McGuinness Family

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0:00:02 > 0:00:05Paddy McGuinness is a lover of all things Aussie...

0:00:05 > 0:00:09Everything felt amazing. I was taken aback by big buildings, I was taken

0:00:09 > 0:00:11aback even by the sunshine.

0:00:11 > 0:00:14..now in love with his Australian-born wife. She, however,

0:00:14 > 0:00:18left the country behind and is loving life back in the UK.

0:00:18 > 0:00:20I would have to start again if I go to Australia,

0:00:20 > 0:00:22and I would have to build new friendships, building a new

0:00:22 > 0:00:25community and a new support network, and I have that sitting

0:00:25 > 0:00:28- ready here.- A trial week in Australia

0:00:28 > 0:00:30sees Paddy try to convince Erin

0:00:30 > 0:00:33that it's time to move back.

0:00:33 > 0:00:35Living in Australia, the work-life balance for us as a family

0:00:35 > 0:00:38will be a lot better and make us a lot happier.

0:00:38 > 0:00:41But can she resist powerful calls from her mum not to

0:00:41 > 0:00:42return down under?

0:00:43 > 0:00:45I can't even speak at the moment.

0:00:45 > 0:00:48It's just the very thought of those boys in Australia.

0:00:50 > 0:00:52FUNKY MUSIC PLAYS

0:01:10 > 0:01:14With an average temperature of 22 Celsius,

0:01:14 > 0:01:17and more than 10,000 beaches to enjoy the sunshine,

0:01:17 > 0:01:21it's not hard to understand why Australia is a magnet for families

0:01:21 > 0:01:24seeking a new life down under.

0:01:24 > 0:01:27But life on the other side of the world doesn't always live up to the

0:01:27 > 0:01:30dream, and latest figures show almost half of those

0:01:30 > 0:01:33making the move return home.

0:01:34 > 0:01:38When Erin McGuiness left Australia at the age of ten,

0:01:38 > 0:01:39she thought it was for good.

0:01:39 > 0:01:44She settled down in her mum's native Ireland, lost her Aussie accent,

0:01:44 > 0:01:48and started to love life on a whole new side of the world.

0:01:48 > 0:01:52And then she met Paddy - a Northern Irishman whose obsession

0:01:52 > 0:01:55with moving to Australia has given her

0:01:55 > 0:01:57sleepless nights.

0:01:57 > 0:02:00He wants to convince her that now, with two children of their own,

0:02:00 > 0:02:03it's time to move down under again.

0:02:03 > 0:02:07She's agreed to a trial week where they'll find out together the

0:02:07 > 0:02:11realities of living in Australia and whether they can afford it.

0:02:13 > 0:02:16After a journey lasting over 20 hours,

0:02:16 > 0:02:19the McGuinesses land in Melbourne, raring to go.

0:02:22 > 0:02:25The journey was long, but I'm excited to be here and I'm looking

0:02:25 > 0:02:27forward to what's in store for the rest of the week.

0:02:27 > 0:02:29And how did the little ones handle it?

0:02:29 > 0:02:32The kids were very active and very vocal on the flight.

0:02:32 > 0:02:35- They did sleep a good few hours, so...- They were good boys.

0:02:35 > 0:02:38And for Erin, the arrival has particular significance.

0:02:38 > 0:02:41It sort of feels like I'm back at home.

0:02:41 > 0:02:44But the excitement soon turns to nerves.

0:02:44 > 0:02:47It's make or break, really. Hopefully we get the right news that we want.

0:02:47 > 0:02:50There's no going back. I have to make a decision. I have to face the

0:02:50 > 0:02:53reality of, "Are we going to move here or not?"

0:02:53 > 0:02:55In just seven days' time,

0:02:55 > 0:02:58they'll have to answer what side of the world their future lies.

0:03:01 > 0:03:03Meet the McGuinesses.

0:03:03 > 0:03:07Dad Paddy, mum Erin, Alex age four, and Jude, just two.

0:03:07 > 0:03:11Paddy has fallen in love with all things Australian since meeting

0:03:11 > 0:03:14Australian-born Erin.

0:03:14 > 0:03:16I met Paddy at his 18th birthday party,

0:03:16 > 0:03:19in a nightclub in Newry, where he's from.

0:03:19 > 0:03:22We just kind of had that connection straightaway.

