Perks Family Gimme a Break

Extra, extra, read all about it, read all about it.

Are you bored of your family holidays?

Are your parents driving you nuts with tedious trips?

Well, I've got news for you. This is Gimme A Break,

the show where you take charge of your family holidays.

On give me a break, it's the kids who decide where to go and what to do.

Parents don't get a look-in, especially when it comes to the holiday rules.

Breaking the rules can only lead to one thing.

Trouble.

I'm in Hertfordshire, and today's lucky family

who are going to get a break are...

the Perks.

Making up this fantastic four are

cuddly toy collector ten-year-old Beth,

budding author 12-year-old Megan,

speed reader, Mum, and Leeds United football fanatic, Dad.

So why do Beth and Megan deserve to be given a break?

I would actually like to go anywhere apart from France.

Tracey's mum's got a place there, so it's like a home away from home.

It's like we're actually going back in time and doing the last holiday.

I think they still like to go.

OK, we going to France next week. Great(!)

They just read.

-Yeah, I take quite a few books.

-I love the sea, but Mum hates it.

It's just full of rocks

and you don't know what your putting your foot on.

Dad likes to wander off, so we always end up yelling out for him.

I don't really see it as wandering off, it's just trying to have fun somewhere else.

It's not fun.

I think we kind of know what's best for them on holiday.

Nag, nag, nag.

"You can have an apple. It's almost as good as an ice-cream."

Don't believe anything they tell you.

Watch out, cos we're in charge.

Right, Mum and Dad, it seems to me that you need to spend less time on

-holiday promising adventure and not delivering. Am I right?

-Yeah.

-Are you ready to be given a break?

-Yes.

-How does it feel to hand over total control?

-I'm dreading it, I really am.

It's that time that sends fear into parents' hearts, sends them trembling to their knees.

It is the Gimme A Break Parent Promise.

We, the parents of Megan and Beth,

hereby hand over control of the next family break.

Yeah!

Brilliant. Well, Mum and Dad, I am the sole witness to your pledge.

So if you try and take back control, we will be having words.

-OK.

-All right, girls, shall we go and have a chat?

-Yeah.

Let's go. Here you go, Mum and Dad. Read through that.

You tell me what you're looking for in the perfect holiday.

Anywhere but France.

-You're both sick of France.

-Yeah.

What activities would you like to do on this break?

Watersports, maybe.

Yeah. Do you think that Mum and Dad will be up for joining in?

Dad probably will. I'm not so sure about Mum.

-Doesn't really get involved?

-No, especially not with water.

So you want something adventurous, something that involves the whole family?

-Yeah.

-I'll get on to it straight away, shall I?

-Yeah.

One more thing, who's in charge?

-We are.

-After three. One, two, three.

We are!

I've listened to what Megan and Beth want

and put together two action-packed breaks,

but they'll have to try and work out what's involved

from a series of weird and wonderful clues.

They get to work straight away with the clues for break number one.

Why is there a shark in a washing bin?

It's definitely something to do with the sea.

I've no idea what the basket is for.

Well, it might be a type of shark.

A basket shark.

Nearly, Beth. It's a basking shark.

"Take the coast road but make sure you steer

-"carefully to find an amazing treat."

-What does that mean?

Coast, steering. Coast, steering.

It's probably going around the coast in one of the go-karts.

The girls are going round in circles.

"Miaow - are you man enough to help me?"

Oh, it's a cat! Oh!

Cat's lost its tail.

A tailless cat. Now, where do they come from?

Man.

Something like the Isle of Man.

Purr-fect, well done.

I think break one will be England and we'll go

go-karting and we'll be looking after animals.

It's time for break number two.

"Feather plus clue equals solve the sums to work out

"which feathered friend you'll be meeting on this Northern break."

-There's no need to get in a flap, take your time.

-Snowy owl?

You've got it in one.

There was straw, so it might mean barn owl.

There was snow, so it could mean a snowy owl.

R-O-Y-G-B-I-V.

You'll have to work together for this colourful task.

