0:00:03 > 0:00:05What if emigrating down under
0:00:05 > 0:00:10meant leaving behind all your friends, family and support?
0:00:10 > 0:00:14Well, that was the tough decision faced by the Fox family
0:00:14 > 0:00:17when we first met them back in 2007.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19Today, we're going to find out
0:00:19 > 0:00:23if they had the courage to make that life-changing choice or not.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Adam and Ruth Fox desperately wanted to move to Australia
0:00:27 > 0:00:29in search of a better life.
0:00:29 > 0:00:32An optimistic young couple, they believed down under
0:00:32 > 0:00:34was the place to buy the house of their dreams
0:00:34 > 0:00:36and to start a family.
0:00:36 > 0:00:39But their optimism was quickly shattered.
0:00:39 > 0:00:42I'm not moving away from England for this house.
0:00:43 > 0:00:46Leaving behind their loved ones would be heart-wrenching.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48I'll look after you.
0:00:48 > 0:00:49Will you look after me?
0:00:49 > 0:00:52Yeah.
0:00:52 > 0:00:55This was the most difficult decision they would have to make
0:00:55 > 0:00:57and would leave them in turmoil.
0:00:57 > 0:00:59So, where are they now?
0:01:21 > 0:01:27In 2007, the Foxes from Yorkshire were faced with a massive decision -
0:01:27 > 0:01:31whether to stay in the UK or to move to Australia.
0:01:31 > 0:01:37We gave them one week to experience every aspect of life down under.
0:01:37 > 0:01:40But what happened next?
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Electrician Adam Fox and his wife, Ruth,
0:01:42 > 0:01:45were struggling with the thought of uprooting their lives
0:01:45 > 0:01:47to the other side of the world.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52Having struggled to find work as a marine biologist in the UK,
0:01:52 > 0:01:57Australia was the last chance for Ruth to land her dream job.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00I did my Master's in oceanography at Southampton University,
0:02:00 > 0:02:03and from there, I struggled to get work.
0:02:03 > 0:02:08So I went to Australia as a last ditch effort to find paid work.
0:02:08 > 0:02:12Australia is where they met but Ruth was worried a permanent move
0:02:12 > 0:02:14would be a much tougher proposition.
0:02:16 > 0:02:20It's definitely a concern that we are looking at it through rose-tinted glasses,
0:02:20 > 0:02:21that when we were there before,
0:02:21 > 0:02:24although we were working, we were really on holiday.
0:02:24 > 0:02:28It's gonna be hard, but I think it's worth giving it a go.
0:02:28 > 0:02:31I mean, we're still only young.
0:02:31 > 0:02:34They would have to give up everything
0:02:34 > 0:02:38and Adam's strong family ties meant he had a lot to lose.
0:02:38 > 0:02:43I'm leaving behind a lot of family. A LOT of family.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46They all live within 15 minutes of here.
0:02:46 > 0:02:48All of his friends and all of his family.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50They're all that close.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55And for Ruth, leaving behind her ill father was particularly distressing.
0:02:55 > 0:02:58My biggest concern is my dad.
0:02:58 > 0:03:00He had major surgery this year.
0:03:00 > 0:03:03If he gets worse,
0:03:03 > 0:03:05then he won't be able to travel either,
0:03:05 > 0:03:08so he won't even be able to come and visit.
0:03:08 > 0:03:10He's definitely a big, big concern.
0:03:12 > 0:03:16They had a week to experience the reality of life in Australia.
0:03:16 > 0:03:19But the decision on whether to move down under or not
0:03:19 > 0:03:21would push them to their limits.
0:03:27 > 0:03:31To help Ruth and Adam consider the huge risk they'd be taking,
0:03:31 > 0:03:34we sent them to Cairns in Queensland
0:03:34 > 0:03:36to test the lifestyle for one week.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42The 24-hour flight gave them plenty of time to think about
0:03:42 > 0:03:44this life-changing decision.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47AS they reached their rented apartment,
0:03:47 > 0:03:49their first impressions were good.
0:03:49 > 0:03:50I could live here.
0:03:50 > 0:03:53We'll have one!
0:03:53 > 0:03:56But fears about job opportunities had them both worried
0:03:56 > 0:04:00about whether Australia really was the right place for them.
0:04:00 > 0:04:02If it doesn't work out...
0:04:02 > 0:04:06If I don't think I'm gonna like it in Cairns, job-wise,
0:04:06 > 0:04:08I'm gonna have to rethink plans.
0:04:08 > 0:04:12Yeah, there's nothing wrong with our lives in England.
0:04:12 > 0:04:17- So... If it wasn't any better here, then there's no point.- Mm.
0:04:17 > 0:04:21There would be no advantage to moving.
0:04:21 > 0:04:26This would be a challenging week and everything was at stake.
0:04:30 > 0:04:34In 2007, Ruth and Adam lived in a two-bedroom terraced cottage
0:04:34 > 0:04:35in Yorkshire.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39The house was worth £120,000.
0:04:39 > 0:04:40But with hopes of starting a family,
0:04:40 > 0:04:43they wanted to upgrade.
0:04:43 > 0:04:48With a mortgage, they'd have about £170,000 to spend on a home.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54Their dreams was for a four-bedroom, new-build house with enough space for a pool.
0:04:56 > 0:05:02We showed them three properties so they could get an idea of what they would get for their money.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07The first was a fabulous four-bedroom house in Redlynch.
0:05:07 > 0:05:09Nice to meet you. Adam.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- Hi, nice to meet you. - Hi, Ruth.- Hi, Ruth.
0:05:12 > 0:05:16- Nice to meet you.- I just can't see myself affording a place like this.
0:05:16 > 0:05:19- Is there any schools nearby? - Yes, it's great for schools.
0:05:19 > 0:05:22All the infrastructure's been set in Redlynch.
0:05:22 > 0:05:24It's a growing area of Cairns.