0:03:22 > 0:03:26Just, as you do, on the dance floor, and we met up and exchanged numbers

0:03:26 > 0:03:30- and...- As time progressed, we decided to make a go of it, and...

0:03:30 > 0:03:32ever since, we've been together.

0:03:32 > 0:03:34But it was also Erin's Aussie background

0:03:34 > 0:03:36that Paddy fell in love with.

0:03:36 > 0:03:38The lifestyle that we had was brilliant.

0:03:38 > 0:03:42The schools were amazing, and a lot of outdoor space,

0:03:42 > 0:03:46and we just lived the ideal outdoor lifestyle.

0:03:46 > 0:03:50I sort of nearly blame myself for, you know, selling it to him.

0:03:50 > 0:03:52After a special holiday together,

0:03:52 > 0:03:55Paddy decided he wanted to move there permanently.

0:03:59 > 0:04:01Coming from a small city in Northern Ireland,

0:04:01 > 0:04:04I was taken aback by big buildings,

0:04:04 > 0:04:06I was taken aback by even the sunshine,

0:04:06 > 0:04:08the whole hustle and bustle of the city.

0:04:08 > 0:04:12You know, everything felt... felt amazing.

0:04:12 > 0:04:15Initially at least, Erin certainly wasn't opposed to it.

0:04:16 > 0:04:20Any conversation with anybody I meet new, you know, I'm first to tell

0:04:20 > 0:04:22them, "Oh, do you know I'm Australian?"

0:04:22 > 0:04:24And then they look at me and say,

0:04:24 > 0:04:26"Hmm, well, the accent doesn't really give it away."

0:04:30 > 0:04:35I think it probably started off in the early days being my dream,

0:04:35 > 0:04:37but as I've got older and had kids,

0:04:37 > 0:04:41I've sort of got a little bit more scared, whereas Paddy has held on to

0:04:41 > 0:04:44- the dream, and now...- I want that dream to really become a reality.

0:04:44 > 0:04:46Now that we've got the kids, he's pushing more.

0:04:48 > 0:04:50Marriage and the children have only made Paddy all the more

0:04:50 > 0:04:53- hungry for the move. - A draw!

0:04:53 > 0:04:56I have the boys, basically, most of the day,

0:04:56 > 0:05:00whereas Erin's at work. I'm getting to spend that quality time with my

0:05:00 > 0:05:03children, which is fantastic, but when you look outside and it's

0:05:03 > 0:05:06raining, you know, the activities you can do

0:05:06 > 0:05:08in Northern Ireland are limited.

0:05:08 > 0:05:13- Added to this is the issue of their son's health.- Yay!

0:05:13 > 0:05:16I think Alex has the worst case of asthma.

0:05:16 > 0:05:18He has to take his inhalers regularly.

0:05:18 > 0:05:20His breathing is far better in the summertime.

0:05:20 > 0:05:24Like, he can play out all day long and he seems to be perfectly fine.

0:05:24 > 0:05:28It's just as soon as the cold air hits, he just, he can't breathe.

0:05:28 > 0:05:30Wooo!

0:05:30 > 0:05:34- I just feel, the warmer climate in Australia... - LAUGHTER

0:05:34 > 0:05:37..it's possible that his asthma could improve.

0:05:38 > 0:05:40There is a big but in all of this -

0:05:40 > 0:05:42Erin's mum.

0:05:42 > 0:05:45Having herself emigrated to Melbourne once upon a time,

0:05:45 > 0:05:47and returned to Ireland after 15 years,

0:05:47 > 0:05:50she thinks it's far from a good idea.

0:05:50 > 0:05:54My mum will always say that, you know, she doesn't regret, you know,

0:05:54 > 0:05:58one thing about it because it was an amazing place to bring up me and my

0:05:58 > 0:06:02brother as children. But she says, just as time went on

0:06:02 > 0:06:05and the years went on, she just got more and more homesick.

0:06:05 > 0:06:07Mwah! And a hug?

0:06:07 > 0:06:11I feel that it would really break her heart if all four of us go,

0:06:11 > 0:06:14because she's done it and she's experienced it,

0:06:14 > 0:06:16and she knows the difficulties of

0:06:16 > 0:06:19missing family and friends. So...

0:06:22 > 0:06:27And her mum's doubts have started to make Erin doubt, too.