It could result in a tasty treat.

Stand one in front of the other.

The person behind will act as the arms

and the person in front will act as the eyes. Let's go.

We're going to be here for a while.

Loosen it up. Stop doing that one.

Got one.

R-O-Y-G-B-I-V.

Red, orange, yellow. It's the colours of the rainbow.

Fishing for rainbow trout.

Go wild with the camera.

You'll need patience and skill to get the best results.

Go wild with the camera.

-Snap to it, girls.

-Wild life, yeah.

It's time to see if Megan and Beth have guessed the breaks on offer.

What do you think the clues for break one could be?

Go-karting around England.

That would be fun.

What about clue number three?

It was a cat stuck up the tree and it was like are you man enough to rescue me?

That was a cat with no tail, and they're called Manx cats.

Where do you think break one is?

We think break one is in the Isle of Man.

-Shall we have a look?

-Yes.

Let's press that button.

Break number one is an island adventure holiday

in the Isle of Man, the home of the Manx cat.

First up is coasteering where you'll be jumping off

rocks and plunging into pools before taking to the sea in kayaks.

You'll try to spot the second largest living shark, the basking shark.

-What do you think?

-It looks really cool.

What do you think break number two could be?

-It had lots of feathers in the clue, so I think it could be something to do with birds.

-OK.

There were photos and I thought it was wild life photos.

Nearly spot on.

Break number two is an amazing wildlife holiday in Northumberland.

You're off to Northumberland where you get the chance

to get up close to birds of prey and try falconry.

You'll be fishing for rainbow trout

and get a chance to go horse-riding on Banburgh beach.

Then you'll meet a professional photographer to put your wildlife photography skills to the test.

Do you remember that clue with the coloured fish?

All the colours of the rainbow? Rainbow trout fishing?

It makes sense now, doesn't it?

-Yes.

-You've got a tough decision.

You've got to pick between. Would you like some time to think about it?

-Yes.

-No falling out, OK.

I like break number two because it has the horse riding.

-I like break number one.

-Just time for 40 winks.

I'd like the coasteering.

But I just really like the horse riding idea on a beach.

We've done horse-riding before on holiday.

Are you sure?

-Yes.

-So am I.

Joe!

I must have fallen asleep a little bit.

Have you made your minds up?

-Yes.

-Shall we go and book it?

-Yes.

Let's go.

Are you going to go with break number one or break number two?

We're going to go with break number one.

Break number one, the Isle of Man?

-What are you looking forward to the most?

-Coasteering.

Are you sure? That you want to pick break number one?

-Yes, we're sure.

-Here we go.

I'll be catching up with you in the Isle of Man where you'll have the chance to win that final treat.

If you don't win it, your mum and dad are going to get it.

We don't want that to happen, do we?

That would be like the end of the world.

Have a fantastic trip.

So, Megan and Beth have agreed on break number one,

a wet and wild adventure holiday in the Isle of Man.

But will it be the kids or the parents

who come out on top when it comes to winning the final treat?

Come on, Megan, let's get to work.

It's the day before the break and it's time for a spot of packing.

But mum and dad won't get a say what goes in the suitcase.

That's down to Megan and Beth.

Oh!

We've given them a few hints. We've put some post-its around with some ideas for them.

I think we know where Mum's T-shirts are.

They've probably put them in the bin.

Put that in.

Meg I trust.

That's huge.

-Kind of. Beth I don't.

-What on earth are these?

-I'm gonna pay for that, aren't I.

-A very trendy hat.

I can see me the whole time away having no socks and just wearing a pair of old trainers.

Megan has discovered coat-hangers are a useful tool for packing dad's pants.

Yuck.

We did say that whatever they packed for us we're going to be wearing those while we're on the break.

Superman.

-Hopefully they'll have that in the back of their minds.

-Crowded House.

When did Mum go to that concert?

They've packed a lot in, but will they be able to close the case?

Done.

The day has arrived and its nearly time for them to set off on their

break and Mum and Dad still haven't a clue where they might be going.

