Williams Family Gimme a Break

Are your family holidays causing you pain?

Well, I'm here to cure your holiday blues.

I'm Joe Swash and this is Gimme A Break,

the show where you take charge of your family holiday.

I've got a bone to pick with you!

On Gimme 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!

Today I'm in North London

and the lucky family who will be getting a break are the Williams'.

This fab four are...

sprint-finisher, eight-year-old Candace...

mover and shaker, 11-year-old Clarke,

fact-tastic Mum...

..and technology-mad Dad.

So, why do Clarke and Candace deserve to be given a break?

If I could count up all of the holidays that we've had,

it would be one, two.

Candace is absolutely desperate to go on a plane.

I need to be given a break because I've never been

on a plane before and I love heights.

The children would say our family holidays have been...

-Boring!

-It is really boring!

Too much education, very boring, always going to museums.

Absolutely boring!

I love a good museum!

Mum and Dad are normally in charge of the holiday...

HE LAUGHS

..tell us which clothes we have got to wear,

what we're going to eat and do.

I'm a control freak.

Dad is a definite workaholic, because he's always working.

He has like quite a loud voice when he talks on the phone

and it's really embarrassing.

Mum and Dad, you'd better watch out!

So, Dad, I have been talking to the guys

and they keep telling me that you're a bit of a workaholic.

-That is the truth.

-Does work keep coming in the way of fun?

-Yes!

-Mum and Dad, what have you got to say for yourselves?

I can't say I'm sorry...

-Aaaah!

-..because I need to work!

-We need to live, we need to work! What can I do?

-Say what!

-On that note, are you guys ready to be given a break?

-Yes!

Mum and Dad, could you read the Parent Promise aloud

with your hands on your hearts.

BOTH: We, the parents of Candace and Clarke, hereby hand over control

of the next family break.

THEY SCREAM AND CHEER

Hey, they've gone crazy!

Right, Mum and Dad, we've got a lot to get on with.

-Shall we go and talk about what you want in the break?

-Yeah!

Let's go, come on!

How does it feel to be in charge?

-We're the parents and they're the kids.

-You are right!

Right, I need you to tell me what you're looking for in a break?

I love theme parks, I'd like to do some watersports.

So, water sports, theme parks, you like a little bit of adrenalin.

What are you looking for?

-Snowboarding.

-Snowboarding?

-Wakeboarding.

-Wakeboarding.

-Windsurfing.

-Is there anything that doesn't involve a board?

-Extreme!

-Extreme! What would this break definitely not be?

-A failure!

-Good answer.

What about you?

-Rubbish!

-Even better answer than your brother.

-Who is in charge?

-BOTH: We are.

-Who is in charge?

-BOTH: We are!

-Who's got the power?

-BOTH: We have!

Right, now get out of here and I'll see you later.

The sky is the limit for Clarke and Candace

when it comes to their ideal holiday.

I've pulled out all the stops and come up with two stunning breaks.

But first they'll have to put their thinking caps on for the clues,

starting with Break Number one.

BOTH: You'll have a smashing time on this Mediterranean break.

Maybe it could be in Russia.

Umm, maybe not!

I think it might be in Morocco, because look at these clothes.

It might be lunch.

SHE SCREAMS

Smashing plates! Going to have to think about this one.

That's a smashing idea, Clarke!

There's a clue. "You'll need lots of pedal power

"for this activity and you might spot a rare animal on the way."

We could be pedalling down a mountain on a bike.

-Which would be...?

-Mountain-biking.

-Yeah.

That's an extreeeme-ly good idea!

What can you see over there?

There's turtles...

And they both have "C" on their shells.

Turtles that live in the sea, maybe?

We might be spotting

rare sea turtles.

That's tuuurtley right!

BOTH: "Don't get blown off course.

"This skilful activity is KNOT as easy as it looks."

It's knot, is it?

Clarke and Candace have tied themselves in knots over this clue,

but will they do better with the clues for Break Number 2?

BOTH: "You'll be getting sporty in this colourful sea." Watersports!

-We've got some snorkels and some goggles.

-Let's put them on.

-Are you OK?

-Fine, thank you.

What do you think this might be?

BOTH: It's red.

-So, swimming in the Red Sea?

-Maybe!

I think we might do scuba diving in the Red Sea.

