0:00:02 > 0:00:05Desperate to give your family the best life possible,
0:00:05 > 0:00:08you're working around the clock.
0:00:08 > 0:00:11But what if the real cost of your hard work's little time at home
0:00:11 > 0:00:13and a marriage under strain?
0:00:13 > 0:00:17One man believes the solution lies on the other side of the world.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Now, all he has to do is convince his wife.
0:00:21 > 0:00:25Relentless working hours are destroying the Thompson's family life.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28The kids need love and they need their dad there.
0:00:28 > 0:00:30I don't want us to split as a family.
0:00:30 > 0:00:33But while dad, James, thinks Australia is the answer,
0:00:33 > 0:00:36wife, Roisin, just isn't interested.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38I wouldn't want to leave my mum and my dad, I love them to bits.
0:00:38 > 0:00:40When a trial week there shows the ups...
0:00:40 > 0:00:43- This would be living the dream, wouldn't it?- Definitely.
0:00:43 > 0:00:44..and downs...
0:00:44 > 0:00:46- Don't have a go at me. - I'm not having a go at you.
0:00:46 > 0:00:48Of course you're having a go.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51..will the family sign up for a life in the sun?
0:00:51 > 0:00:54If this doesn't work, I don't know where to go from here.
0:01:17 > 0:01:19The sixth largest country on earth,
0:01:19 > 0:01:22Australia's home to 24 million people,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25just over a third of the UK's population.
0:01:25 > 0:01:27But that figure's rising fast.
0:01:27 > 0:01:29Every two and a half minutes,
0:01:29 > 0:01:32someone arrives in the country, hoping to call it home
0:01:32 > 0:01:35with Indian, Chinese and British migrants topping the list.
0:01:35 > 0:01:38Brits are drawn by the lure of stunning scenery,
0:01:38 > 0:01:40plentiful work opportunities
0:01:40 > 0:01:44and a lifestyle that makes the most of the country's sunny climate.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49James Thompson only wants the best for his family.
0:01:49 > 0:01:52But trying to achieve that has seen his working hours spiral
0:01:52 > 0:01:56out of control, meaning he's hardly at home.
0:01:56 > 0:01:59With the situation becoming desperate,
0:01:59 > 0:02:02James now has his heart set on moving his family
0:02:02 > 0:02:06half a world away to a country he's never visited.
0:02:06 > 0:02:11Ahead of him lies a week to discover if Australia really is the land
0:02:11 > 0:02:16of plenty and persuade wife, Roisin, it's where their future lies.
0:02:17 > 0:02:20The Thompson's week begins with a journey lasting
0:02:20 > 0:02:24over 20 hours before they finally touch down in Perth.
0:02:24 > 0:02:26On arrival, everyone's exhausted.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28Absolutely shattered.
0:02:28 > 0:02:32When you're used to being active it's not great sitting down for 24 hours.
0:02:32 > 0:02:36Roisin's fear of flying certainly didn't make for a flawless flight.
0:02:36 > 0:02:40- She had a few wobbles on the plane...- They were going to land in the Indian Ocean.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43That is really what I thought, didn't I? I was crying at one point.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48Eight-year-old Josh is eager to start exploring his new environment.
0:02:48 > 0:02:50I'm excited to be in Australia
0:02:50 > 0:02:54because I like to look at the houses and explore new places.
0:02:54 > 0:02:56But Roisin doesn't share his enthusiasm.
0:02:56 > 0:02:58I'm a little bit nervous about being here.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01It hasn't quite sunk in yet that I'm halfway round the world
0:03:01 > 0:03:04and so far from my family and friends.
0:03:04 > 0:03:08As they head into the Australian sunshine for the first time,
0:03:08 > 0:03:11James is in no doubt about the challenge he faces.
0:03:11 > 0:03:13Tomorrow, we'll hit the ground running.
0:03:13 > 0:03:16I need to make sure it's the right move.
0:03:24 > 0:03:27The Thompsons - Dad, James, Mum, Roisin.
0:03:27 > 0:03:3113-year-old Taylor, ten-year-old Kieran and Josh, who's eight,
0:03:31 > 0:03:32live in Blyth.
0:03:32 > 0:03:35James and Roisin met as teenagers 14 years ago
0:03:35 > 0:03:38in a pub in Roisin's home town of Whitby Bay.
0:03:40 > 0:03:43- Up on the dance floor, weren't you?- Yes.- On the dance floor.
0:03:43 > 0:03:46- I sent my friend over. And she pointed us out, didn't she?- Mm-hm.
0:03:46 > 0:03:49And it was every night after that.
0:03:49 > 0:03:51And I love him a little bit.
0:03:51 > 0:03:53Give over! You love us a lot.
0:03:53 > 0:03:55And I love you a lot as well.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57As much as I never really say it.
0:03:57 > 0:03:59But I do.
0:03:59 > 0:04:03A whirlwind romance quickly led to a growing family.
0:04:03 > 0:04:05I was 18 when I found out I was going to be a dad.
0:04:05 > 0:04:07I was 19 when I became a dad.
0:04:07 > 0:04:11- Josh!- Yeah? - What do you want on your sandwich?
0:04:11 > 0:04:14And ever since, the couple's life has been dedicated to
0:04:14 > 0:04:17- raising their children. - Ham and cheese? OK, then.
0:04:17 > 0:04:19It's been a big part of our life being parents,
0:04:19 > 0:04:21all our adult life really.
0:04:21 > 0:04:23All I've known is having the kids.
0:04:23 > 0:04:27All we've really cared about is raising the kids.
0:04:27 > 0:04:32James works every hour he can to ensure his family's well provided for.
0:04:32 > 0:04:35It's huge to give the children a good future.
0:04:35 > 0:04:39That's all I work for, that's all Roisin works for, is for the kids.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Everything we do is for the kids, really.
0:04:41 > 0:04:44Take a little bit off the top. Just to square that.
0:04:44 > 0:04:47But working around the clock has left him with little time at home.
0:04:47 > 0:04:50Leave the house seven o'clock in the morning,
0:04:50 > 0:04:53sometimes I don't get in until ten. That's seven days a week.
0:04:53 > 0:04:57Can be seven days a week. I miss quite a lot as well.
0:04:57 > 0:05:01There's days I don't see them at all because I'm gone before they get
0:05:01 > 0:05:04up for school and they're in bed by the time I get in.
0:05:04 > 0:05:06I love coming to watch Kieran play football.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08I think he's a really good little player.
0:05:08 > 0:05:12After years of relentless shifts, family life is suffering.
0:05:12 > 0:05:15The kids are missing their dad and they're asking where Dad is.
0:05:15 > 0:05:17It's not fair as a family.
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Money's not everything.
