Sue Radford has appealed to fans of 22 Kids and Counting to respect her family’s privacy after revealing that a man visited their home while she and her family were away and asked one of her children for a photograph.
The 51-year-old mother, who has become well known through Channel 5’s reality series about Britain’s biggest family, said she understands that viewers are excited to meet them but insisted that their home must remain a private and secure place.
Sue addressed the incident on Instagram, explaining that the unexpected visit had left the family uncomfortable.
‘It really does cross a line’
Sue said the family is more than happy to meet supporters when they encounter them in public, where they can stop for conversations, photographs and greetings.
However, she made clear that arriving uninvited at their house is very different.
She explained that, while the family was away, one of her older children answered the door to a man who said he watched them on television and wanted a photograph.
Sue said she could understand why people might recognise the family and want to say hello, but stressed that approaching their private residence was unacceptable.
“Our home is our private space,” she explained, adding that her children should be able to feel safe and comfortable there, particularly when their parents are not present.
Family dog adds to the safety concerns
Sue also highlighted another concern surrounding unexpected visitors.
The family’s dog, Lola, is described as extremely protective and does not react well to unfamiliar people entering the garden.
Sue said the dogs fortunately were not outside when the visitor arrived, meaning the situation did not escalate further.
She used the incident to reinforce her request that supporters avoid visiting the family’s property altogether.
The Radfords welcome supporters in public
Despite her frustration, Sue emphasised that she and her family remain grateful for the support they receive from viewers.
She said they genuinely enjoy meeting people while out in public and are usually happy to stop for photographs or a conversation.
Her message was therefore not aimed at discouraging fans from approaching them altogether, but rather at establishing a clear distinction between public encounters and their private family life.
Sue ended her appeal by asking followers to understand why the family needs its home to remain off limits.
Family recently enjoying a Spanish break
The privacy appeal comes as Sue, husband Noel and their large family have been enjoying a motorhome holiday in Spain.
The family recently attended the Salou Festival, a local celebration featuring music, dancing and cultural activities.
Their travels have continued to attract attention from followers, with Sue regularly sharing glimpses of family life and their holidays on social media.
A quieter UK family getaway earlier this year
The Radfords also took the family away for a weekend in the UK earlier this year.
During the trip, they enjoyed sunny weather at an undisclosed seaside location, preparing a full English breakfast before spending time outdoors.
Sue previously described how the children spent the day building a den while the adults relaxed in the sunshine and watched them play.
She also shared that the family had considered taking a walk along the beach while she enjoyed her morning cup of tea outside.
Dubai holiday dispute sparked criticism
The family’s latest privacy concerns come several months after Sue and Noel faced criticism over their reaction to a cancelled trip to Dubai amid the conflict in the Middle East.
Sue had taken to social media to complain about difficulties contacting the travel company responsible for the booking.
She said the company’s telephone lines appeared to be unavailable and claimed that messages and comments from unhappy customers were being deleted from its social media page.
Sue later acknowledged that the family was safe but said the issue was that customers were struggling to obtain information about their bookings or make alternative arrangements.
Critics questioned the timing of the complaints
The post attracted a strong response from some followers, who argued that holiday arrangements were insignificant compared with the humanitarian consequences of the conflict.
Some commenters pointed out that people in the region were facing danger, while others were stranded or sheltering in hotels and basements.
Critics also suggested that the Radfords should rely on travel insurance and relevant consumer protections rather than publicly focusing on their disrupted holiday.
The backlash added another controversial chapter to the family’s highly public life, which has long attracted both devoted supporters and vocal critics.
Sue asks viewers to respect the boundary
For now, Sue’s message is focused on a much more personal matter: keeping the family’s home private.
While the Radfords have made their lives accessible to millions through television and social media, Sue has stressed that appearing on screen does not mean viewers have permission to visit their property.
Her latest appeal makes clear that fans can continue to approach the family respectfully when they meet them in public, but their home is a boundary she wants everyone to observe.