-Oooh, you're getting closer!

-It's a clue!

BOTH: "Land the PARAchutes on the target to SAIL off

"on this high-flying activity."

Three, two, one.

Oh, that's way off!

Unlucky! Candace said that parasailing was when

you're attached to a parachute and the parachute is attached to a boat.

I would love to do that!

Candace is putting Clarke in the right direction.

-BOTH: Beans plus man and he goes...

-THEY BREAK WIND

What does this say?

BOTH "You'll need lots of this

"to power your surfboard."

Maybe windsurfing.

-Oh, yeah, windsurfing.

-I think Break Number 2 is in the Red Sea

and I think the Red Sea is in Egypt.

Clarke and Candace have come up trumps with the clues,

but which break will they choose?

It's decision time.

So, you stumbled on the plate-smashing.

Whereabouts in the world do people smash plates for fun?

-We have no clue on that.

-No clue at all?

Break Number 1 is an adventure holiday to Halkidiki in...

Greece, and Greece is where they smash plates. And where is Greece?

-In the Mediterranean.

-Yes!

Shall we have a look where you're going?

-Yeah!

-Let's do this.

This adventurous break takes place in the Halkidiki region of Greece.

You'll be staying in luxury accommodation in Sarni,

you'll experience life on the ocean waves, learning to sail,

burn some rubber mountain-biking on the coast

and you might see rare and endangered sea turtles.

You'll also have the chance to take a tour

on your own exclusive catamaran.

-Are you ready to find out what Break Number 2 is?

-Yeah!

First of all, explain to me where you think you might be going.

We thought that could be swimming in the Red Sea

because we had snorkels on 2.

OK. OK. Well done with the clues and I can tell you that

Break Number 2 is a watersports holiday to the Red Sea in Egypt.

-That's great!

-Shall we have a look?

-Yeah!

-Come on, then.

Break Number 2 takes place in El Gouna on the Red Sea,

where you'll be staying in a five-star hotel.

It's wet suits on for a windsurfing lesson

before you take to the skies parasailing.

Then you'll have the chance to get up close

to some spectacular marine life, snorkelling.

I'm going to give you five minutes.

When I come back, hopefully you'll tell me

-what break you want to go on.

-OK.

All right, see you in a little while.

It's really hard to choose from them, because they're all action-packed.

While they pluck away at a decision,

there's just enough time for me to get in some practice.

In Break Number 1, you see turtles but at the same time here,

you can see loads of other fishes.

# When I'm cleaning windows... #

I really do like the fact that we can do a catamaran.

Yeah, but at the same time, you did say on one of your choices

-that you'd like to do windsurfing.

-True.

And you've got windsurfing on Break Number 2.

HE PLAYS THE VIOLIN BADLY

HE SIGHS

Is it going to be Break Number 1, or Break Number 2?

It's going to be...

BOTH: Break Number 2.

Break Number 2 - the watersports holiday to the Red Sea in Egypt!

-Fantastic! Shall I book it?

-Book it!

-Yep?

-Yep!

-Yep?

-Yep!

-Yep?

-Yep!

-Yep?

-Yep!

-There you go - booked.

I'll be catching up with you later on in your holiday to the Red Sea

to tell you how you can win the last final treat.

All you have to do is

answer some questions correctly about your break.

If you do well, the treat is yours and if you don't,

-it goes to Mum and Dad.

-BOTH: Boo!

-We don't want that, do we?

-Nope!

-Nope!

Have a fantastic holiday and I'll see you shortly.

Clarke and Candace have gone for Break Number 2,

a watersports holiday on the Red Sea in Egypt.

Will Dad throw himself into the holiday,

or will he just get the hump?

And with the final treat up for grabs at the end of the break,

who will come out on top in the quiz?

With one day to go before they set off, Clarke and Candace

need to spring into action to pack Mum and Dad's suitcase.

We're at the hands of our children.

We are! We're at their mercy, definitely!

Look at this cowboy hat!

If he finds something which is going to be really embarrassing,

I'm going to have to honour him and wear it.

I'm Optimus Prime.

Too many layers, or not enough layers.

-That would be a disaster.

-I think I might pack this

because it's nice and bright.

I'm going to pack this because it's ugly!

If they forget anything, in terms of essentials,

it will be through choice.

-I'm going to pack Mum her winter boots.