0:05:21 > 0:05:23The kids need love and they need their dad there.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26- It's nice to have all the family together, isn't it?- It is.
0:05:26 > 0:05:30And the situation's put a strain on James and Roisin's relationship too.
0:05:30 > 0:05:33Things have got really bad between me and James.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36At worst, we've had heated arguments.
0:05:36 > 0:05:38Come on, then, boys.
0:05:38 > 0:05:41'I don't want us to split up. I don't want us to split up as a family.'
0:05:41 > 0:05:43- You cold, Kieran? - I'm all right now.
0:05:43 > 0:05:47For our future happiness, something's got to change.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50Seven years ago,
0:05:50 > 0:05:53James spotted an advert recruiting skilled workers for Australia.
0:05:53 > 0:05:56Ever since, he's been convinced moving there could
0:05:56 > 0:05:59give his family the time together they're desperate for.
0:05:59 > 0:06:02I think in Australia I might be able to address the balance
0:06:02 > 0:06:05a little bit by working less hours for more pay
0:06:05 > 0:06:08so I'll be at home a lot more to do better stuff with them.
0:06:08 > 0:06:12But Roisin is reluctant to relocate to the other side of the world.
0:06:12 > 0:06:16When he first started talking about Australia, I kind of said,
0:06:16 > 0:06:19"If you make us your wife, I'll move over to Australia."
0:06:19 > 0:06:22Obviously, I never thought he'd go ahead with it.
0:06:22 > 0:06:25We've been married six years and I'm still dragging my heels now.
0:06:25 > 0:06:29Close to her family, she sees her parents at least three times a week
0:06:29 > 0:06:32and that's a bond she doesn't want to break.
0:06:32 > 0:06:36I wouldn't want to leave my mum, my dad, my brother and my sisters.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39I love them all to bits and I think it's important the children
0:06:39 > 0:06:42do get to spend time with their grandparents.
0:06:42 > 0:06:44And they agree.
0:06:44 > 0:06:46My grandparents, I'd miss them loads,
0:06:46 > 0:06:48and the whole family because we see quite a lot of them.
0:06:48 > 0:06:53If I moved to Australia I'd miss my cousins,
0:06:53 > 0:06:56aunties, grandads
0:06:56 > 0:06:57and Granny and Grandma.
0:06:59 > 0:07:02Despite never having been, James is firm in his belief
0:07:02 > 0:07:06his children would benefit from Australia's outdoor lifestyle.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08It's a better way of life to start with.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12It's more outdoorsy and not stuck in playing on video games.
0:07:12 > 0:07:14And that could leave Roisin with a difficult dilemma.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19It's worrying for me that when it comes to the crunch time,
0:07:19 > 0:07:22if I can't leave my family and decide against it, I'm going
0:07:22 > 0:07:25to feel I've let them down, the children as well as James.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27Despite her deep reservations,
0:07:27 > 0:07:31she's willing to give a trial week in Australia a go.
0:07:31 > 0:07:34It's something James obviously really wants to do.
0:07:34 > 0:07:37And I don't want everyone to be ten years down the line thinking,
0:07:37 > 0:07:39"Maybe I should have given it a try."
0:07:39 > 0:07:41James has one week to find out
0:07:41 > 0:07:46if Australia can meet his expectations and persuade his wife.
0:07:46 > 0:07:47Something has to change.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50If this doesn't work, I don't know where to go from here.
0:07:50 > 0:07:51Ah!
0:07:58 > 0:08:01The Thompsons are spending their trial week in Perth.
0:08:01 > 0:08:03The capital of western Australia,
0:08:03 > 0:08:07the city enjoys more sunny days than any other Australian capital
0:08:07 > 0:08:11city, so should suit the outdoors loving family to a T.
0:08:12 > 0:08:15Just seems everybody's going at a nice easy pace.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18The gardens could do with a bit of work.
0:08:18 > 0:08:21The family's base for a week is a modern four bedroom home
0:08:21 > 0:08:23in the suburb of Doubleview.
0:08:23 > 0:08:27Will their first taste of Aussie living go down well?
0:08:27 > 0:08:31- Two storeys. I wasn't expecting two storeys.- It does look big.- Yeah.
0:08:31 > 0:08:34A quick tour reveals Roisin is far from won over.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36I don't like it.
0:08:36 > 0:08:38There's no way I'd move here to live in a house like this.
0:08:38 > 0:08:40I think it's all right.
0:08:40 > 0:08:43James has built Australia up to be a lot
0:08:43 > 0:08:46and from what I've seen so far, it's not all that.
0:08:46 > 0:08:48It's not the start James had been hoping for.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50I feel quite a bit of pressure.
0:08:50 > 0:08:53I've dragged them round the world to have a look
0:08:53 > 0:08:56so if it doesn't come good, it's all on me.
0:08:56 > 0:09:00While Taylor's looking forward to some rare time with her parents and brothers..
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I get to spend time more with my family
0:09:02 > 0:09:04and I get to have a look at schools.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07I don't like the garden, it's way too small.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09For Roisin, the distance they've put between themselves
0:09:09 > 0:09:13and family back in the UK is already hitting home.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16I don't want to move at all because I don't...
0:09:16 > 0:09:19I don't think I could handle the reality of moving
0:09:19 > 0:09:22halfway across the world and being away from my family.
0:09:22 > 0:09:24James could have a tough time on his hands
0:09:24 > 0:09:26persuading her to change her mind.
0:09:26 > 0:09:29Put it this way, by the end of the week I wouldn't like to put
0:09:29 > 0:09:32any money on whether she wants to stay here or go home.
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Back in the UK, the Thompsons live in a three bedroom semi
0:09:41 > 0:09:45in Blyth which they bought for £91,000 in 2007.
0:09:47 > 0:09:51I love it. We've lived in this house for eight years now.
0:09:51 > 0:09:52Roisin's in no doubt,
0:09:52 > 0:09:56going up the property ladder would be the option in Australia.
0:09:57 > 0:09:58I'm not keen to go to Australia.
0:09:58 > 0:10:01But if we did, it would have to be a better house
0:10:01 > 0:10:02than what we're leaving behind.
0:10:02 > 0:10:05I don't think I would be willing to move to the other side of the world
0:10:05 > 0:10:07to settle for less.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10Fear not, Roisin, James has high hopes, too.
0:10:10 > 0:10:12I'd like a swimming pool and quite big.
0:10:12 > 0:10:14Bedroom for everybody,
0:10:14 > 0:10:17an annexe, maybe, for people coming over to stay.
0:10:17 > 0:10:21Space for my speedboat and man cave, cinema room. The works!
0:10:25 > 0:10:29To find out what kind of house the Thompsons could buy in Australia,
0:10:29 > 0:10:32today we'll show them three properties.