0:05:24 > 0:05:28And there's a big shopping centre as well, that you can walk to.
0:05:28 > 0:05:30It's perfect, then, yeah?
0:05:30 > 0:05:32Their first impressions were good
0:05:32 > 0:05:35but this house was well above their budget.
0:05:35 > 0:05:37I'm in shock.
0:05:37 > 0:05:39Lost for words.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42The Foxes fell in love with this property
0:05:42 > 0:05:47but they both needed to earn serious money to be able to afford such luxury.
0:05:47 > 0:05:49Oh, wow, look!
0:05:49 > 0:05:51Not just a double shower.
0:05:51 > 0:05:54Double SHOWERS! This is the nicest bathroom.
0:05:54 > 0:05:56I'm gonna have to work a lot of overtime.
0:05:56 > 0:05:57THEY LAUGH
0:05:57 > 0:05:59I need a house like this now.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01I dread to think how much this costs.
0:06:01 > 0:06:05Go on, give us the bad news. How much is the property?
0:06:05 > 0:06:11Totally finished, as you see it, with all the curtains, the blinds, the air conditioning,
0:06:11 > 0:06:15540,000.
0:06:15 > 0:06:19- You'd never get anything like this. - Definitely not.
0:06:19 > 0:06:22- I'd have to do a lot of overtime. - A lot of overtime.
0:06:22 > 0:06:28With uncertain job prospects, the ideal house looked out of their reach.
0:06:28 > 0:06:32Adam and Ruth had to lower their expectations and look at cheaper properties.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36- Nice estate again.- Nice estate, isn't it?- Really nice.
0:06:36 > 0:06:41The second property had four bedrooms, a large open plan lounge
0:06:41 > 0:06:44and a stunning pool. It was on the market for...
0:06:49 > 0:06:51Oh!
0:06:51 > 0:06:53Wow! Really nice.
0:06:53 > 0:06:58I wasn't expecting this from the front of the house.
0:06:58 > 0:07:00I didn't think it would be so big.
0:07:00 > 0:07:04- What do you think of this kitchen? - I love the colours.
0:07:04 > 0:07:10This house was much nearer their budget but was still a big financial stretch.
0:07:10 > 0:07:15It's hard not to compare everything to that house because it was perfect.
0:07:15 > 0:07:22- It all depends on the price for this property.- Yeah, if this is significantly less, that's why.
0:07:22 > 0:07:29- But if it's not that much less... - We'd push ourselves... - To get the other one.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34The reality of how little they could afford hit Adam and Ruth hard.
0:07:36 > 0:07:39The third property was within their budget at...
0:07:44 > 0:07:50Situated in Yorkeys Knob, 20 minutes from the centre of Cairns, it was in a great location.
0:07:50 > 0:07:56But the grim reality of what they could afford made them question the entire move.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02- You'd have to spend some money working on it.- Is that...? - A bedroom with an en suite.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05I think you'd have to rip this out and start again.
0:08:05 > 0:08:12I do...like the kitchen layout, not the kitchen itself.
0:08:12 > 0:08:16I didn't think anything could get worse than that other bathroom.
0:08:17 > 0:08:20I think this is a downgrade from our house.
0:08:20 > 0:08:26- And I won't move to Australia for this.- Not for this house.
0:08:26 > 0:08:30- What do you think of the house? - Hate it.- Yeah, me, too.
0:08:30 > 0:08:35I'm not moving away from England for this house.
0:08:35 > 0:08:38- I don't want to have to do a house up.- It's...
0:08:38 > 0:08:44- It would be a nice house, it's a nice area...- You'd have to spend 100,000 doing it up.
0:08:44 > 0:08:47- Thumbs down.- Thumbs down.
0:08:47 > 0:08:52Their dream house needed Adam and Ruth to earn a lot more money.
0:08:52 > 0:08:55Even the second would really stretch their budget.
0:08:55 > 0:08:58And the third property was a total disappointment.
0:08:58 > 0:09:04If they couldn't see a better life for themselves here, the whole move looked to be at risk.
0:09:04 > 0:09:10Their first vote between UK and Australian property was a tricky one.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16We're voting to decide whether we prefer English houses or Australian houses.
0:09:16 > 0:09:18It's a tough one.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- What are we going to go for? - I'm going for...
0:09:23 > 0:09:27- Australian.- Snap! - Definitely.- Australian.
0:09:27 > 0:09:34This positive young couple were sold on their dream house. However, being able to buy a property like this
0:09:34 > 0:09:40relied on both Adam and Ruth being able to get decent jobs, otherwise it was the end of the dream.
0:09:45 > 0:09:47Although Adam was the main visa applicant
0:09:47 > 0:09:49their big reason for moving Down Under was to fulfil
0:09:49 > 0:09:53Ruth's ambition to work as a marine biologist.
0:09:53 > 0:09:57I went to Australia as a last-ditch effort to find paid work.
0:09:57 > 0:10:03Ruth had hoped that Cairns being so close to the Great Barrier Reef
0:10:03 > 0:10:06was one of the best places in the world for her to find work.
0:10:06 > 0:10:11If she couldn't find a permanent job here the whole move might be at risk.
0:10:11 > 0:10:15This put even more pressure on Adam.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18His skills as an electrician would get him a work visa,
0:10:18 > 0:10:20but that didn't guarantee a job.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23To be honest, I'm quite nervous about it.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27I've worked for the same company, the same firm, for all my life,
0:10:27 > 0:10:30since the start of my apprenticeship.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33So, we'll see what happens!
0:10:33 > 0:10:39Adam earned £27,000 as an qualified electrician in the UK.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43But was worried he might not get the same pay in Australia.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45What's the pay like?
0:10:45 > 0:10:50Yeah, you're probably looking at 60,000, 70,000. Dollars.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54But for that, I mean, you can have a real good standard of living for that.