0:06:27 > 0:06:29I would have to start again if we go to Australia,

0:06:29 > 0:06:31and have to build new friendships,

0:06:31 > 0:06:34build a new community and a new support network.

0:06:34 > 0:06:36I have that sitting ready here.

0:06:36 > 0:06:39Yes, it's nice to live in a place where it's hot all the time,

0:06:39 > 0:06:42but we'll be making dinner, we'll be going to bed,

0:06:42 > 0:06:44the routine's going to be exactly the same,

0:06:44 > 0:06:46only it's going to be a lot hotter.

0:06:46 > 0:06:49You know, I don't know how he's going to cope with the heat.

0:06:52 > 0:06:55For Paddy, celebrating what he hopes could be his last birthday

0:06:55 > 0:06:58in the UK, the issue is clear.

0:06:58 > 0:07:01CHEERING

0:07:02 > 0:07:04Paddy, happy birthday.

0:07:04 > 0:07:06I just feel that moving to Australia,

0:07:06 > 0:07:09the work-life balance for us as a family will be a lot better

0:07:09 > 0:07:11and make us a lot happier.

0:07:12 > 0:07:16Taking away the two children from both sets of grandparents,

0:07:16 > 0:07:19I do feel selfish, if I'm being honest.

0:07:20 > 0:07:23But what they're going to realise is...

0:07:23 > 0:07:25me and Erin, this is our life,

0:07:25 > 0:07:29we want to, we decide what's best for us as a family.

0:07:29 > 0:07:32The time has come to decide once and for all.

0:07:32 > 0:07:36What's certain is Erin isn't going to be forced into a move.

0:07:36 > 0:07:40If I just don't get the gut feeling and things aren't going my way,

0:07:40 > 0:07:43and I think this isn't for us as a family,

0:07:43 > 0:07:47whilst I will be, I know, probably breaking Paddy's heart

0:07:47 > 0:07:50and squashing his dream, I'm not going to be afraid to say,

0:07:50 > 0:07:53"No, it doesn't feel right and this isn't for us."

0:07:53 > 0:07:56And, you know, that's the end of the dream, and, you know, the

0:07:56 > 0:07:59Australia dream is over and Northern Ireland is where we're going to

0:07:59 > 0:08:02live. You know, I won't be afraid to say that at the end of the week.

0:08:07 > 0:08:10When the family arrives at their rental accommodation for the week,

0:08:10 > 0:08:11it's late and everyone's tired.

0:08:15 > 0:08:17Once they see their new surroundings,

0:08:17 > 0:08:18their energy levels soon pick up.

0:08:24 > 0:08:27This is my bed, and this is your bed.

0:08:27 > 0:08:30- Nice three bedrooms. - It's open-planned, I mean...

0:08:30 > 0:08:33- It's what we wished for, wasn't it? - Yeah, with the beach...

0:08:33 > 0:08:34- Three bedrooms.- ..garden for the kids.

0:08:34 > 0:08:38- Should be a good week.- Yeah. - But it's clear the reality of the

0:08:38 > 0:08:41situation is starting to sink in for Paddy.

0:08:42 > 0:08:46- I am feeling nervous. - What are you feeling nervous about?

0:08:46 > 0:08:48I'm feeling nervous that, you know, that...

0:08:48 > 0:08:50I'm going to say no and it's all going to be over?

0:08:50 > 0:08:52No, but I don't want to devastate you, so...

0:08:52 > 0:08:56No, I know. We're in this together, and if things don't work out,

0:08:56 > 0:08:58if we don't get the right information that we need,

0:08:58 > 0:09:00then it's back to square one, really.

0:09:03 > 0:09:05Back in the UK,

0:09:05 > 0:09:08the McGuiness family live in a three-bedroom detached house in the

0:09:08 > 0:09:10cathedral city of Armagh,

0:09:10 > 0:09:13and it's fair to say they are pretty happy.

0:09:13 > 0:09:17We bought our house just under two years ago as a brand-new build.

0:09:17 > 0:09:21We've worked really hard to get to where we are now. We even had to

0:09:21 > 0:09:25sacrifice living with my mum for 15 months while we had to wait till it

0:09:25 > 0:09:27was built, so we've sacrificed a lot

0:09:27 > 0:09:29to get into the house and to get settled.

0:09:29 > 0:09:31There's one aspect of their house,

0:09:31 > 0:09:33however, they aren't particularly keen on.