0:10:32 > 0:10:36Two on budget and one which could be their dream home.
0:10:36 > 0:10:39Only after they've seen each one will they discover its value.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44The family would have around £230,000
0:10:44 > 0:10:46to spend on a home Down Under.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50For their first viewing, the Thompsons head north to Alkimos,
0:10:50 > 0:10:5330 miles from the city centre.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56It's a new suburb currently under construction which means
0:10:56 > 0:10:59facilities, while planned, are still in the pipeline.
0:11:00 > 0:11:02- It's lovely down here.- Much nicer.
0:11:02 > 0:11:06With the beach nearby, will this property win Roisin round
0:11:06 > 0:11:09and get James's week off to a good start?
0:11:10 > 0:11:13- Could you see yourselves living here, kids?- Yeah.- Mm-hm.
0:11:13 > 0:11:16Hopefully, a good night's sleep has helped Roisin see things
0:11:16 > 0:11:17in a more positive light.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22- Yeah, looks lovely. Nice and modern, isn't it?- Looks really nice.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24Sounds like it could have.
0:11:24 > 0:11:27Wow! It goes dead far back.
0:11:27 > 0:11:30- You don't realise how big they are from the outside.- It's amazing.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34So far, so good. And the bedrooms keep the positive vibe going.
0:11:34 > 0:11:36It's quite small but it's bright.
0:11:37 > 0:11:41- Bathroom. It's lovely. - Hey, this is really nice.
0:11:41 > 0:11:45- Could you see yourself using this? - Yeah. Oh, wow.
0:11:45 > 0:11:48And top marks to whoever designed a house that could end
0:11:48 > 0:11:50the argument of all arguments.
0:11:50 > 0:11:52Three kids, three same sized rooms. Save any fighting.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56Much better than my first impressions when we arrived yesterday.
0:11:56 > 0:11:57Yeah. Much happier today.
0:11:57 > 0:12:01Roisin is seriously impressed and the open plan kitchen
0:12:01 > 0:12:04and living area has her stunned.
0:12:04 > 0:12:08- Oh, wow!- Wow!- Oh, it's absolutely beautiful. I love it.
0:12:08 > 0:12:10- I love this. - Absolutely in love with it.
0:12:10 > 0:12:13I can see this working for us.
0:12:13 > 0:12:14I love the fire.
0:12:14 > 0:12:17On closer inspection, the detail doesn't disappoint.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21I like the big panoramic doors and windows.
0:12:21 > 0:12:23Feels like the outside, doesn't it?
0:12:23 > 0:12:24In the second sitting room,
0:12:24 > 0:12:27James can think of one improvement he'd make.
0:12:27 > 0:12:31Nice big TV on there. Have our friends around and stuff.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33It'll be a good room to entertain in, this.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36- Do you like it, kids?- Yeah.
0:12:36 > 0:12:38The master bedroom seems perfect.
0:12:38 > 0:12:41- Oh, my God!- Beautiful.- It's amazing.
0:12:41 > 0:12:44With its impressive walk-in wardrobe.
0:12:44 > 0:12:45All this space.
0:12:45 > 0:12:47And luxurious en suite.
0:12:47 > 0:12:50- Oh, my God. - Complete with his and hers basins.
0:12:50 > 0:12:52No fighting over the sink.
0:12:52 > 0:12:53And a shower made for two.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- Shower together.- Really pleased. Really happy.
0:12:58 > 0:13:00So, what about the garden?
0:13:03 > 0:13:04- Small.- Very small.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07It was a big sized garden we were after, wasn't it?
0:13:07 > 0:13:09I think it's too small.
0:13:09 > 0:13:14I mean, it is nice but for us I don't think it's ideal, this size.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16Outdoors may have been a let down
0:13:16 > 0:13:19but the rest of the house was a winner.
0:13:19 > 0:13:23Could the family afford it with their budget of £230,000?
0:13:24 > 0:13:27- What do you think of the house? - I can see myself living here.
0:13:27 > 0:13:30I think it's perfect. Obviously the garden's not.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- But the rest of the house, yeah. - What figure, do you think?
0:13:33 > 0:13:35I was thinking 255.
0:13:35 > 0:13:39I was thinking more...275, 280.
0:13:42 > 0:13:44Let's have a look, then.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51£235,000.
0:13:52 > 0:13:56It's just £5,000 over budget.
0:13:56 > 0:13:59I don't think you'd get anywhere near this in the UK
0:13:59 > 0:14:02- for that sort of price. - I can't believe it.
0:14:04 > 0:14:07James's day is off to a flying start.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11Will property two continue to sell the Australian dream to Roisin?
0:14:11 > 0:14:14It's lovely, that. Beautiful, that house.
0:14:14 > 0:14:17To find out, the family head to Carramar.
0:14:17 > 0:14:20Closer to Perth centre, the suburb's not as near to the beach
0:14:20 > 0:14:24as property one but does benefit from having two town centres
0:14:24 > 0:14:26just a ten minute drive away.
0:14:27 > 0:14:30On arrival, the house's curb appeal falls flat.
0:14:32 > 0:14:35It doesn't look as nice as the last house from the outside.
0:14:35 > 0:14:37The last property looked better than this one.
0:14:37 > 0:14:40Inside, the muted mood continues.
0:14:40 > 0:14:43- Big entrance. - A bit of a sitting area there.
0:14:43 > 0:14:46- I'm not as taken aback as the last house.- No.
0:14:46 > 0:14:48A bit indifferent with this one.
0:14:48 > 0:14:52The layout of the living room fails to capture Roisin's imagination.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54It's a funny shape, it's a weird shape.
0:14:54 > 0:14:58- Bedroom one...- Good sized bedroom. - ..starts off well.
0:14:58 > 0:15:01- Think it could be the master bedroom.- Yeah.- Until...
0:15:01 > 0:15:04The front of the house on the main road.
0:15:04 > 0:15:07James realises it faces onto the street.
0:15:08 > 0:15:11- Oh, yeah, en suite. - A bit more modern in here.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14There's still something about it. I'm just not, "Oh, wow."
0:15:14 > 0:15:18- Plenty of storage space.- Not as big as the last walk-in wardrobe.- No.
0:15:18 > 0:15:22- Not as big as the last one but still more than we've got...- At home. - ..at home.- Yes.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Just a bit of a dressing room at the moment
0:15:26 > 0:15:28but probably make it into a bedroom.
0:15:30 > 0:15:31Family bathroom.
0:15:31 > 0:15:33As the tour progresses...
0:15:33 > 0:15:36I'd obviously have to do a bit of work in here as well.
0:15:36 > 0:15:39..James is just thinking of the amount of work needed to bring the house up to scratch.