-Yes!

Even though we're going somewhere hot!

I'll just have to trust my children!

-There you go!

-Oooh!

Mum and Dad have no idea what has been packed for them

and are still in the dark about where they'll be going on a break.

Mum, Dad, the fish have something to tell you.

-We are going to the...

-BOTH: Red Sea!

-No way!

-Egypt!

-THEY LAUGH

-I'm so excited!

Does this mean that you get to go on a plane?

Oh, wow!

It's time to set off

and Clarke and Candace can't wait to get on their way.

I can't wait to get on the plane because I love heights.

Today is the very first time Candace has travelled by plane

and she's taking it all in her stride,

especially when it comes to being in charge of Mum and Dad.

-We're in charge.

-Right.

-So hand over the passports.

-OK.

Great!

-Hello.

-Hi, we're going to the Red Sea in Egypt.

So have you flown before?

-No.

-It's your first time?

-Yeah.

-Have a nice flight.

-Thank you very much.

-Bye.

It's a five hour flight to the Red Sea coast

and with her feet back on solid ground,

-how does Candace feel about landing in Egypt?

-Fun!

-Awesome!

-Having arrived in El Gouna,

the Williams family will be living

the life of luxury in five-star accommodation,

but will it get the thumbs up from Clarke and Candace?

Ooh, my gosh!

THEY LAUGH

As Clarke and Candace get comfortable in their new pad,

will the same be said of Mum and Dad as they open their suitcase?

-Oh...

-Oh, my gosh!

THE KIDS LAUGH

What am I doing with a tie in, like, 90 degree heat?

There was some selection there but those boots...!

-She's got to wear them!

-Someone wanted their boots!

Please, we're in Egypt! I'm going to suffer!

Are you going to wear them?

The best thing - loads of undies and lots of good t-shirts.

At least I can stay fresh!

-What am I going to do...?

-As for those granny pants,

I'm not even going there, actually!

Oh, Candace, what have I done to you?

-Honestly...

-Granny pants!

THEY LAUGH

What mark would I give Clarke and Candace for the packing?

I've got to say, it's pretty good! A good 9!

I'd give them 5 out of 10 for the packing.

HE LAUGHS

Mum's not pleased with the packing.

Will it get any better with the holiday rules? Fingers crossed.

Mum and Dad, are you ready to hear the rules set by Clarke and Candace?

-Yes, we are.

-Yes.

-Just!

-You'd better be!

-PHONE RINGS

Sorry, Williams family, I've got to get this.

Hello, Mum. Yeah, yeah, I'll be home for dinner. All right.

But if not, put it in the oven.

Catch you later. Dad, Candace and Clarke tell me

that you love your phone and laptop.

-Would that be fair?

-Love it!

Rule number one is for you, Dad. They'll be no using your phone,

no laptop and definitely no sneaking off

to use the internet in the hotel!

-CLARKE LAUGHS

-No!

Did you know that the Red Sea is home

to over 1,200 different species of fish?

That's a fact! Mum, I've been told that you like

all sorts of facts and information,

which means rule number two is for you.

You must avoid passing on facts to Clarke and Candace

for the entire break.

-What?

-Stick with it.

But it's such an interesting place!

Rule number three. Clarke and Candace are fed up of you choosing

where and what they eat when they're on holiday.

So on this break, you'll be eating exactly what they eat,

even if it's just a pile of sweets.

-I can't do that!

-Oh, help us! You can!

-Oh, mate!

Now for the consequences.

Mum, you don't like the cold so if you break any rules,

Candace and Clarke have decided

-to put ice cubes down your back. Brrr!

-Oh...

Cold ice cubes! Freezing ice cubes.

Dad, you're accused of embarrassing your kids,

so for once, they're going to embarrass you.

If you break a rule, you're going to have to wear a tutu and fairy wings.

No way! No, no, no, no, no, no!

I'll be back later on in the break to tell you

how you can win the final treat.

Remember, you're in charge, so have a fantastic time.

-Thanks, bye.

-Bye!

This is such an interesting place.

It's got so much history.

How will I survive?

-I'm not a happy Daddy!

-"Williams family rules."

It's the first full day of the Williams' Red Sea break

and Clarke and Candace have a decision to make -

which form of transport will they choose

to get them used to the water?