0:09:33 > 0:09:36Every property has its sacrifices. A garden is definitely ours.

0:09:36 > 0:09:39So, if they move down under, what are the couple looking for?

0:09:40 > 0:09:44I would need to have a house that would be very similar to mine -

0:09:44 > 0:09:47three to four-bedroomed, detached property with, not a massive garden,

0:09:47 > 0:09:49but good and...good-sized.

0:09:49 > 0:09:52- And close to commuting as well, for travelling to work as well.- Yeah.

0:09:52 > 0:09:55If we couldn't find a house within our budget...

0:09:55 > 0:09:57we wouldn't go.

0:09:58 > 0:10:00Well...

0:10:00 > 0:10:03- We wouldn't go.- OK. - LAUGHTER

0:10:03 > 0:10:06The couple have a budget of £280,000.

0:10:06 > 0:10:10To find out what kind of home their money could get them in Melbourne,

0:10:10 > 0:10:12we'll show them three properties -

0:10:12 > 0:10:16two based on budget, and a third which could be their dream home.

0:10:16 > 0:10:18The search begins in Langwarrin,

0:10:18 > 0:10:22an established suburb located near to the beach-side urban centre of

0:10:22 > 0:10:25Frankston, with shopping and transport options,

0:10:25 > 0:10:29as well as close to Erin's extended family in Carrum Downs.

0:10:29 > 0:10:34Outside, the couple compare thoughts on the next step, or rather, steps.

0:10:34 > 0:10:37I'm just not too sure about the steps, though, with the boys. It

0:10:37 > 0:10:40might be a bit too dangerous, I think, but can't wait to get in.

0:10:40 > 0:10:45- Well, wait no longer, Paddy. Off you go.- Nice hallway.

0:10:45 > 0:10:48You sort of walk straight in to the living room.

0:10:48 > 0:10:51It's a bit strange. Usually we come into the hallway and then you

0:10:51 > 0:10:53- have...- You have your own private room, yeah.

0:10:53 > 0:10:55Maybe this could become a games room or...

0:10:56 > 0:10:59That would be a no, Paddy.

0:10:59 > 0:11:01Moving on into the kitchen area...

0:11:01 > 0:11:05- Nice and open.- Something like we have back home, and then you obviously have your...

0:11:05 > 0:11:08- This must be, like, a bar, so... - Yeah.- ..plenty of gin to be drunk.

0:11:08 > 0:11:11- No, I think we'd get rid of the bar. - SHE LAUGHS

0:11:11 > 0:11:14That's no games room, no bar, then.

0:11:14 > 0:11:16Erin's got more radical plans.

0:11:16 > 0:11:19I would personally rip the kitchen out.

0:11:19 > 0:11:21Well, the house isn't setting anyone's world alight,

0:11:21 > 0:11:24and that continues into the main bedroom.

0:11:24 > 0:11:26It's a bit small.

0:11:26 > 0:11:29That big master window as well, which is a bit strange.

0:11:29 > 0:11:32It's OK. It's not as nice, obviously, as our own bedroom.

0:11:32 > 0:11:36Looks like Armagh 1, Australia 0.

0:11:36 > 0:11:38Will the en-suite even up the score?

0:11:38 > 0:11:42- So this is the en-suite?- I would definitely have to rip this out and

0:11:42 > 0:11:45- start again...- Definitely.- ..and have a more modern en suite,

0:11:45 > 0:11:49- but the size and space is fine. - It needs a bit of modernisation.

0:11:49 > 0:11:51And if size is what they're after,

0:11:51 > 0:11:53will there be enough space for clothes?

0:11:54 > 0:11:56Ah, so here's the wardrobe space.

0:11:57 > 0:11:59Eh...

0:12:00 > 0:12:03- Eh, for me... - Lost for words, you two?

0:12:03 > 0:12:05It would just fit your clothes alone, if even.

0:12:05 > 0:12:09So...we'd have to look at different kind of space area for the likes of

0:12:09 > 0:12:12my clothes, because I would actually have something similar to yourself.

0:12:12 > 0:12:15We can downsize your stuff and you can have the smallest space over

0:12:15 > 0:12:17here, and I'll stick with this.

0:12:17 > 0:12:19That's told you, Paddy.

0:12:19 > 0:12:22With the boys being looked after by a childminder,

0:12:22 > 0:12:25it's up to the parents to check out their bedrooms.