0:15:39 > 0:15:43- Plenty of work to do. - Next room?- Next room.
0:15:43 > 0:15:46And the kitchen doesn't escape his critical eye.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48There's plenty of potential in this.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51There are certain things I would do in here different.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53It doesn't need to be done straight away
0:15:53 > 0:15:56but definitely within time I'd make changes.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Outside, the viewing takes a more positive turn
0:15:58 > 0:16:02when one of the items on James's wish list gets ticked off.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06- Wow! Look at this.- Makes the house a bit more appealing, having a pool.
0:16:06 > 0:16:09- It does, aye.- Do you like that? - Yeah.- I thought youse might.
0:16:09 > 0:16:12- I'm ready to jump in it now. - Oh, no, you don't, James!
0:16:12 > 0:16:14First it's time to discover
0:16:14 > 0:16:18if the family could afford this house on their budget of £230,000.
0:16:20 > 0:16:24- What do you think of the house?- I'm not overly impressed with the house.
0:16:24 > 0:16:27I mean, I'm not dismissing it straight away.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29I do like the outdoor area a lot.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32But as for the house itself, I'm not impressed with it.
0:16:32 > 0:16:35I wouldn't pay anywhere near as much as I'd pay for the last one
0:16:35 > 0:16:37but I've got to factor in the garden.
0:16:37 > 0:16:42I'd take a guess at maybe 270-280,000 maybe.
0:16:42 > 0:16:45I'd have said about...250.
0:16:49 > 0:16:50OK, let's find out.
0:16:54 > 0:16:56258.
0:16:56 > 0:16:59That's nearly £30,000 over budget.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02- I don't think I'd stretch the budget for this.- No.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06I think this one is a bit of a no-go.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08Let's go and see the next property.
0:17:10 > 0:17:12The Thompsons head to Joondalup.
0:17:12 > 0:17:15Popular with families, the area offers a good selection
0:17:15 > 0:17:19of schools, sporting facilities and plenty of parks.
0:17:19 > 0:17:22Plus a train line which can whisk inhabitants to central Perth
0:17:22 > 0:17:23in just 20 minutes.
0:17:25 > 0:17:27Oh, I do like the look of this area.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30We think this four bedroom house could be the Thompson's dream home
0:17:30 > 0:17:33but will James and Roisin agree?
0:17:33 > 0:17:36- Much more of an estate feel to it. - Yeah.
0:17:36 > 0:17:40Right from the get go, they're making all the right noises.
0:17:40 > 0:17:42- I'm impressed by the outside. - Looks quite new and modern.
0:17:42 > 0:17:44Inside, the praise keeps on coming.
0:17:44 > 0:17:47- Wow!- Oh, looks lovely, doesn't it?
0:17:47 > 0:17:49- Wow!- First impressions are good.
0:17:49 > 0:17:52- Could be a games room for the kids. - Nice.
0:17:52 > 0:17:55This house is definitely hitting the spot.
0:17:55 > 0:17:57- Oh, bedroom. - This will be mine.
0:17:57 > 0:18:00- Lovely and bright. - This will definitely be mine.
0:18:00 > 0:18:02Yous are going to fight over it then, aren't you?
0:18:04 > 0:18:07- That's nice. - This could be your room, Taylor.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10- Same size as the other one, isn't it?- Yes. Yeah.
0:18:10 > 0:18:11This house so far,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15all it's going to need is a lick of paint to get it to how we want it.
0:18:17 > 0:18:20- Next up...- Master bedroom.
0:18:20 > 0:18:23The parents' retreat gets a big thumbs up from Roisin.
0:18:23 > 0:18:26Look at the size of it! That's huge.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- It wouldn't need anything doing to this.- Not at all.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- Ready to move in, this one.- Yeah.
0:18:31 > 0:18:33Can't complain one little bit about this house.
0:18:33 > 0:18:35Oh, wow.
0:18:35 > 0:18:38But jaws drop when they discover the open plan kitchen.
0:18:38 > 0:18:42Wow! That's huge. Oh, it's beautiful though, isn't it?
0:18:44 > 0:18:48- Like this?- Yes, I do like this. I actually can see us living here.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50It could be a breakthrough for James.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53Oh, wow. It's a TV room, isn't it? Cinema room.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Yeah, the living room. It's lovely.
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- Do you like this house, Taylor? - Yeah, it's really big.
0:18:59 > 0:19:01- You can see yourself living here, then?- Yeah.
0:19:01 > 0:19:05- Stepping outside...- Oh, wow! - ..the family find everything
0:19:05 > 0:19:08they could need for some al fresco dining.
0:19:08 > 0:19:11Oh, look, barbecue area. Fridge, pizza oven.
0:19:11 > 0:19:14- This would be living the dream, wouldn't it?- Yeah, definitely.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16This is one of the best things I've ever seen, this.
0:19:16 > 0:19:20- It's probably the best house I've ever seen.- Do you like it?
0:19:20 > 0:19:22- I like it.- Youse like it?- Yeah.
0:19:23 > 0:19:26But Roisin's thoughts are turning to the price tag
0:19:26 > 0:19:28luxury living like this could come with.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31- Can we afford it, though? - This is the big question.
0:19:32 > 0:19:36Money worries temporarily fade when they set eyes on the pool.
0:19:37 > 0:19:40- Oh, wow!- How big is it? - Absolutely massive.- Dear God!
0:19:40 > 0:19:43- Think you'd like that, to swim in there?- Yeah.
0:19:44 > 0:19:47Absolutely amazing, this is beautiful this.
0:19:47 > 0:19:50This house has everything, it's the full package.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52The house and the outdoor area.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Taking advantage of Roisin's excitement,
0:19:54 > 0:19:56James goes for the killer question.
0:19:57 > 0:20:00Could a house like this persuade you maybe to move to Australia?
0:20:00 > 0:20:04I think something like this probably could persuade us, yeah.
0:20:05 > 0:20:08So, with £230,000 to spend,
0:20:08 > 0:20:11could the Thompsons afford their dream home?
0:20:11 > 0:20:13Time to find out.
0:20:13 > 0:20:16- What do you think about the house, then?- I love it.
0:20:16 > 0:20:18- It's got everything.- Everything?
0:20:18 > 0:20:21- I've got nothing bad to say about it.- I really like it.
0:20:22 > 0:20:27- It's really good.- Yeah, because it's got a pool, it's massive.
0:20:27 > 0:20:30- Everything's perfect. - I'm going for about 330.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33330? I think it's way more than that.
0:20:33 > 0:20:35I think it's at least £400,000.
0:20:41 > 0:20:43Shall we turn the card over?
0:20:48 > 0:20:50Wow! 305!
0:20:50 > 0:20:55It's £75,000 over budget but that's a lot less than they'd feared.