0:10:54 > 0:10:58This was a similar wage to what Adam earned in the UK,
0:10:58 > 0:11:02but only if he got himself an Australian electrician's license,
0:11:02 > 0:11:05which could take several months.
0:11:06 > 0:11:11For her part Ruth had managed to get some advice from a reef and ecotourism expert,
0:11:11 > 0:11:13but the news wasn't good.
0:11:13 > 0:11:19Her job prospects were much more limited than she'd anticipated.
0:11:19 > 0:11:22You really have four choices as a marine biologist.
0:11:22 > 0:11:26You've got scientific research, but Cairns isn't the place for that.
0:11:26 > 0:11:29Then you can go into the research side at the academic level,
0:11:29 > 0:11:32The best option is working on the boats,
0:11:32 > 0:11:34as a marine biologist on the boats.
0:11:34 > 0:11:38Which involves snorkel tour guiding, doing the interpretive briefs,
0:11:38 > 0:11:40educational talks to the passengers.
0:11:40 > 0:11:44More or less, you're looking at a casual position, it's so seasonal.
0:11:44 > 0:11:46The numbers of tourists fluctuate.
0:11:46 > 0:11:50So it's unlikely to get a permanent position on the boat straight off?
0:11:50 > 0:11:52A lot of marine biologists out of uni come,
0:11:52 > 0:11:56they have their degree, and expect there to be a lot of work out there.
0:11:56 > 0:11:58You can break into it. It takes a lot of hard work,
0:11:58 > 0:12:00- and it takes some time.- Sure.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02But, you know, if you persevere,
0:12:02 > 0:12:05there might be light at the end of the tunnel.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08This was a devastating blow for Ruth.
0:12:08 > 0:12:14Seasonal work on the boats was not going to provide the income they needed for a secure future.
0:12:14 > 0:12:16Disappointing, to what I was expecting.
0:12:16 > 0:12:20Basically, the large majority of the research goes on in Townsville.
0:12:20 > 0:12:22I know there's James Cook campus here,
0:12:22 > 0:12:25which they teach marine biology at here,
0:12:25 > 0:12:29so by that, I assumed that they would also do research up here.
0:12:29 > 0:12:32But it seems that they only teach it up here.
0:12:32 > 0:12:35I don't know whether that would provide me
0:12:35 > 0:12:37with any positions there or not.
0:12:37 > 0:12:40It did seem like there was still plenty of work on the boats,
0:12:40 > 0:12:42but she did say that there wouldn't be any...
0:12:42 > 0:12:46it would be unlikely that I'd immediately get a contract position.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49Which is hard, because if I don't have a contract,
0:12:49 > 0:12:54then that'll obviously reduce our mortgage abilities.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57Because that might just be based on Adam's salary, then.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00So that would drastically reduce what we could get.
0:13:00 > 0:13:04So... It's not great news.
0:13:12 > 0:13:15Now, it was all down to Adam.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18If he was unhappy with his work in Australia
0:13:18 > 0:13:22his vote would have made the difference to their final decision.
0:13:22 > 0:13:24I was nervous to begin with,
0:13:24 > 0:13:27but once seeing Dave, how relaxed he is,
0:13:27 > 0:13:31and how much he enjoys doing what he does,
0:13:31 > 0:13:35and being on site with the guys who come from England, it just...
0:13:35 > 0:13:37it was like being in a family.
0:13:37 > 0:13:41It was... I think I could settle in there straightaway.
0:13:41 > 0:13:44Australia. 100%.
0:13:44 > 0:13:46The only disappointing thing is,
0:13:46 > 0:13:48I'm going to have to wait to come out here.
0:13:48 > 0:13:55Adam was very happy with his decision but that was before he'd heard about Ruth's jobhunting.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59- How did it go today, then? - OK. How did you get on?
0:13:59 > 0:14:01- Honestly?- Yes.- I'm pleased.
0:14:01 > 0:14:03- You're beaming ear from ear!- I am.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07I am. It's just unfortunate that I can't start now!
0:14:07 > 0:14:09THEY LAUGH
0:14:09 > 0:14:13- So, what was your day like? - OK.- Yeah?- Yes.
0:14:13 > 0:14:15Met a really nice lady.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19She thinks it's unlikely I'll get a contract on the boats.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22And that all the research is done in Townsville.
0:14:22 > 0:14:24Right.
0:14:24 > 0:14:27- So that's not the best news. - That's the short version.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30Come here. You all right?
0:14:33 > 0:14:36With two very different job prospects their hopes
0:14:36 > 0:14:40of settling down and starting a family were looking doubtful.
0:14:40 > 0:14:42And to even consider such a life-changing move
0:14:42 > 0:14:48Australia needed to offer a much better lifestyle than the UK.
0:14:53 > 0:14:56The Foxes knew moving to Australia would be a huge financial strain,
0:14:56 > 0:15:00and starting a family would push them to their limits.
0:15:02 > 0:15:06It was crucial that their hard-earned wages would cover their basic living costs.
0:15:06 > 0:15:10We've got 55 to spend, so let's go and see what we can get.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13- Let's go and get some weird and wonderful stuff.- Yeah.
0:15:14 > 0:15:17- What are these?- Cassava. - What do they taste like?
0:15:17 > 0:15:20They taste a bit like potatoes.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23- Oh, right.- Thank you. - You're welcome.- Thank you.
0:15:23 > 0:15:27A competition to get the most oddly shaped vegetable in town?
0:15:27 > 0:15:30I think so.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35Look at the size of that! 60p! They're about that price in England, but they're not normally that size.
0:15:35 > 0:15:42The prices and size were looking good, but not everything was so light on the wallet.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46Look at that! Iceberg lettuce, 4. That's like £1.70.
0:15:46 > 0:15:47That's really expensive.
0:15:47 > 0:15:50So not everything's as cheap.
0:15:50 > 0:15:56With barely enough left for a cold beer, the cost of living in Oz wasn't a clear-cut decision.