Ha-hmm.

-Hello.

-We're going on the break today and do you have any ideas where it is?

-We've been racking our brains, honestly.

-Guess.

We're going to France again, aren't we?

No way.

Close your eyes and count to three.

One, too, three.

Where?

The Isle of Man?

Oh, Isle Of Man!

We're going to the Isle of Man.

Island adventure, what does that mean?

You'll have to wait and see, Mum, but don't keep that taxi waiting.

You'll miss the train.

On the train to Liverpool they put the fam-cam into action.

What do you think we're going to be doing?

They're famous for their Manx cats without the tails.

I'd like to see one walking down the street or something, wouldn't you?

Some kind of wildebeest.

From Liverpool it's a ferry ride to the island.

It's a three-hour crossing to the Isle of Man famous for its beautiful

scenery and the perfect place for all sorts of adventurous activities.

-It's great.

-It's so pretty.

After a long journey, they've finally arrived at the self-catering accommodation.

While the girls want to chill out in their new surroundings,

Mum and Dad are desperate to see what's in the suitcase.

Shorts.

Yes, Mum's favourites.

I think I've come out better than Warren has.

My old jeans.

With a big hole that I use for my DIY.

My wedding tie, swimming goggles, a pair of

football shin pads which I probably wouldn't have brought along with me.

My pyjamas. Thank you.

I don't think they've missed anything out.

Mind you, I don't know what we're doing so maybe they have.

The crowded House T-shirt was originally Warren's.

-It was in your drawer.

-I know, it's for sentimental reasons.

I borrowed it when I was pregnant because it was really comfy.

But also I gave birth to you in this.

I thought it was really cool their reaction. It was funny.

Things are about to take a turn for the worse for Mum and Dad.

It's time for the holiday rules.

Mum and Dad, are you ready to hear the rules?

Now you see me, now you don't.

Dad, rule number one is for you. No wandering off for the entire break.

-That's fine.

-Really?

Nag, nag, nag. Mum, rule number two is for you.

There will be no nagging or tidying away for the whole break.

That will be hard to keep, won't it?

Rule number three...

Sorry, this is such a good book.

Right, Mum and Dad, the girls are tired of your

bookworm tendencies so there will be no reading of books, newspapers or magazines for the entire break.

You read so much that me and Beth are bored of it.

Do you want to know the consequences?

Mum, the girls will be allowed to tickle you for one minute with your hands in the air.

I promise I won't nag, I won't tidy. OK, deal.

Dad, your punishment

is to wear a Manchester United shirt and scarf in public. Ouch.

Stop, I'm going. No, I'm going home. Take it away from me.

No, I'm not touching it.

Please, don't. It's horrible. Arrgh!

Dad, you better stick to those rules otherwise you'll be wearing that shirt.

Girls, I'll be back later on to tell you how you'll get a chance to win the final treat.

Remember, you're in charge.

Just to remind you.

You've been warned.

No nagging, no telling them to tidy up.

It's going to be a difficult one. It just rolls off the tongue naturally.

Every day, all day.

If they make wear it, I don't know what I'm going to do.

It's the first full day of the break and Megan and Beth have to decide how best to travel in style.

Will they be really impressed by the Traditional Isle of Man horse-drawn tram?

Or will they be driven to distraction by the Grey Lady, an Edwardian, vintage car?

Girls, the choice is yours.

I like the car.

Dad, I said girls, the choice is yours.

I like the car.

We're going to go for the car.

OK.

As for the Grey Lady makes for the coast road, Mum and Dad have no idea

that the girls have a surprise in store for them on the beach.

When we usually go to the beach, Mum, you're always reading and Dad, you're always sunbathing.

So, we're going to camp on the beach and you have to do everything we say.

That includes paddling in the sea.

Mum and Dad thought they were safe in their warm, cosy, self-catering cottage with hot water on tap.

But will they rise to the challenge of sleeping in the great outdoors with no toilet or shower available?

We'll be them there for them all the way whatever they have in store.