0:20:55 > 0:20:58- Can you believe that? - That's amazing.
0:21:00 > 0:21:03Today's property hunt in Perth could have given James's dream
0:21:03 > 0:21:05a real boost.
0:21:05 > 0:21:08Property one wowed with its slick open plan spaces
0:21:08 > 0:21:11but its garden left room for improvement.
0:21:11 > 0:21:15Property two required work inside but outdoors was a hit.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Property three, though, had everything the family wanted
0:21:19 > 0:21:21and depending on the work situation,
0:21:21 > 0:21:24there could be some flexibility in the budget.
0:21:24 > 0:21:26So when it comes to the vote,
0:21:26 > 0:21:29will the family choose properties at home or away?
0:21:32 > 0:21:34ALL: Australia!
0:21:37 > 0:21:39I didn't think you'd vote Australia.
0:21:39 > 0:21:42It was really hard to decide and then when I seen this house
0:21:42 > 0:21:46I realised that here you can get more for your money.
0:21:46 > 0:21:48And like I say, this house is perfect.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52I'm over the moon that we've got five Australias.
0:21:52 > 0:21:54Puts us in a good place for the rest of the week.
0:21:59 > 0:22:04A unanimous vote for Australia is a great start for James.
0:22:04 > 0:22:07But it's his poor work-life balance that's behind his desire to move
0:22:07 > 0:22:10so finding the right role is vital
0:22:10 > 0:22:13if he's to stand any chance of winning Roisin over.
0:22:16 > 0:22:20Back in the UK, James is a site foreman in the construction industry.
0:22:20 > 0:22:23It's a bit out. What we want to do is take another bit off that end.
0:22:23 > 0:22:26Just square it up a bit and put the hardware on and it's ready to swing.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29There's never a week goes by that I just do 40 hours.
0:22:29 > 0:22:32I can do 70 plus hours which in turn gives us
0:22:32 > 0:22:34no time at all to be with my family.
0:22:34 > 0:22:38In Australia, he'd been eager to continue working
0:22:38 > 0:22:40in a supervisory role.
0:22:40 > 0:22:42'All through my career I've tried to better myself,'
0:22:42 > 0:22:47work my way up the ladder so I'd be looking to look forward all the time
0:22:47 > 0:22:50and maybe not to take a step back.
0:22:50 > 0:22:51One thing's certain,
0:22:51 > 0:22:54without the right the job the potential move is a non starter.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00Finding the right job in Australia, it's not important, it's essential.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03If we do make the move and I haven't got the right job
0:23:03 > 0:23:05or the right house, or the right hours,
0:23:05 > 0:23:07and Roisin's moving away from family,
0:23:07 > 0:23:10it's just going to make everything 100 times worse.
0:23:11 > 0:23:14With everything resting on what he discovers today,
0:23:14 > 0:23:17James heads out to investigate his work possibilities.
0:23:17 > 0:23:20At a building site in northern Perth,
0:23:20 > 0:23:24he meets Steve Goodrem, area manger for a large construction company.
0:23:24 > 0:23:26First up, James is keen to know
0:23:26 > 0:23:29if his skills would be recognised in Australia?
0:23:29 > 0:23:31I think you demonstrate all the skills
0:23:31 > 0:23:33that are required for the job.
0:23:33 > 0:23:38Most of the building methods here are very similar to the ones in the UK.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41It'll just be the managing side of things that is different.
0:23:41 > 0:23:44I've had a look through your CV where you haven't managed money
0:23:44 > 0:23:48between trade and suppliers, which would be one thing you'd need to do.
0:23:48 > 0:23:51It would be a hurdle but you'll get through that one.
0:23:51 > 0:23:56So, with some development he could continue his career in Australia.
0:23:56 > 0:23:59But what about the all-important work-life balance?
0:23:59 > 0:24:02What sort of hours would I be working here as a site supervisor?
0:24:02 > 0:24:06Say a 50 hour week. Your start time would be around 6am
0:24:06 > 0:24:09and you'd be finished by four in the afternoon.
0:24:09 > 0:24:13My family would be over the moon to see us a bit more like that.
0:24:13 > 0:24:18James is delighted as he can see his working week cut by almost a third.
0:24:18 > 0:24:22Meanwhile, as Roisin would be a stay-at-home mum Down Under,
0:24:22 > 0:24:26she's visiting Kinross College to get the lowdown on Aussie education
0:24:26 > 0:24:28with Taylor, Kieran and Josh.
0:24:28 > 0:24:32School principle, Rod Buckenara, gives them a tour.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37This is just one of the areas that we have computers in our school.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- We have about 500 computers in all. - 500 is impressive.
0:24:40 > 0:24:44That represents about one computer per student in the school.
0:24:45 > 0:24:48- This way, guys, science lab. - Lots of fun and learning in here.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52And with any luck...
0:24:52 > 0:24:55- Wow, that's cool. - That's pretty cool, isn't it?
0:24:55 > 0:24:57Just put that down on the mat there.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- We can see what we've done is we've turned the metal...- Into paper.
0:25:03 > 0:25:06- It's not paper, it's powder. - Can we do it again?
0:25:08 > 0:25:11Outside, Roisin and the children find out more about school life
0:25:11 > 0:25:15from pupils Shaun Hoskinson and Nadine Nutter.
0:25:15 > 0:25:17What is the average school day here?
0:25:17 > 0:25:21School starts at 8.50 and will end at 3.04.
0:25:21 > 0:25:24You get six sessions in a day.
0:25:24 > 0:25:26What sports are there here?
0:25:26 > 0:25:29The girls do your netball and volleyball and stuff.
0:25:29 > 0:25:33The boys would do your football, your rugby and stuff like that.
0:25:33 > 0:25:35- Do you like the school?- I love it.
0:25:35 > 0:25:37I look forward to coming every morning.
0:25:37 > 0:25:39It's just such a great school to come to.
0:25:39 > 0:25:40See you, then, see you, everyone.
0:25:40 > 0:25:43Roisin and the children have enjoyed their day at school.
0:25:43 > 0:25:47Back at the building site, James is getting down to the crunch.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49How much money could he earn?
0:25:49 > 0:25:52You'd usually go on a probation which would last you three months.
0:25:53 > 0:25:57I think you'd probably start around about £33,000.
0:25:57 > 0:26:01After those three months, probably go up to about 37.
0:26:01 > 0:26:06Usually, within 12 to 18 months after that, it would progress again.
0:26:06 > 0:26:09- You might get up to around about 42,000.- That sounds really good.
0:26:09 > 0:26:13That's well over the £28,000 that James earns at home.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16But is there actually a job with his name on it?