0:15:56 > 0:15:59Look how much stuff we got! That's enough to feed us for a week...
0:15:59 > 0:16:01- Easily.- ..of fresh food.
0:16:01 > 0:16:05The thing is, it might not be miles cheaper than England,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08- but it just looks a lot fresher. - It looks so much nicer, doesn't it?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Would this sway Adam and Ruth in favour of the UK?
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Are we in agreement?
0:16:16 > 0:16:18I think so.
0:16:18 > 0:16:20OK? So, we pick...
0:16:20 > 0:16:22- ..Australia.- Australia.
0:16:22 > 0:16:27- But I'm still going to miss English pubs.- Still going to miss the English pub.- Good.
0:16:31 > 0:16:36Back in 2007, to focus their minds on their big decision,
0:16:36 > 0:16:41we showed Ruth and Adam some messages from their loved ones back home.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Hi, Adam and Ruth.
0:16:44 > 0:16:48Hope you're both all right and having a wonderful time in Australia.
0:16:48 > 0:16:52Adam and Ruth, I really, really wish you the best.
0:16:52 > 0:16:53Adam, as you know,
0:16:53 > 0:16:56I expect you to look after Ruth and love her to bits. I know you will.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59If you don't, you know what the answer's going to be!
0:17:01 > 0:17:02Wall bricks!
0:17:02 > 0:17:03He does, too.
0:17:03 > 0:17:06- Two wall bricks, actually. - See, I told you!
0:17:06 > 0:17:07THEY LAUGH
0:17:07 > 0:17:10Things that really I'll miss the most about Adam is going out,
0:17:10 > 0:17:12to the pub and just having a laugh.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15It's not so much now he's married, Ruth keeps him under the thumb.
0:17:15 > 0:17:17- Ah!- Aha!
0:17:17 > 0:17:19As a son,
0:17:19 > 0:17:25I can't fault him. As a best friend, again, I can't fault him.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28I see in them something very special,
0:17:28 > 0:17:32that you don't often see in other people's relationships.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35What more could you want for your child?
0:17:35 > 0:17:39It's the serious crises that you get in your life,
0:17:39 > 0:17:42I think that's when they will feel very remote.
0:17:42 > 0:17:45- And so will we.- Yes.
0:17:45 > 0:17:48I suppose, in a way,
0:17:48 > 0:17:52I haven't thought about it too much, because...
0:17:52 > 0:17:56I don't want to, really. It's quite painful.
0:17:57 > 0:18:01I'm going to miss you when you go, Adam. You're the boy.
0:18:01 > 0:18:03Um...
0:18:05 > 0:18:07HE SIGHS
0:18:09 > 0:18:12The thought that she isn't, perhaps, going to come back again
0:18:12 > 0:18:14is going to be very hard
0:18:14 > 0:18:17and I'm one of these people that pushed it to the back of my mind
0:18:17 > 0:18:19until it actually has to happen.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25We all hope that you are both doing really well
0:18:25 > 0:18:30and having a great time. I love you dearly.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34I just wish you all the best, darling, and...
0:18:34 > 0:18:37I... I don't know what else to say, really.
0:18:37 > 0:18:38I shall miss you terribly,
0:18:38 > 0:18:42but I know that it'll be good for you both.
0:18:42 > 0:18:44Love you, darling.
0:18:45 > 0:18:50- That was nice, wasn't it?- Yeah.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53- You're crying again! - I knew I'd cry at my mum.
0:19:00 > 0:19:02My dad's health isn't that good.
0:19:02 > 0:19:07Um... My biggest worry is something happening to him,
0:19:07 > 0:19:10and how quickly I could get back to him.
0:19:10 > 0:19:13- I'll look after you. - Will you look after me?- Yeah.
0:19:15 > 0:19:23This had been a very emotional week and so many of their plans were hanging in the balance.
0:19:23 > 0:19:28The heartache of leaving their loved ones behind had taken its toll on both Adam and Ruth.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31But it was time for the final vote.
0:19:31 > 0:19:35Stay in the UK or follow their dreams to Australia?
0:19:37 > 0:19:40BOTH: Australia.
0:19:42 > 0:19:44I thought you were supposed to do it, as well!
0:19:45 > 0:19:49So the Foxes voted for Australia.
0:19:49 > 0:19:57We caught up with them in 2008, to find out if they HAD been brave enough to actually make the move.
0:20:01 > 0:20:03Their dream house was out of reach
0:20:03 > 0:20:06and job prospects had looked bleak.
0:20:06 > 0:20:08So did they give up on their Australian dream?
0:20:08 > 0:20:10No!
0:20:10 > 0:20:13The Foxes had moved to Australia and had been living in Smithfield,
0:20:13 > 0:20:16near Cairns, for three months.
0:20:16 > 0:20:20- Hi, guys. This is our place in Cairns.- Come in and have a look.
0:20:22 > 0:20:28We found this place on the internet. We did a lot of research before we got here.
0:20:28 > 0:20:33- We set up the meeting before we got here and viewed the day we arrived. - That was hard work.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35Straight off the plane!
0:20:35 > 0:20:39It's perfect for us, fully furnished.
0:20:39 > 0:20:42- Which is what we needed cos...- We only came with five suitcases!
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Pretty much just clothes.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48So...the rest of our stuff's still in removals. Haven't got it yet.
0:20:48 > 0:20:55We got some cards from friends and family welcoming us to our new home, which was nice in the first week.
0:20:55 > 0:20:59- This is the guest bedroom. - And computer room.
0:20:59 > 0:21:04This is where we chat to our friends on the internet. We use the laptop
0:21:04 > 0:21:10and the webcam to show our families around the flat so they can see where we're living, which is really nice.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14- It's all ready and waiting for our guests from the UK.- Yeah.
0:21:14 > 0:21:17This is our master bedroom.
0:21:17 > 0:21:20Come and see the best bit of the house - the beautiful balcony.