I'm saying that now, I might regret that.

It's comfortable.

I've got a big rock in the base of my back.

Getting Mum in the freezing cold sea is first on the girl's agenda.

But she's determined to get it over with and leads the way.

My toes, I can't feel them.

They're going blue.

What's that?

Mum going in the sea was really funny.

It was good to get her in it for once.

Beth has spotted a nearby waterfall and decides Dad should take a shower.

I want you to put on your trunks and jump into the waterfall.

He can't wait to get in.

That's it, get in, Dad.

No, Dad, get in.

The cold water seems to have convinced Dad he's got superpowers.

Surely he's not planning to swim the Irish Sea?

I think I had a lapse of madness.

I'm trying to live up to my super hero status as a dad.

After dad's heroics in the freezing waterfall, it's time for something to eat.

An islander has come to prepare a special camp fire meal for the family.

This is your banquet menu for tonight.

The choice is all yours.

Manx kippers served with boiled potatoes, brown bread and butter,

a traditional meal from the Isle Of Man made with smoked kippers.

Hot dogs, jacket potatoes, or smoked fish?

What will the girls choose for Mum and Dad?

Mum and Dad are having the Manx kippers.

I've never had kippers before.

It's a fiddly business eating kippers and Keirron has got a bone to pick with Dad.

Where you can see that bone that runs top-to-bottom,

just pick your knife up underneath it.

-Do you want some?

-No way.

I like it so much I think we're going to have kippers at home a lot.

They'll stink the house out.

Oh, man!

On to dessert. Will the girls make Mum pay for making them be healthy on holiday?

Bonnag a traditional Isle Of Man cake made with milk and raisins.

Fresh apples. Mum should have the fresh apples.

I did go in the sea as well.

-I was the first one in.

-Bonnag!

Mum has escaped the apples, but not the Bonnag.

While the girls decide to reward Dad's waterfall shower with a slice of chocolate fudge cake.

Yum.

I really like it.

You're not going to get all that in your mouth.

Megan and Beth can't wait to get into the tent

and into their sleeping bags, but will they get any sleep?

Now we're in the tent...

..with the sound of the sea and the waterfall

and I'll have to see how it goes, whether I sleep well or not.

I crashed out last night and fell asleep straight away.

Then suddenly I heard a pinging noise and then a camera in my face

and I remember going like that to Beth

to be quiet and then I fell asleep again.

Keirron is back to make the family breakfast and will be their instructor for today's activities.

Today we're going to be doing coasteering.

-What?

-Coasteering.

Dangling from rocks over the sea.

Not exactly. But a bit.

Super Dad's superhero qualities seem to be rubbing off on the rest of the family.

They're kitted up and ready for action.

I think Dad looks a bit better than Mum.

ALL: Let's go.

The girls have been looking forward to coasteering all break,

but faced with getting in the cold sea, are they still up for it?

It will be fun, once you get used to the cold of the water.

To be honest, I think Mum and Dad are being braver than us.

After a quick safety briefing from Keirron.

Some parts will be a little swim, some parts will be climb out on the rocks.

So we just take our time.

It's time to get started.

For someone who doesn't like getting cold or wet, Mum seems to be enjoying herself.

Yep, definitely looks like thumbs up.

She's even up for putting her face in a freezing cold rock pool.

You go, Mum.

So, Megan, what do you think of coasteering?

There have been a couple of slips.

Megan broke my fall at one point so I was really pleased about that.

Thank you, Megs.

Slippery.

I'm feeling great.

It's really fun doing this.

Having scrambled their way around the coast, there's only one final jump left to do.

The Perks family are throwing themselves into their island adventure.

Next up, it's sea kayaking.

It's not that easy, is it, Mum?

Paddle back. I found a sheep.

The Perks get the seal of approval.

Is he going to tip us over?

While Megan and Beth are distracted by the seals,

Dad paddles off in a different direction.

Could he possibly be wandering off?

Back on dry land, what do the girls think?

I think he wandered off.