0:26:16 > 0:26:19I would say, at this present time, it would be quite difficult to get a job.
0:26:19 > 0:26:22We are experiencing a little bit of a downturn at this moment
0:26:22 > 0:26:25in Western Australia.
0:26:25 > 0:26:29Site supervisors are probably losing their jobs.
0:26:29 > 0:26:31It's not great news.
0:26:31 > 0:26:34But Steve suggests James could consider stepping back down the
0:26:34 > 0:26:38ladder to become a carpenter as they're still in demand.
0:26:38 > 0:26:41We would still hire good skilled carpenters.
0:26:41 > 0:26:43If you went back to roof carpentry you could earn
0:26:43 > 0:26:46between £45-50,000 a year.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Taking a step back in his career could actually see James earn more.
0:26:50 > 0:26:55So, how will he vote when it comes to work at home or away?
0:26:55 > 0:26:57After my day at work it's now time for me to vote.
0:27:04 > 0:27:07Undecided.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09I'm undecided because for a site supervisor
0:27:09 > 0:27:12they haven't actually got the jobs here for us.
0:27:13 > 0:27:17Catching up with Roisin, James shares his news, starting
0:27:17 > 0:27:19with his potential salary of around £45,000.
0:27:21 > 0:27:24I don't think we could afford to live out here on that wage.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29When we looked into it in the past I was thinking more near on £50,000.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31That's not even the bad news yet.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34The bad news is they're not actually looking for any site supervisors
0:27:34 > 0:27:37in the Perth, Western Australia area.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40At the moment it's on a bit of a downturn.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43That doesn't bother us that you can't get a job as a site foreman.
0:27:43 > 0:27:47It's not the wage that we're hoping for anyway. So...
0:27:47 > 0:27:50- I'm just telling you what he told me.- I know, I'm just...
0:27:50 > 0:27:52- Don't have a go at me. - I'm not having a go at you.
0:27:52 > 0:27:54Course you're having a go.
0:27:56 > 0:28:00- You all right?- Mm-hm. - Why are you crying for, then?
0:28:00 > 0:28:03- I'm not crying, just annoyed. - About what?- You, having a go at us.
0:28:03 > 0:28:05- But you were having a go at us. - No, I wasn't.- No?
0:28:05 > 0:28:07It's not what it sounded like.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15After a positive start to the week with properties,
0:28:15 > 0:28:18disappointing news on the work front has seen tensions rise.
0:28:18 > 0:28:21James could be facing an uphill struggle
0:28:21 > 0:28:25if he's ever to convince Roisin Australia is where they should be.
0:28:25 > 0:28:28For him, the move's all about gaining the chance to spend
0:28:28 > 0:28:31more quality time with his family.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35So, will a rare day out together sampling Australia's lifestyle
0:28:35 > 0:28:38be enough to get his dream back on track?
0:28:40 > 0:28:44The day begins with a gentle bike ride along Perth's Swan River.
0:28:44 > 0:28:46Absolutely gorgeous sunshine here.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49I wonder what the weather's like at home?
0:28:49 > 0:28:52For James, spending rare time together as a family is just
0:28:52 > 0:28:54what he was hoping for.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57This is the type of stuff I want to do as a family and reassuring
0:28:57 > 0:29:01to know that this is how you can spend your time in Australia.
0:29:01 > 0:29:04And Taylor's appreciating the day out too.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07I really enjoyed the bike ride because it's warm and sunny
0:29:07 > 0:29:10and I've spent time with my family. I really want to do this at home.
0:29:10 > 0:29:13Next - the family swap saddles for paddles
0:29:13 > 0:29:15as they get kitted out with kayaks.
0:29:15 > 0:29:19Land lover Roisin, however, isn't exactly a natural sailor.
0:29:19 > 0:29:21- How are you feeling?- I feel sick.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24- Why?- Look at the water, it's rough.
0:29:24 > 0:29:26- It's great when you get out there. - We'll see.- Yeah.
0:29:26 > 0:29:30- I feel sick.- You feel sick? - Yes.- You're fine. OK?
0:29:32 > 0:29:34- Ready to go?- Oh, Josh, you're splashing us, man.
0:29:34 > 0:29:35I don't know which way I want to be.
0:29:37 > 0:29:38Wrong way.
0:29:38 > 0:29:41Once afloat, the sailing's far from plain.
0:29:42 > 0:29:44Come on, we're done now!
0:29:44 > 0:29:49- I don't like it.- You'll get there. - No, I can't do it.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52After a somewhat unsuccessful attempt at kayaking,
0:29:52 > 0:29:57reward comes in the shape of an Aussie classic, lunch at one of the
0:29:57 > 0:30:02city's outdoor barbecues where the family bump into a couple of expats.
0:30:02 > 0:30:03It's a great place to live.
0:30:03 > 0:30:06I think a really good place to bring up children.
0:30:06 > 0:30:10They have the work-life balance pretty much in the right spot.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13They work to live and not live to work.
0:30:13 > 0:30:15They've got that pretty much right.
0:30:15 > 0:30:17Hearing how life could be in Perth from people who have made
0:30:17 > 0:30:19the move is helpful.
0:30:19 > 0:30:22But Roisin can't help thinking about the distance
0:30:22 > 0:30:24she's put between family.
0:30:24 > 0:30:27I can definitely see that Australia is appealing.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30I can understand why James does want to move us over here.
0:30:30 > 0:30:33But in my mind, I can't,
0:30:33 > 0:30:35I can't stop thinking about leaving my family.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38And she's beginning to struggle with the decision she'll face
0:30:38 > 0:30:40come the end of the week.
0:30:40 > 0:30:43I just feel very confused as to how the week's gone.
0:30:43 > 0:30:45I've had ups and I've had downs.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48At the minute my mind's just all over the place.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50Each day has been so different.
0:30:50 > 0:30:53But it has been an emotional rollercoaster for us, it really has.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57For James, the family's time in Perth hasn't entirely gone to plan.
0:30:57 > 0:30:59The rest of the week's been brilliant.
0:30:59 > 0:31:02The houses, the lifestyle.
0:31:02 > 0:31:04But the work one was the main one
0:31:04 > 0:31:07and it didn't go exactly as I would have liked.
0:31:07 > 0:31:11We were both pretty shocked that the research that we did
0:31:11 > 0:31:14back in the UK didn't match what the expert told me here.
0:31:14 > 0:31:17But he's far from letting go of his dream.
0:31:17 > 0:31:19I want this move more than ever now.
0:31:19 > 0:31:21Now I've been here and seen what it has to offer
0:31:21 > 0:31:23and seen how good it is and...
0:31:23 > 0:31:27Staying how we are in the UK at the moment, it's not going to last forever.
0:31:27 > 0:31:31Something's got to give and my family's not going to be it.