0:21:20 > 0:21:24This is where we spend our evenings.
0:21:24 > 0:21:30Try and entertain our friends here. The dream house of the last programme is probably a bit out of
0:21:30 > 0:21:34- our...- It's sold.- It's a bit out of our price range anyway.
0:21:34 > 0:21:40But there's plenty of houses on the market for us.
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- When the right house comes along... - It'll be ours!
0:21:44 > 0:21:48The Foxes seem to be enjoying their new life in Cairns.
0:21:48 > 0:21:54But still needed to sell their house in England if they were to settle in Australia.
0:21:58 > 0:22:02During their trial week in 2007,
0:22:02 > 0:22:06Adam had some concerns about working in Australia.
0:22:06 > 0:22:09To be honest, I'm quite nervous about it.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13I've worked for the same company all my life, since my apprenticeship.
0:22:16 > 0:22:19So, we'll see what happens!
0:22:19 > 0:22:22It was vital he found a suitable job.
0:22:22 > 0:22:29One year on in 2008, Adam had landed work with an electronics engineering company.
0:22:29 > 0:22:31However, finding this job wasn't that simple.
0:22:31 > 0:22:38When I first got to Cairns, I was out of work for, erm...
0:22:38 > 0:22:41around five weeks, which wasn't expected.
0:22:41 > 0:22:46I just presumed it was going to be easy to find work.
0:22:46 > 0:22:50That wasn't the case.
0:22:50 > 0:22:54It was a bit disappointing at first.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56It did get me down a little bit.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Obviously not having a licence here,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03was a bit difficult.
0:23:03 > 0:23:08You've got to start as a trades' assistant and then get your licence.
0:23:08 > 0:23:15So, I'm not a qualified electrician over here so, I'm employed as a TA - trades' assistant.
0:23:15 > 0:23:21Erm...which is fine. It'll be a few months before I get my electrical licence.
0:23:22 > 0:23:24In 2007, Ruth went to Australia
0:23:24 > 0:23:28with the dream of working as a marine biologist but was devastated
0:23:28 > 0:23:32when she found out her prospects of permanent employment were bleak.
0:23:34 > 0:23:39If I don't have a contract, that'll reduce our mortgage abilities.
0:23:39 > 0:23:42It might just be based on Adam's salary then.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46That would drastically reduce what we could get.
0:23:47 > 0:23:52So... It's not great news.
0:23:52 > 0:23:56However, once she moved to Australia, her fears were laid to rest.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59Good morning, my name is Ruth.
0:23:59 > 0:24:03I'm one of the marine biologists on board today. I'll be doing a short presentation here,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06in the main cabin about the Great Barrier Reef,
0:24:06 > 0:24:08and some of the things you're likely to see today.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12She found a full-time job on a tourist boat running trips to the Barrier Reef.
0:24:12 > 0:24:18And in 2008, earned around £20,000.
0:24:18 > 0:24:23'I do guided snorkel tours which involve...'
0:24:23 > 0:24:26basically, me being in the water teaching people how to snorkel.
0:24:26 > 0:24:30I've taught people who've never swum before in their lives, never been in the water ever before.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35It's great. As soon as you get their head in the water, they're just like, "Wow!"
0:24:35 > 0:24:36That's great.
0:24:36 > 0:24:41Although everything looked rosy on the job front, it had been quite a rough ride.
0:24:41 > 0:24:46In the beginning when Adam was out of work it was very stressful, to be honest.
0:24:46 > 0:24:51It was the first time in his life he's been out of work and it wasn't what he expected.
0:24:51 > 0:24:56He was panicky that he wouldn't find work but it only took him six weeks.
0:24:56 > 0:25:02Adam's the kind of person that...that wants to work.
0:25:02 > 0:25:05It's just Adam putting the pressure on himself, bless him!
0:25:05 > 0:25:08With their long-term plans of starting a family,
0:25:08 > 0:25:13they now had to concentrate on getting out of rented accommodation.
0:25:13 > 0:25:18We are looking to have a family still. We're looking forward to having that family...
0:25:18 > 0:25:21Though we really want to be settled in a house first.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24We want to be in our own house, in our own environment.
0:25:24 > 0:25:27So, yep, as soon as we've got that house,
0:25:27 > 0:25:31hopefully we'll be starting that family. House first!
0:25:35 > 0:25:39One of the big draws for Adam and Ruth was the laid-back Aussie lifestyle.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42They really threw themselves into it.
0:25:42 > 0:25:45How do you turn these things on?
0:25:45 > 0:25:47Adam, what we need is some Australians!
0:25:47 > 0:25:52- It's sizzling!- Hooray! It's all going on now.
0:25:52 > 0:25:57- Got told by a proper Aussie - throw beer on your onions.- Really?
0:26:00 > 0:26:05It seemed they were well on the way to starting a new life with plenty of friends.
0:26:13 > 0:26:18In 2007 the prospect of leaving behind their family and friends was hard to bear.
0:26:18 > 0:26:26Once they had actually made the move, the reality of being separated from them really hit home.
0:26:26 > 0:26:30We were stood just outside the security gates, weren't we?
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Hugging and going, "We've got to go!"
0:26:33 > 0:26:35"Stop crying!"
0:26:35 > 0:26:39- We didn't cry though, none of us cried.- You liar.
0:26:39 > 0:26:42- Yeah, I lied.- We all cried. - We all cried.
0:26:42 > 0:26:46- I found it, probably, worse than you.- You did, definitely.
0:26:46 > 0:26:51Yeah, definitely worse than you. We got here and had no jobs,
0:26:51 > 0:26:52no friends...
0:26:52 > 0:26:55It was the no friends that I struggled with.
0:26:55 > 0:26:59- And we had so much to do, we couldn't meet anybody.- Yeah.
0:26:59 > 0:27:02We showed them messages from their family and friends,
0:27:02 > 0:27:05to show how they were coping without them.