Will it be a split decision over the banana boat,

or will they bounce around the idea of a towable slalom tube?

Clarke and Candace, the choice is yours.

Ride 'em, cowboy! Wooo!

-Which one do you like better?

-I like them both!

-Look at this one!

I'm used to eating them, not riding them!

-Banana boat, then?

-Banana float!

Hold on, Mum, or you're going to...

Ah, never mind.

Having mashed it up on a banana boat, the Williams family

are about to get even wetter as they try out windsurfing.

Instructor Nikola is on-hand to teach them the basics -

balancing on the board and learning to turn.

The kids can't wait to get out on the water

and show Mum and Dad how it's done.

The important thing - goggles.

It's their first time windsurfing

and with a little help, they get up on their boards straight away.

Clarke is a natural and Candace is right behind him.

Turning the board around is really hard.

Will Mum and Dad be able to compete with their kids?

You made it look easy!

Are you sure someone didn't have a piece of string

-pulling you underneath, hey?

-No.

Mum's off to a flying start,

but Dad's having some difficulty getting his balance.

It's second time lucky for Dad...

-or maybe not!

-DAD LAUGHS

Mum has definitely shown Clarke and Candace

-that she's got what it takes to keep up with them.

-It was great!

Yeah, I enjoyed it, actually!

And it looks like Dad has finally mastered the sport of windsurfing.

Oh, blow this!

-Aha, spoke too soon!

-This is cool!

It's dinner time and the Williams family have dressed to impress.

Rule number three - Mum and Dad have to eat everything

Clarke and Candace eat for the whole break.

Will they be able to resist breaking the rule

with a traditional Egyptian treat?

-Meze.

-Interesting.

-What do you think the meze is?

-Hmmm.

-I think it's a selection of foods, lots of small...

ALARM RINGS

Oh, dear! Is Mummy telling you something

that...she shouldn't be...?

Mmm, yeah!

Never mind eating something she shouldn't,

Mum has only just sat down and a fact slipped out!

Mum, that's a total punishment coming up for you!

She might have broken a rule, but Mum is absolutely right.

Meze is a selection of small dishes including mish,

a type of spicy cheese,

humus made from chickpeas and baba ghanoush made from aubergine.

I, first of all, would like to try that.

OK, you lead the way, I'll follow you.

There are ten dishes to try,

but Mum and Dad can only eat the ones that Candace and Clarke choose.

Er, hang on, isn't Dad trying to eat something he shouldn't?

Clarke and Candace haven't even touched that one yet, which means...

That is a definite rule-break!

The joke is on you Dad. You should have kept quiet about Mum's fact!

Let's hope there's no more slip-ups during the main course,

which is a barbecue, Egyptian-style.

Thank you very much.

Mmm!

Before dessert, Clarke and Candace decide it's time

for Dad's punishment, but they're going to let Mum stew for a while.

So Dad, this is your punishment!

-Oh, come on, guys!

-Put it on, now!

-I've been good to you!

-Now!

Dad is less than impressed, but maybe the dessert -

underwater surprise -

-will cheer him up.

-Oh, look at that!

Clarke and Candace get hands-on, decorating the chocolate fishcake,

scaling new creative heights with their design.

It's time to stop decorating and get stuck in!

THEY LAUGH

-Nice and chocolaty!

-Time for some after-dinner entertainment,

especially when Dad is dressed so appropriately!

It's not long before Dad is up on his feet busting some moves!

-Shake that tutu, Dad!

-He's so funny!

The rest of the family join in to give him support.

Even Mum in her snow boots!

I never thought that I would be belly-dancing

in the middle of the desert with snow boots!

Dad has enjoyed the banquet but he's FAIRY upset with the punishment

Clarke and Candace have enforced!

Kids? Happy. Love them? No.

Christmas? Off. At this rate - life? Off!

It's day two of the break

and Clarke and Candace have some uplifting news for Mum and Dad.

-This activity is...

-Parasailing.

-What?!

-What?!

That's taken the wind out of Dad's sails!

Parasailing is exactly what Clarke wanted.

it's extreme but seriously cool. Who wouldn't want to take off

from the back of a boat

wearing a parachute and be towed at high speed?

Well, as long as you've got nerves of steel.

I'm feeling very scared. However,

I'm going to hold my fears and go as high as I can and try my best.