0:31:31 > 0:31:35Roisin faces a tough decision come the end of the week.
0:31:35 > 0:31:36But based on lifestyle,
0:31:36 > 0:31:40has everyone been sold on what Australia has to offer?
0:31:40 > 0:31:44After a nice day of lifestyle activities, it's now time to vote.
0:31:53 > 0:31:54ALL: Australia!
0:31:57 > 0:32:00- I'm surprised.- Really?
0:32:00 > 0:32:04I thought you might have been unsure or maybe undecided.
0:32:04 > 0:32:07I was after the kayaking but then the barbecue...
0:32:07 > 0:32:10So do you think this lifestyle and activities would get you
0:32:10 > 0:32:12away from your computers, PlayStations, iPads and stuff?
0:32:12 > 0:32:16Do you think you'd be able to put them down and actually spend time at the weekend with us?
0:32:16 > 0:32:18- CHILDREN:- Yes. - I'm pleased about that.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25The Australian lifestyle's been a hit with the whole family.
0:32:25 > 0:32:29But if they're to afford it, the finances will need to stack up.
0:32:32 > 0:32:36James and Roisin bought their house for £91,000 in 2007
0:32:36 > 0:32:39and now think it's worth around £80,000.
0:32:39 > 0:32:42To see if their valuation's accurate,
0:32:42 > 0:32:44we sent round two local estate agents.
0:32:46 > 0:32:48- Doesn't look as sunny there, does it?- No.
0:32:51 > 0:32:55Beautifully appointed kitchen. This would appeal to a lot of buyers.
0:32:55 > 0:32:59- Good kitchen, done by you. - Glad she likes the kitchen.
0:32:59 > 0:33:00Good sized bedroom.
0:33:00 > 0:33:04The wallpaper, end of the season will tell whether that stays or goes.
0:33:04 > 0:33:06Staying for good!
0:33:06 > 0:33:10Family bathroom, rather small in size.
0:33:10 > 0:33:12In today's market,
0:33:12 > 0:33:15I would value this property in the region of £70-£75,000.
0:33:15 > 0:33:17If a quick sale was required,
0:33:17 > 0:33:21I would recommend putting it in the market in the region of £70,000.
0:33:21 > 0:33:24In today's market I would value this family home
0:33:24 > 0:33:28at a value of around about £75-£80,000.
0:33:28 > 0:33:29For a quick sale,
0:33:29 > 0:33:33I would recommend the house be put on the market for 69,950.
0:33:33 > 0:33:37- I wouldn't sell it for that price. - Are you disappointed at the price?
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- It's a great surprise.- Oh, well.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45Keeping a cool head with lower than expected valuations, James and
0:33:45 > 0:33:49Roisin move on to compare the cost of living in Australia with the UK.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52First to get the numbers crunched is the weekly food shop.
0:33:54 > 0:33:57The pack of mixed peppers is a lot more expensive here.
0:33:57 > 0:33:593.72 more.
0:33:59 > 0:34:02Yeah, there's quite a bit on here that's more expensive.
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Look at the cheese. £4.20 cheaper for the cheese.
0:34:05 > 0:34:07- And we go through a lot of cheese. - That's good!
0:34:07 > 0:34:10In total, the weekly shop would come in at...
0:34:10 > 0:34:1336.68 more expensive.
0:34:13 > 0:34:16It's about 30% more a week.
0:34:16 > 0:34:20That's around £165 more on groceries per month.
0:34:20 > 0:34:22But after a week Down Under...
0:34:22 > 0:34:24- What do you think about that? - Not great.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26It doesn't come as a massive shock.
0:34:26 > 0:34:30- We were kind of expecting it to be more expensive anyway, weren't we?- Yeah.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Moving on to the bigger bills,
0:34:32 > 0:34:35the couple base their sums on the second property they saw.
0:34:36 > 0:34:39So, the mortgage in the UK's £455 a month.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41£455.
0:34:41 > 0:34:44And the mortgage in Australia would be £1,353.
0:34:44 > 0:34:49Gives you minus £898.
0:34:49 > 0:34:52- The gas, £100.- £100 in the UK.
0:34:52 > 0:34:54£29 in Australia.
0:34:54 > 0:34:57- £29?- Wow!
0:34:57 > 0:35:01That's £71 less expensive for gas in Australia.
0:35:01 > 0:35:03OK, yes.
0:35:03 > 0:35:09In total they'd be spending £1,107 more every month Down Under.
0:35:10 > 0:35:14- That is, erm, quite a lot. - It's quite a hefty chunk of money.
0:35:14 > 0:35:16It's a huge hike in outgoings.
0:35:16 > 0:35:19When their potential wages in Australia are taken
0:35:19 > 0:35:22into consideration, the overall figure comes down.
0:35:24 > 0:35:27- That's not good.- No.- Not at all.
0:35:28 > 0:35:30But not by much.
0:35:30 > 0:35:34Overall, they'd be £6,000 a year worse off if they made the move.
0:35:34 > 0:35:37I don't know. Just sort of puts a dampener on everything.
0:35:37 > 0:35:39Had a good week and stuff so...
0:35:40 > 0:35:44I think I feel just a little bit deflated at the moment.
0:35:44 > 0:35:45The only thing is,
0:35:45 > 0:35:49the weather and the lifestyle is better over here than back home.
0:35:49 > 0:35:51We'd need to weigh it up...
0:35:51 > 0:35:55whether or not it's worth the move for the better lifestyle.
0:35:55 > 0:35:56Yep.
0:35:56 > 0:36:01Time to vote on finances in Australia versus the UK.
0:36:08 > 0:36:10- UK.- Undecided.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14I think it was pretty obvious what way I was going to vote.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16It was going so well the week, you seemed to be enjoying yourself,
0:36:16 > 0:36:18the kids seemed to be enjoying themselves.
0:36:18 > 0:36:22We just do seem better off in the UK than we would be over here.
0:36:22 > 0:36:25I just feel a little bit let down, I suppose.
0:36:25 > 0:36:27But the dream's not dead yet.
0:36:33 > 0:36:36While Australia has shown James the lifestyle he'd hoped for,
0:36:36 > 0:36:39the financial bottom line means it would come at a cost.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44It's a big set-back but there's no time to lick his wounds
0:36:44 > 0:36:47as he now faces Roisin's biggest hurdle to a move.
0:36:47 > 0:36:50Having first discussed it with the children, the family sit down
0:36:50 > 0:36:53together to watch messages from friends and family at home.
0:36:56 > 0:36:58Hi, James, it's Mum and Dad.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01I hope you're enjoying yourselves in Australia.
0:37:01 > 0:37:03Missing you guys, hope you're having a great time.