0:12:25 > 0:12:28- For me, this would tick boxes.- Yep.

0:12:28 > 0:12:32It's decent-sized. You know, a single bed, you can put, like, a...

0:12:32 > 0:12:34their toy section here as well,

0:12:34 > 0:12:36a nice TV in the wall, and make it a nice boys' room.

0:12:36 > 0:12:39- Mm-hmm.- So, yeah, the boys will be happy enough with this room.- Yeah.

0:12:39 > 0:12:41Well, things are starting to look up.

0:12:41 > 0:12:44Let's see what outside has to offer, shall we?

0:12:44 > 0:12:47We wanted outdoor living, so we've got it.

0:12:47 > 0:12:52It seems a bachelor maybe owns this house. You know, it has the bar,

0:12:52 > 0:12:57- it has the hot tub.- Definitely. I wanted more of a family garden,

0:12:57 > 0:12:59- a lot of space for the kids. - The boys are very active.- Yeah.

0:12:59 > 0:13:02- You know...- They need to burn off all their energy.

0:13:02 > 0:13:05Right, well, a mixed bag, it's safe to say.

0:13:05 > 0:13:09But could they afford it on their £280,000 budget?

0:13:10 > 0:13:14- So, what's your feelings on this property?- The area seems to be nice.

0:13:14 > 0:13:17- The house is fine inside, you know, it's just...- The garden.

0:13:17 > 0:13:20..the garden, it's the garden space that I would crave,

0:13:20 > 0:13:22- personally, especially for the boys. - Yeah.

0:13:22 > 0:13:24It looks like it's a desired area.

0:13:24 > 0:13:28I'm thinking we're close enough to the £300,000 mark.

0:13:28 > 0:13:30I'd be a little bit gutted if it was.

0:13:30 > 0:13:32I'm hoping that it'll be around 270.

0:13:33 > 0:13:36- Shall we have a look, then? - Yeah, let's go.

0:13:42 > 0:13:45It's not as bad, like, you thought it was going to be over our budget.

0:13:45 > 0:13:48No, but it does leave that kind of room, you know,

0:13:48 > 0:13:50if you did want to do work.

0:13:50 > 0:13:52It makes it a little bit more hopeful that maybe other houses in

0:13:52 > 0:13:56- the area that are a little bit more modern might not be too far out of reach.- Yeah.

0:13:59 > 0:14:00Only one house down,

0:14:00 > 0:14:04and no-one's booking the removal vans to Melbourne just yet.

0:14:04 > 0:14:08The next property is in the new development of Cranbourne East,

0:14:08 > 0:14:12an area that has good infrastructure and close to schools and nice parks.

0:14:12 > 0:14:15First impressions are good.

0:14:15 > 0:14:17This is definitely the style of house that I had in mind.

0:14:17 > 0:14:22- It's lovely.- I'm optimistic. I'm excited to see what's inside.- Yeah.

0:14:24 > 0:14:27- Yes, this is what we're looking for. A nice open hallway.- Oh!

0:14:27 > 0:14:29Oh, it's lovely in here.

0:14:29 > 0:14:32It's definitely more our sort of feel, isn't it?

0:14:32 > 0:14:35And this continues into the kitchen area.

0:14:35 > 0:14:39- Wow!- Wow! This is more like it, isn't it?- Yeah, I like this.

0:14:39 > 0:14:43Yeah, this is definitely what I imagined for an open-plan living.

0:14:43 > 0:14:46Having your kitchen, dining, living room all-in-one,

0:14:46 > 0:14:49and it's a great big space.

0:14:49 > 0:14:51Something like what we have back home, so we can keep an eye on the

0:14:51 > 0:14:55- boys when we're in kitchen.- I could see us, definitely, in this house.

0:14:55 > 0:14:58As a house ready to meet the needs of a busy young family,

0:14:58 > 0:15:02this place seems to be the direct opposite of the last house.

0:15:02 > 0:15:06That said, the main bedroom still has that typical Aussie feature.

0:15:08 > 0:15:11Again, I'm sort of picking up that most of the houses have the master

0:15:11 > 0:15:13- bedrooms at the front of the house. - Yeah.

0:15:13 > 0:15:16For security purposes, I sort of like being at the front of the

0:15:16 > 0:15:19- house.- Yeah, it ticks boxes for me as well. It is open, you know?