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Hello, Ruth and Adam. It's lovely to talk to you.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13I love you, I really love you very much.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17We love you dearly. We'll never stop loving you, no matter how far away you are!
0:27:17 > 0:27:20We're always here for you if you need us.
0:27:20 > 0:27:23Adam is a rather old-fashioned Englishman, like myself,
0:27:23 > 0:27:28who feels he's the bread... And having difficulties getting a job for the first few weeks,
0:27:28 > 0:27:31it was actually quite a problem for him.
0:27:31 > 0:27:35I had a discussion with my daughter about it and said, you know, "Adam needs some support now.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38"You don't need it." She can deal with unemployment quite well.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43With Ruth and I, there has always been a closeness.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47Maybe I was holding onto her longer than I should have done.
0:27:47 > 0:27:51Perhaps I kept her closer to me than was necessary.
0:27:51 > 0:27:57I hope not - I hope I've given her an all-round life
0:27:57 > 0:28:01and that she feels the same as the other children do.
0:28:01 > 0:28:08We're a very close-knit family and still all meet together and do special things together.
0:28:08 > 0:28:11- They'll miss things like that, for sure.- I don't discuss my health with her
0:28:11 > 0:28:13because it will upset her.
0:28:13 > 0:28:19My wife probably tells her what the things are, just tell her the facts of it.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24But she has to tell her - Ruth NEEDS to know. She's that sort of person.
0:28:24 > 0:28:31We used webcam the other weekend, actually, to speak to each other. It was lovely to see him.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33We were all going like that on the webcam.
0:28:34 > 0:28:38It's a sort of hug. Technical hug!
0:28:38 > 0:28:42We will be desperately concerned when she's having a baby,
0:28:42 > 0:28:45because she's the one who's suffering, not the husband,
0:28:45 > 0:28:49so my wife will want to be there when she has the baby. That's for sure.
0:28:49 > 0:28:52They'll just have to move over for nine months.
0:28:52 > 0:28:57I do miss you terribly. I can't wait to see you again
0:28:57 > 0:29:01and just...lots of love. Big hug! Technical hug!
0:29:01 > 0:29:03Love you lots! Be happy!
0:29:05 > 0:29:10We're looking forward to coming to see you and sharing your experiences in Australia.
0:29:10 > 0:29:14Lots of love. Bye.
0:29:14 > 0:29:19We're missing you terribly and it's really hard for us at times.
0:29:19 > 0:29:23We'd just love to hug you, to cuddle you
0:29:23 > 0:29:27and to feel your actual warmth against us.
0:29:27 > 0:29:29We love you very much, darling.
0:29:29 > 0:29:32And you, Adam! We mustn't forget you!
0:29:32 > 0:29:36- We love you, too.- Don't forget me! - Look after each other.
0:29:36 > 0:29:40You must look after each other. Take care.
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Love you.
0:29:45 > 0:29:48What do you think, then?
0:29:48 > 0:29:50Apart from upset?
0:29:50 > 0:29:55It's kind of...happy tears, too, to see them
0:29:55 > 0:29:58and to hear them say all those nice things.
0:29:58 > 0:30:01I thought that was brilliant.
0:30:01 > 0:30:04But Ruth's dad was her biggest concern.
0:30:04 > 0:30:12I hope that my parents are honest with me - I think they are - about his condition and when it's worse
0:30:12 > 0:30:17or better or every time he goes to see the doctor and has a new prescriptions
0:30:17 > 0:30:22or anything new to say. They do tell me.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26Obviously, they did talk about... if something happened...
0:30:26 > 0:30:31If we couldn't get over so quickly, in a few hours time. It IS a long way away.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34That's something we're pretending's not going to happen.
0:30:34 > 0:30:38But it will happen, and we always knew it was going to happen,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42so...we have to take it when it comes, really.
0:30:42 > 0:30:47Being separated from her loved ones had created huge doubts for Ruth.
0:30:47 > 0:30:51Adam had got off to a rocky start, having struggled to find work
0:30:51 > 0:30:56and, still living in rented accommodation, they desperately needed to crack the problem
0:30:56 > 0:30:58of finding a family home.
0:30:58 > 0:31:04After three difficult months in Australia, it was time for Adam and Ruth to decide
0:31:04 > 0:31:07if they had made the right decision.
0:31:07 > 0:31:12Last time, we thought Australia was the place for us to live.
0:31:12 > 0:31:15We had a few problems, when we first came out here, with jobs,
0:31:15 > 0:31:18but that's all worked out really well now.
0:31:18 > 0:31:21You've got your dream job, I've got mine. So...
0:31:21 > 0:31:24I don't think there's any doubt in our mind. We're living in...
0:31:24 > 0:31:26BOTH: Australia.
0:31:27 > 0:31:30SHE SCREAMS
0:31:31 > 0:31:34- BLEEP- Sorry, Mum!
0:31:42 > 0:31:45Good old Australian lifestyle, eh?
0:31:45 > 0:31:50- Good?- That was good.- Mwah!
0:31:54 > 0:31:57When we last met the Foxes in 2008,
0:31:57 > 0:32:00Adam only had a trainee job position
0:32:00 > 0:32:03and they were living in a rented apartment -
0:32:03 > 0:32:08still a long way from their dream of raising a family in their own home.
0:32:10 > 0:32:15Now I'm popping in to find out if they managed to realise any of those hopes.
0:32:17 > 0:32:21- Hi, Ruth, Adam. Good to see you.- and you.
0:32:21 > 0:32:25- New house?- It is indeed.- Yes, new house.- Am I allowed the tour? - Come in.- Have a look.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29- So, Nicki, come and have a look at our dream house.- Lovely!
0:32:29 > 0:32:33But before that, we've got something special to show you.
0:32:33 > 0:32:36Oh! A baby Fox cub!
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- And who's this?- This is baby Finlay.