0:37:03 > 0:37:04I hope it's red hot.
0:37:04 > 0:37:08We're very jealous. We're all missing you loads.
0:37:08 > 0:37:10Our James is nice. He's a man's man.
0:37:10 > 0:37:14He doesn't have a lot to say but he's a good dad.
0:37:14 > 0:37:16Very hard working guy.
0:37:16 > 0:37:20Will do anything he can to provide for his family.
0:37:20 > 0:37:23Roisin is just something else.
0:37:23 > 0:37:25She's strong, very strong.
0:37:25 > 0:37:29But she's got a heart of gold. She would do anything for you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:32Always got something to say, definitely, about anything.
0:37:32 > 0:37:34She could talk the hind legs of a donkey.
0:37:38 > 0:37:43As a family, they're all lovely and they're just fun to be around.
0:37:43 > 0:37:45Taylor's a lovely girl, she's very close to my daughter.
0:37:45 > 0:37:50And Kieran's a bit quieter but that's my son's best friend.
0:37:50 > 0:37:52They just love each other to bits.
0:37:52 > 0:37:55And Josh is gorgeous. Full of kisses and cuddles. He's lovely.
0:37:56 > 0:38:01If they do actually go to Australia, I'm going to miss them like crazy.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05This could break my heart.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08I think your children, you always feel for your children
0:38:08 > 0:38:12but your grandchildren, they hold a special place in your heart.
0:38:12 > 0:38:16It would be a massive, a massive hole for me not to see her.
0:38:18 > 0:38:19Because she's just dynamic.
0:38:21 > 0:38:24I would miss her massively. Definitely.
0:38:26 > 0:38:29It's going to be quite hard to say goodbye.
0:38:29 > 0:38:32I just want you to know that we all love you and we'll all miss you.
0:38:36 > 0:38:39I hope you've worked out what's going to be best for you guys.
0:38:39 > 0:38:41We don't want to see you going
0:38:41 > 0:38:45but we're whole heartedly behind any decision you guys choose to make.
0:38:45 > 0:38:50Listen, James, if you want to settle down there, son, just go for it.
0:38:50 > 0:38:54You've got to think about the family.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56Make a life for yourselves and be happy.
0:38:56 > 0:38:59That's all me and your mam want, for you to be happy.
0:39:06 > 0:39:07To hear them saying stuff like that...
0:39:09 > 0:39:11You surprised me with your glazed eyes.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14- I didn't think you'd be effected by it.- That's the worst thing.
0:39:14 > 0:39:17You're upsetting other people for your own happiness.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22But you can't live your life for other people's happiness.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24Taylor. Are you all right?
0:39:27 > 0:39:29All right?
0:39:29 > 0:39:31Are you missing your family?
0:39:31 > 0:39:34- Who? Who are you missing? - All of them.
0:39:34 > 0:39:37All of them. But you'll see them soon.
0:39:39 > 0:39:42There's so much going on in my head at the moment.
0:39:51 > 0:39:54James had been pinning his hopes on Australia
0:39:54 > 0:39:57delivering on all fronts for his family.
0:39:57 > 0:40:00But while their week in Perth has shown the Thompsons
0:40:00 > 0:40:05life in the country would have its up sides, it's also made clear there
0:40:05 > 0:40:10would be financial and emotional sacrifices to make along the way.
0:40:10 > 0:40:14So, after everything they've discovered, will the family
0:40:14 > 0:40:17decide to take a leap of faith and make the move?
0:40:17 > 0:40:21Or decide sticking with life in the UK's a better bet?
0:40:25 > 0:40:28When the Thompsons arrived in Australia a week ago,
0:40:28 > 0:40:31James was desperately hoping the country would provide
0:40:31 > 0:40:33the answer to problems at home.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36And in some ways it hasn't disappointed.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38'I came here and I was certain'
0:40:38 > 0:40:40that Australia was for me.
0:40:40 > 0:40:43I got off the plane, I love it here, I think it's great.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46The last few days has seen Roisin's steadfast opposition
0:40:46 > 0:40:49to a move soften.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51'At some points during our week here I have'
0:40:51 > 0:40:53been swayed to Australia.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57Seeing the houses, I was wowed by some of the houses we could have over here.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02But with the highs have come lows, testing James' mettle
0:41:02 > 0:41:06and leaving his dream on decidedly shaky ground.
0:41:06 > 0:41:08'Finding out there may not be a job here for us.'
0:41:08 > 0:41:11Everything was going really well up until that.
0:41:11 > 0:41:13Look at the size of that wave coming.
0:41:13 > 0:41:16'Another low point would be the reality check.'
0:41:16 > 0:41:18It was like a big slap in the face.
0:41:18 > 0:41:21'He's realising it's not what he thought it was going to be.'
0:41:21 > 0:41:24He was a bit gutted it didn't go the way he thought it was going to go.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28Messages from home have left everyone reeling.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31'The friends and family DVD made us feel really sad.'
0:41:31 > 0:41:33I didn't really expect to be upset
0:41:33 > 0:41:37because I didn't really think of that when I was having fun.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41It was quite upsetting to watch and James, I think, it got to him.
0:41:41 > 0:41:43He didn't realise it was going to get to him.
0:41:43 > 0:41:45So, I think he was quite surprised.
0:41:46 > 0:41:49With the final vote approaching, both Roisin and James
0:41:49 > 0:41:52are battling with their decision.
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We're only minutes away from making the final vote.
0:41:55 > 0:41:57I'm actually so confused right now,
0:41:57 > 0:41:59I don't know which way I'm going to vote myself.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01'It's huge this, it's massive.'
0:42:03 > 0:42:07To be honest, I'm not exactly sure how I'm going to vote myself.
0:42:07 > 0:42:11Everything now rests on these final minutes as the family decide
0:42:11 > 0:42:13where their future will lie.
0:42:13 > 0:42:16After a week of ups and downs, it's now time to vote.
0:42:28 > 0:42:30Australia!
0:42:33 > 0:42:35- Australia?- Australia? Really?
0:42:35 > 0:42:36Wow.
0:42:36 > 0:42:39Until we came on to the beach and I thought,
0:42:39 > 0:42:41I really didn't know what I was going to do.
0:42:41 > 0:42:46- But just looking along and...- Why wouldn't you want to live here?- Aha.
0:42:58 > 0:43:01In the end, the lure of Australia's golden beaches
0:43:01 > 0:43:05and outdoor lifestyle have proved too hard to resist.
0:43:05 > 0:43:08It looks like the Thompsons have some tough goodbyes
0:43:08 > 0:43:10and some serious packing ahead of them.
0:43:10 > 0:43:14We wish them all the luck in the world as they prepare to
0:43:14 > 0:43:16embark on their new life in the sun.