of the world.
Catching up with the Hansons, who two years ago spent a trial week in Melbourne as part of husband Keith's attempt to persuade wife Mary to move to Australia permanently.
Life was hard on the Holroyds. Dad Simon's working week started at 2.45am on a Monday morning and didn't finish until after 8.00pm on Friday night. When he did eventually get home, he was too tired to spend any quality time with his family. It was a routine which loving wife Helen said drove her to tears every day, and threatened to tear her family apart. Desperate for change, she believed a fresh start for her family in Australia could be the solution. But would Australia provide what the Holroyds needed to transform their family life? And would Helen really be able to leave the one person who had always been there for her at home? Two years later we find out which side of the world the Holroyd family call home the UK or Australia?
Uprooting the family goes with the territory when you are in the military, but after 20 years of relocating, the Thom family were desperate to settle down in their forever home. The only problem was mum Lori and dad Kevin could not decide where that should be. Kevin thinks it should be close to his nearest and dearest in his Scottish hometown, while Lori has her heart set on planting those roots much further away – in Australia. Meet the Thom family. Dad Kevin, mum Lori, sons Niall, who is 11, and Lochlan, 18 months. Lori and Kevin married after a whirlwind romance and then travelled the world - together and on their own they were deployed all over the world. Originally the one pushing for a move, Kevin’s latest posting to RAF Lossiemouth has changed all that. Born and bred in the local area, for Kevin it’s a return home to friends and family. The fact it’s a healthy work promotion as well is a welcome bonus. But now retrained as a PTSD counsellor, Lori has never thought of the north east of Scotland as being where she should put down her roots. It’s not only Kevin who is stalling. Son Niall has settled into his fifth school in almost as many years and loves it. He is on the football team and is pretty good – local soccer scouts are showing a fair bit of interest. An added plus for the two boys is this is the first time they have their doting grandparents nearby to spoil them. And as for Kevin - leaving his job is difficult enough, but the thought of leaving his parents is virtually unthinkable. Could a trial week in Melbourne convince the whole family otherwise? Or will the pull of home be just too strong? There is a lot up in the air for the Thoms - the time has come for this RAF family to decide once and for all where their dream landing should be.
Daryl Brenton from West Yorkshire thought moving to Australia would give him and his family the perfect life. However, he was nearly at the age limit for getting an Australian visa and his wife Jenny was not sold on leaving her family and friends behind. Could Daryl convince Jenny during their week in Melbourne to make the move to Australia or would his dream run out of time? Now eight years later we find out whether the family stayed at home or took the leap to move down under.
Back in 2015 the Huddart family were living in London. After a career in IT, dad Nik had spent the last two years as a stay at home dad to their three young children, which gave him plenty of time to enjoy his beloved London, spend time with the children and polish his domestic skills. Mum Sofia had concentrated on her medical career, but her shifts as an anaesthetist were demanding and hours were long. Their family life was under strain. Sofia thought New Zealand would give them a better quality of life, but Nik was much more cautious. If a move didn’t work out, moving back to London would be impossible as house prices would rocket and would make it impossible for the family to get back on the property ladder. But by 2017 the family had moved to New Zealand's Rothesay Bay area and they had all totally embraced New Zealand life. However Sofia still needed to secure a permanent job or the family would have to move back to the UK. Two years later, have the Huddarts managed to settle? And where might that be - in New Zealand or back in England?
In 2014 Gentle Spenceley was desperate to move to New Zealand, where she was born, as it felt more like home. But husband Phil didn’t share her dream and didn’t want to go. In their trial week Down Under, Phil confronted not only his emotional fears about leaving his family and parents, but also the practical concerns about being able to fund a move to one of the most expensive places on earth to live. Now, six years later, we catch up with the couple to discover if Phil stuck with the familiarity of home or whether New Zealand impressed enough to influence him to leave his life in the UK behind.
Back in 2015 the Huddart family were living in London. After a career in IT, dad Nik had spent the last two years as a stay at home dad to their three young children, which gave him plenty of time to enjoy his beloved London, spend time with the children and polish his domestic skills. Mum Sofia had concentrated on her medical career, but her shifts as an anaesthetist were demanding and hours were long. Their family life was under strain. Sofia thought New Zealand would give them a better quality of life, but Nik was much more cautious. If a move didn’t work out, moving back to London would be impossible as house prices would rocket and would make it impossible for the family to get back on the property ladder. But by 2017 the family had moved to New Zealand's Rothesay Bay area and they had all totally embraced New Zealand life.
In 2014 Gentle Spenceley was desperate to move to New Zealand, where she was born, as it felt more like home. But husband Phil didn’t share her dream and didn’t want to go. In their trial week Down Under, Phil confronted not only his emotional fears about leaving his family and parents, but also the practical concerns about being able to fund a move to one of the most expensive places on earth to live. Now, six years later, we catch up with the couple to discover if Phil stuck with the familiarity of home or whether New Zealand impressed enough to influence him to leave his life in the UK behind.
Derry-born Ciara wanted to move to Perth to give her daughters a sunshine lifestyle, but husband Ruairi had big concerns. One year later we find out what they decided.
Lynn Walters loves Australia so much she even called her daughter Matilda. But her dream of waltzing off to Oz wasn’t shared by her husband Owen. A trial week saw the couple sample the sort of life they could have in Perth. At the end, they voted either to stay in the UK or to finally make the move. Two years later, are the Walters living the dream down under or are they back to reality in the UK?