0:32:40 > 0:32:41- Oh, congratulations.- Thank you.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46The fact you've only been in the country for two years, but you feel comfortable and at home -
0:32:46 > 0:32:51and this IS your home - and you're having your family straight away says a lot.
0:32:51 > 0:32:56- It does feel like home now.- Going to play with the baby in a while but could I have the tour?- Certainly.
0:32:56 > 0:33:01- Oh, this is wonderful! - This is my beautiful kitchen.
0:33:01 > 0:33:06- This is Ruth's kitchen. - Is it?- Took a while to find the right house for us.
0:33:06 > 0:33:09But when we walked in here, we knew it was the one.
0:33:09 > 0:33:15- Lovely. Right, let's keep the tour going.- Through to the dining room. - Great dining area.
0:33:15 > 0:33:16I love the open space!
0:33:16 > 0:33:22Ah! Now THIS is very nice.
0:33:22 > 0:33:25Got a generous en suite next door.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- And how many bedrooms has this house got?- Four.- Can I be cheeky? Was it really expensive?
0:33:30 > 0:33:34- We got a really good deal.- Originally on the market for 550,000.
0:33:34 > 0:33:36We got it for 430.
0:33:36 > 0:33:38Wow. For what you get for this house,
0:33:38 > 0:33:41it such high quality and so much space.
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Could you have bought something like this back home?- No.- No.
0:33:44 > 0:33:47Not for the money.
0:33:47 > 0:33:50- I would love to see Finlay's room, if that's all right.- Of course!
0:33:50 > 0:33:53- Ah! So this is the little man's room?- This is Finlay's room.
0:33:53 > 0:33:56And how was it? Obviously, he's your first.
0:33:56 > 0:33:59How was the medical side of it, the hospitals over here?
0:33:59 > 0:34:05- They're pretty good.- They were good. - We went with Medicare, which is their version of the NHS.
0:34:05 > 0:34:06Right.
0:34:06 > 0:34:10This is a lovely room. The whole house is beautiful.
0:34:10 > 0:34:12What's the garden like? Are you a keen gardener?
0:34:12 > 0:34:18I don't mind my gardening. We've got a little addition to the garden, as well. Come and see.
0:34:19 > 0:34:25- Our outdoor area.- Oh, another open space.- Our Thermos barbeque. - Is he a good chef?
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Yeah, he is pretty darn good on the barbeque anyway.
0:34:28 > 0:34:31A true Aussie, now, with your barbeque!
0:34:31 > 0:34:36- Everyone needs a big barbeque. - Look at this! There's pools... and then there's your pool.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39That is gorgeous!
0:34:39 > 0:34:45Adam and Ruth, you have the most beautiful house, and I know you settled in so well,
0:34:45 > 0:34:49but I have to say congratulations - the icing on the cake has to be baby Finlay.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Thank you. He is indeed. We're very proud.
0:34:56 > 0:35:00It's been 18 months since we last saw you.
0:35:00 > 0:35:06You both seem very settled, very positive about the move, but was it harder than you thought?
0:35:06 > 0:35:09First week was really hard. I struggled.
0:35:09 > 0:35:14You have so many parties with friends and family before you leave.
0:35:14 > 0:35:17then you get here and you have nothing
0:35:17 > 0:35:24- except each other.- It was a big emotional upheaval, that initial leaving stage.- It's hard.
0:35:24 > 0:35:30- On the work front, Adam, was it hard for you at the very beginning? - It was hard for me.
0:35:30 > 0:35:35We came over, there wasn't that many jobs in Cairns for me.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40I went round most of the companies in Cairns, to be honest.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43They wouldn't take me on because I didn't have a license.
0:35:43 > 0:35:47How easy has it been to make new friends?
0:35:47 > 0:35:51Quite hard to make Australian friends. The Australian friends we've made have moved on.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53The majority of our friends are English.
0:35:53 > 0:35:58It's just happened that way. I think it's because it's easier to make friend with fellow English people
0:35:58 > 0:36:00because you have more in common.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03'They've moved out here for the same reasons we have,
0:36:03 > 0:36:07'and they're also looking for friends, like we are.'
0:36:07 > 0:36:15With a baby, a home AND new friends, it seems the Foxes have well and truly arrived in Cairns.
0:36:16 > 0:36:22However, with Ruth being a full-time mum, it's meant that the family income has taken a big nose dive.
0:36:23 > 0:36:27Fortunately, Adam's career has turned a corner.
0:36:27 > 0:36:35I've now got my licence, which was a huge relief and a big weight off my shoulders.
0:36:35 > 0:36:40It's a lot of hard work to get the licence.
0:36:40 > 0:36:45Probably cost roughly 3,000
0:36:45 > 0:36:49and a good three months of hard work.
0:36:49 > 0:36:54It's worth it cos as soon as you've got your licence, you get that pay rise.
0:36:54 > 0:37:01'With little Finlay just being born, there's a lot more responsibility that I've taken myself.
0:37:01 > 0:37:05'Obviously, with Ruth not working at the moment, I've got to try and get some overtime
0:37:05 > 0:37:08'just to make life a bit more comfortable.
0:37:08 > 0:37:15'The long-term ambitions for me, Ruth and Finlay...
0:37:15 > 0:37:19'at the moment is just staying in Cairns. We're liking life in Cairns at the moment.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:23If we find it's not working for us in Cairns any more,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27then we can try Melbourne, Sydney, Perth... Anywhere else.
0:37:31 > 0:37:37We've seen how well the both of you - well, I should say the three of you - are settled in Australia.
0:37:37 > 0:37:41But, of course, you do have plenty of friends and family still back in the UK
0:37:41 > 0:37:44and they've given us some messages for you to see. So, Adam,
0:37:44 > 0:37:47do you want to do the honours? Let's take a look.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52ALL: Hello, Adam, Ruth, Finlay!
0:37:52 > 0:37:54Hi, Ruth, Adam and little Finlay.