-Yeah!

-Candace loves heights and can't wait to get started,

which means Dad is also up first.

INAUDIBLE

Wow, it's amazing!

It's really high, isn't it?

-That was really cool!

-Absolutely awesome! Very, very good!

It's Clarke and Mum's turn to take to the skies. Up, up and away!

Look at you!

Top of the world! CLARKE SHOUTS

THEY CHEER

- How was that? - It was great... I loved it!

Top of the world!

After an action-packed start to the day, it's time for some rest

and relaxation as the family sets sail on a catamaran.

The Red Sea is famous for its clear waters and coral reefs -

the perfect place to try some snorkelling.

Under the sea, it's a different world,

with loads for everyone to discover.

It's awesome! I can't describe it! It's unbelievable. Unbelievable.

-Was that good for you, Mrs Williams?

-Wow, it's so different!

I really enjoyed it.

It's like a world underneath my feet, which is kind of cool.

Clarke has even found Nemo!

To see your kids so enjoying themselves, so fearless

and so appreciative of everything they're seeing and doing

is really humbling.

Back on dry land, Mum and Dad take the opportunity to relax

-but Mum is in for an ice surprise!

-Mum.

-Yeah.

-You have broken the rules, so that means...

that you're going to get a big bucket of ice down your back!

SHE SCREAMS

Oh, is it finished?

Stand up. Go on.

Oh, no! I thought my kids loved me!

A Red Sea break wouldn't be complete without one final activity -

camel riding. These clever animals have come to the aid

of many travellers trying to cross the deserts of Africa.

But how would the family get on with these faithful friends?

It might just be a ride down the beach, but check out Candace.

Queen of the desert. And that wave!

I never dreamed I'd be doing this! It's amazing!

The girls are a picture of elegance!

I can say I've ridden a camel in Egypt. It's brilliant!

But how will the boys get on?

Wow. Wow!

Aye, aye, aye!

It's kind of freaky, but it's great.

I'm not too fond of most four-legged creatures

but particularly I can say, camels,

back to the zoo, I'm afraid!

It's the end of the Williams' Red Sea break

and time for them to return home, but first,

who will win the final quiz and walk away with personalised beach towels,

traditional drums and papyrus certificates

with their names in hieroglyphics.

Are you ready? I'm going to ask you some questions about your break.

If you get two right, you will win the Red Sea souvenirs.

If you don't, your Mum and Dad will get them.

-Yay!

-Boo!

-Are you ready for the first question?

-We're ready!

-Which activity did Mum say she enjoyed the most?

Was it A, windsurfing, or B, parasailing?

-Parasailing.

-Yes, do parasailing.

-B, parasailing.

-You're going for B, parasailing.

Here's what Mum said.

The activity I enjoyed the most out of windsurfing and parasailing

-was the parasailing, definitely!

-THEY CHEER

-Yes!

-Are you ready for the next question?

-Yeah.

-We're ready.

-What did Dad dislike about camel riding?

Was it A, too high, or B, too bumpy?

Too high, because it went straight up as soon as he got on.

Too bumpy, because he kept on holding on to both of them.

-Choose A? Yeah, A.

-A.

-A.

-You're going for A, too high?

-Are you sure?

-Yeah.

-Is that your final answer?

-Yeah.

Here is what Dad said.

What I didn't like about the camel riding was definitely

the fact that it was way too bumpy.

-Yes!

-Oh, I told you!

Unlucky! You need to get the next one right

to stop Mum and Dad getting the souvenirs.

-Here is your final question.

-We're ready.

-We're ready.

What did Mum and Dad say they enjoyed most about the banquet.

Was it A, the entertainment, or B, the food?

I think it's food.

You really need to get this one right.

Entertainment?

Can I please have your answer.

-We're going for A.

-We're going for A.

-Entertainment.

Final answer?

-Yes.

-The thing that I enjoyed the most about the banquet

-was the entertainment.

-Entertainment, yes.

Yes!

I love you. I love you so much!

Congratulations, guys! The Red Sea souvenirs are yours!

Ha, ha, ha!

-Aw!

-We are living the life!

I've had a brilliant time. No need for revenge, absolutely none!

Out of all the activities, I would love to try all of them again!

The Egyptian banquet, it was just like something out of a movie set.

I think we've been given a perfect break!