When Lynn met Alan, she put a lifelong dream of moving to Australia on hold to become a loving wife and mother. In 2018, she put it back on the family agenda, but husband Alan wasn’t convinced. An ex-RAF man, he was done with travelling. A trial week in Melbourne saw them check out the sort of properties, work prospects and lifestyle they would all enjoy down under, but was it enough to convince Alan that Scotland was worth leaving for good?
Back in 2014 the Bones were struggling to balance work and family life. They believed Australia could be the answer, and a trial week down under didn’t disappoint - they had the time of their lives. But when making the big decision, things weren’t as easy as they’d hoped. Was the dream over before it had even started? Five years later, Nicki finds out whether the family chose to make the final move down under or stay put in bonnie Scotland.
Struggling to balance work and family life, Laura Evans wanted to move her family to Australia. Three years on from their trial week, which way did the scales tip?
Having fragile X syndrome meant life was tough for Albie. Mum Jayne thought the warm lifestyle of Australia would be good for him, but dad Eugene wasn't convinced.
Australian-born Steve Salaman thought it time to return down under for good, and Colombian wife Elizabeth was on board. But the decision caused daughter Allie anguish.
After a number of failed attempts to move, Jaz Mudhar felt time was running out for her dream of Australia. For husband Jasdeep, however, the very thought of emigrating filled him with dread. A year on, where are the family living now - London or Melbourne? Did Jasdeep make Jaz's dream come true?
After leaving her native South Africa for the UK when her young daughter became critically ill, Zelease Ballentine Brain came to feel that her young children needed to live in a place where being outside in the sunshine was the norm. Husband Matt was naturally cautious and needed to see that Australia would give the family all that Zelease had talked about. Did a trial week swing him round to her way of thinking, and, three years on, where have they decided to settle?
Claire believed the New Zealand lifestyle would be perfect for her daughter, who had been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis. However, was she able to convince husband Russell?
Was Lee able to convince wife Amanda and son Aaron that a move to New Zealand would be all he had hoped? Three years after their trial week, we find out where they are now.
Inspired by her grandfather's tales of a beautiful country, could Rebecca convince partner Kylie and her children to move to Australia away from their father? Where are they now?
Cheryl wants to take a leap and move down under after the sad passing of her father. However, has she reconvinced husband Adam after it being his idea in the first place?
After a terrible accident turned their lives upside down, Stan and Andrea thought Australia was the answer. So six years since we last saw them, did the dream become reality?
Stef Barker was convinced that New Zealand was the best place for her family, but did she manage to persuade reluctant husband Alan round to her point of view and make the move?
Eric Graham longed for beaches and barbecues in Australia, but wife Rachel wasn't so keen. Three years later, has he persuaded his family to make the move down under?
Gareth was on a mission to convince wife Jodi that their family's future lay down under. Three years since we last saw them, have they decided to make the move?
Andrew Treagust thought a change of pace in New Zealand was just what his family needed. Six years since we last saw them, has the dream become a reality?
Nat Baker had heard only great things about life in Australia and was sure it would be a brilliant place for his family to thrive. Wife Gemma had heard great things about Narnia too, but didn’t think it made a move any more of a viable option. Could one week in Melbourne help Nat sway his sceptical spouse, or would it be a case of his bubble being burst? And three years on, where are the family living?
Thandi Hagos was sure that New Zealand would provide a better life for her family, and was prepared to take the plunge as soon as possible. Husband Theo and children Semira and Yoni weren’t convinced, and with questions over care for their youngest son Nate, who has autism, it was Mum versus everybody else. Would a trial week in Auckland help her prove her point – and two years on, where do they now call home?
Tanya Cleary wanted to give her autistic son Jordan the best possible opportunities in life, and Australia seemed like it could be a brilliant home for his wildlife-loving lifestyle. Could a week in Perth prove that their destiny lay down under, or would being away from their friends and family prove just too much of a challenge? And seven years since we last checked in, where have the Clearys decided to settle down?
Lee and Abigail Parsons were at the end of their tethers – totally exhausted by shift work in the healthcare industry, they never got to spend time together as a family with their two young daughters, and something needed to change. A week in New Zealand was a chance for Lee to show Abigail what they could have down under, but would expensive Auckland scupper his plans for good? Two years since their visit, where in the world are the Parsons living?
Persephone and Debbie Santa Clara de Magdalene wanted to explore what New Zealand could offer them and their family, and thought it might just be the inclusive, accepting country for them and their children. With concerns about jobs, and the children having to say goodbye to their dad, a trial week had a lot hanging on it. Three years since we last visited, on what path has life taken them, and where have they decided to live?
Abigail Langridge was a woman obsessed with Australia. She knew that it would be the best place for her and her family, she just had to convince sceptical husband Mark and eldest son Charlie, who couldn’t comprehend why she wanted to move somewhere she had never even visited before. Could a trial week turn them round to Abigail’s way of thinking? Three years on, where have they ended up as a family?
Steve Hargreaves had happy memories of Australia and hoped a trial week would persuade wife Dianne they should relocate there. Three years since we last saw them, did the Hargreaves make the move?
After injury cut short his career as an Olympic diver, Ben Swain wanted wife Katie to try a fresh start in Australia. Four years since we last saw them, did they make the move?
Gill Johnson hoped a trial week in Perth would win husband Mark round to the idea of relocating to Australia. Three years since we last saw them, did they decide to make the move?