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Hello, Adam and Ruth and baby Finlay. Hope you're all well.
0:37:58 > 0:38:02Adam as a son, how can I describe him? Marvellous.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04The best brother in the world.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07A lovely daughter-in-law. I can't fault her at all.
0:38:07 > 0:38:10She's made Adam...Adam, at this moment in time.
0:38:10 > 0:38:15Ruth is really gorgeous. She's very, very beautiful.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18They got their dream - they've ALWAYS wanted to go to Australia.
0:38:18 > 0:38:21Obviously, it's very sad,
0:38:21 > 0:38:23cos we didn't know the next time we would see her.
0:38:23 > 0:38:28We thought it'd probably be when one of us gets married or something.
0:38:28 > 0:38:31Such an achievement, when you think about what they've had to do
0:38:31 > 0:38:33to get where they are.
0:38:33 > 0:38:35It's incredible, and I take my hat off to them.
0:38:35 > 0:38:41Because I can't see him... I know I see him on Skype but it's not the same
0:38:41 > 0:38:45if it's just his face talking. It's not the same.
0:38:45 > 0:38:48Wish I'd have been there when Finlay was born.
0:38:48 > 0:38:53And...to pick him up, give him a hug.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55Having Lily, and her having Finlay,
0:38:55 > 0:39:00it would just be so nice to have someone who you're really good friends with to go through,
0:39:00 > 0:39:02and talk about pregnancy, talk about babies,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05talk about how hard it is, and the good things.
0:39:05 > 0:39:10We've been best friends for years and it's not going to change - we talk and e-mail all the time.
0:39:10 > 0:39:12Now I'm crying.
0:39:13 > 0:39:18I just think it's hard when you've got children, and it would be lovely if she was here.
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Hi, Adam, Ruth and Finlay.
0:39:22 > 0:39:26I miss you and hope you're having a good time.
0:39:26 > 0:39:32Hope you're OK and enjoying life and we miss you loads and loads and can't wait to see you. Lots of love.
0:39:32 > 0:39:36Adam, Ruth and Finlay, I love you so much. You know I do.
0:39:36 > 0:39:40Our thoughts are all with you all the time. We love you dearly.
0:39:40 > 0:39:43- # You are my sunshine... # - Oh, my God!
0:39:43 > 0:39:46- # My only sunshine... # - I knew they'd do something stupid.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50# You make us happy when skies are grey
0:39:50 > 0:39:54# You'll never know, dear How much we love you... #
0:39:54 > 0:39:56Look at Danny in the background!
0:39:56 > 0:39:57Very amusing.
0:39:57 > 0:40:01# Please don't take our sunshine away. #
0:40:01 > 0:40:03THEY CHEER
0:40:07 > 0:40:11So, how was that for both of you? Was that difficult to watch?
0:40:11 > 0:40:16that was really good, seeing them. Especially my sister
0:40:16 > 0:40:20and how big she's grown. You can go on the Internet and see them there
0:40:20 > 0:40:25but, like you say, you don't really get to see her grow up so fast.
0:40:25 > 0:40:30- Still hard not seeing them...- Yes, yes.- ..when you want to see them.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33That's the first time I've seen my best friend's baby.
0:40:33 > 0:40:41When you decided to move, did you appreciate just how hard it would be leaving your family and friends?
0:40:41 > 0:40:44It has been hard, having them all the way back there,
0:40:44 > 0:40:48with friends having babies, getting married and missing it all.
0:40:48 > 0:40:53It's really hard. We'd hope to go back for the special occasions
0:40:53 > 0:40:56but it's just very expensive to get back to the UK.
0:40:56 > 0:41:02- Ruth, your parents weren't included because they're out here at the moment.- That's right.
0:41:02 > 0:41:07They've been here for just over two months now. They came out a week before Finlay was born.
0:41:07 > 0:41:15They've been helping us out with the household chores and playing with baby.
0:41:15 > 0:41:21There's nothing like family, is there, when you're moving so far away?
0:41:21 > 0:41:23Cos it is such a tremendous distance.
0:41:23 > 0:41:28Sitting here watching your friends and family with you, the one thing that does come across is that,
0:41:28 > 0:41:30although they miss you dearly,
0:41:30 > 0:41:35they're delighted that you've made the step, that you've been brave enough to do it.
0:41:35 > 0:41:38they do seem thrilled that you're making such a success of your lives.
0:41:38 > 0:41:43- They're very supportive, aren't they? - Yeah. From start to finish.
0:41:43 > 0:41:46- Has that made a big difference? - A huge difference.- Big help.
0:41:46 > 0:41:48It's made it really easy for us.
0:41:48 > 0:41:54Any parent will miss their children. It's the physical contact you miss.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59Not to be able to hold and touch them... You know, the intimacy you have normally.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01That's the hardest part.
0:42:01 > 0:42:08It's really lovely to be here with them but it'll be horrible to go home and leave them here.
0:42:08 > 0:42:13Adam and Ruth really rose to the challenge of starting a new life in Australia.
0:42:13 > 0:42:17With ambitious ideas of a bigger house, better jobs and starting a family,
0:42:17 > 0:42:21they really had their work cut out.
0:42:21 > 0:42:27In a relatively short time, they've achieved all they wanted, and have really set down some firm roots
0:42:27 > 0:42:29for a bright future.
0:42:29 > 0:42:35We've been in Australia for two years now. It's time to vote between the UK and Australia.
0:42:35 > 0:42:37And we vote for...
0:42:41 > 0:42:43BOTH: Australia!
0:42:47 > 0:42:51The Foxes have embraced life in Australia.
0:42:51 > 0:42:55So much so, their first little Fox cub has duel citizenship.
0:42:55 > 0:42:58We wish all three of them the very best.
0:43:04 > 0:43:07Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
0:43:07 > 0:43:10E-mail subtitling@bbc.co.uk