When no-one was looking. You didn't ask.

It did look like he was wandering off at one point.

The sea was pushing me out faster in front. So I wasn't wandering off.

-You're making up excuses. It's just making it worse.

-Looked like he was kind of going over there a bit.

Well, I'm going have to talk to Megan about that.

If I can get out.

We need to think about that, Dad. We don't know if we're going to let you off.

Seriously, can someone actually help me get out?

So, the jury's out on Dad wandering off,

but back at the cottage, how are Mum and Dad getting on with the other rules?

Look at the mess.

Absolutely everywhere.

And I so, so, so want to tell her to tidy it all up and put it away.

No, Beth, you can't tempt me.

Let's hope Megan and Beth don't play back fam-cam and catch you.

But you're safe for the moment.

Its day three of the break and the Perks family are off to

Port St Mary, to try and spot the second largest living shark, the basking shark.

But first, what have the girls decided about Dad and his wandering off?

I think Dad definitely broke the rules kayaking yesterday.

-Yep.

-It's time for his punishment.

Yeah.

-Hello.

-OK, Dad, when we were doing the sea kayaking yesterday,

you were definitely wandering off.

You're going to have to wear these.

I don't deserve this whatsoever.

I didn't wander off in the sea. I kept as close as I could.

Honestly, I wasn't wandering off whatsoever.

Good choice, girls, well spotted.

For the kids.

It's time to set sail.

Basking sharks can be difficult to spot, as they cover large distances in search for food.

Everyone has their eyes peeled for that tell-tale shark fin.

-Look. Sheep.

-In the water, not on land.

-Seagulls.

-There's someone on the rock.

-Gosh, well spotted.

I think that's where lots of the sea gulls live, over there where all that white seagull pooh is.

There's still no shark, but as the boat moves into an inlet, they come across a huge colony of seals.

Quite happy with the seals, to be honest.

I love seals. They're so cute.

As the wind picks up, how is Dad coping with wearing his scarf and T-shirt?

It's loosening up a little bit, so it might,

you know, fall overboard. I've got to watch out to make sure...

Nothing good can come from trying to get out of punishments.

After scanning the seas for hours, the Perks are finally rewarded with a very rare sight.

-Shark!

-Shark!

I can't believe this.

We're so, so lucky.

I think we'll have to let them down gently.

Today was an excellent day.

It's been brilliant. I loved it.

It's the end of the Perks island adventure, but there's still one final treat up for grabs.

They're playing for an amazing ice cream extravaganza, with 40 different flavours to choose from.

But will it be Mum and Dad, or Megan and Beth licking their lips with joy?

Are you ready to play for the final treat?

We're ready for our treat.

How much do you like ice cream?

Yeah, like ice-cream a lot.

Well, today's your lucky day cos you'll be playing for the chance

to create your very own ice cream Sunday, with every flavour and topping you can think of.

Yes, please, please, please.

I'm going to ask three questions about your break.

All you have to do is get two right answers to win the treat.

If not, Mum and Dad are going to win it.

Never, never.

Which of these did your dad say was the coldest? Was it...

Remember when Dad was in the waterfall when he was like shivering and really wanted to get out?

So, A, the waterfall.

So you're saying A.

Well, here's what Dad said.

I think the waterfall was the coldest.

Yes!

Well done. All you need is one more correct answer to win the treat.

-Yes!

-Which of these activities did Mum enjoy the most? Was it...

-Definitely A, coasteering.

-Yeah, she said she really liked it.

So, what's your final answer?

A, coasteering.

-You're going with A?

-Yes.

Are you sure?

Stop leaving us hanging.

This is what Mum said.

-Surprisingly, the activity I enjoyed the most was the coasteering.

-Yes!

Congratulations, girls, the treat is yours.

It's heaven. I can't actually reach.

I'm not going to let them have any.

I hope Mum and Dad will let me have ice cream more often.

I couldn't really wish for anything better.

It's been brilliant. Even better than I thought it would be.

We've definitely been given a break. It's brilliant.

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