0:15:19 > 0:15:21- There's plenty of room.- Yeah.

0:15:21 > 0:15:25But is there plenty of room for the pair's ample clothing requirements?

0:15:25 > 0:15:27- Wow, there's a walk-in wardrobe! - Yeah.

0:15:27 > 0:15:29- No, this is more space then the last one.- Yeah.

0:15:29 > 0:15:31- I can have that wee space at the back.- And I can have all this.

0:15:31 > 0:15:35- You can have all that other space, yeah. Then there'll be no arguments. - THEY LAUGH

0:15:35 > 0:15:39And there's plenty for the boys to get excited about in their own rooms.

0:15:39 > 0:15:42Wow! I know somebody that'll like this bedroom, definitely.

0:15:42 > 0:15:45- Totally Alex. - And it's a great size, isn't it? - LAUGHTER

0:15:45 > 0:15:47Yeah, it's perfect. It seems like it was made for him.

0:15:47 > 0:15:49It is made for him, yeah.

0:15:49 > 0:15:52So, will the outside space be more family-friendly

0:15:52 > 0:15:54than the last property they viewed?

0:15:55 > 0:15:58- So, here we have the decking area. Open play...- Oh!- Yeah.

0:15:58 > 0:16:01- Some space, isn't it?- Yeah.- You have your barbecue area,

0:16:01 > 0:16:03a nice seating area as well.

0:16:03 > 0:16:06- It ticks many boxes.- Yeah. - A bit more private.

0:16:06 > 0:16:09There's even a place for the boys to have a kickaround.

0:16:09 > 0:16:11Oh, yeah! This is nice.

0:16:11 > 0:16:15- This is it, yeah.- I can see football nets here, trampoline,

0:16:15 > 0:16:17this is the perfect size area, it's not too big.

0:16:17 > 0:16:19I can see the ball being kicked over that fence a lot of times,

0:16:19 > 0:16:21- so me running after... - LAUGHTER

0:16:21 > 0:16:24Well, this house ticks a lot of boxes,

0:16:24 > 0:16:26but the ultimate box has yet to be revealed -

0:16:26 > 0:16:28the price.

0:16:29 > 0:16:30What's your feelings on this one?

0:16:30 > 0:16:33I definitely could see myself making the move for a house like this.

0:16:33 > 0:16:35How much do you think this house will be?

0:16:35 > 0:16:40I'm thinking maybe along the £295,000 to £300,000 mark.

0:16:40 > 0:16:43I was going to say along the £300,000 mark.

0:16:43 > 0:16:47So I think we're sort of both thinking along the same lines.

0:16:47 > 0:16:48Shall we have a look, then?

0:16:54 > 0:16:56Let's go.

0:16:56 > 0:16:58SHE GASPS

0:16:58 > 0:17:00- Oooh!- Just above our budget, but it's actually...

0:17:00 > 0:17:03- Yeah, I'm happy enough...- I'm very happy with that, yeah, because...

0:17:03 > 0:17:06- You don't need to do anything to it. - No, exactly, it's walk-in.

0:17:06 > 0:17:09You know, it's made me feel a lot more happy about the possible move.

0:17:09 > 0:17:13To know that we can afford to buy a house at £280,000,

0:17:13 > 0:17:16you know, this could turn our dream into reality.

0:17:16 > 0:17:20I think we can call that Armagh 1, Australia 1 now.

0:17:20 > 0:17:22What a result!

0:17:22 > 0:17:25The final property the pair is viewing is in the giant

0:17:25 > 0:17:27botanic garden suburb of Melbourne.

0:17:27 > 0:17:31Built around a golf course, it's surrounded by farmland,

0:17:31 > 0:17:34meaning there are fewer facilities in the immediate area.

0:17:34 > 0:17:37More developments, however, are planned,

0:17:37 > 0:17:40which will mean shops and facilities further down the track.

0:17:40 > 0:17:43Will this place prove to be the dream property?

0:17:43 > 0:17:45You know, from the outside, it looks fantastic.

0:17:45 > 0:17:48- Let's see if it's got the space we need on the inside.- Exactly.

0:17:48 > 0:17:51At least there are no steps to get in.

0:17:51 > 0:17:56And once inside, well, Erin's Irish eyes are definitely smiling.

0:17:56 > 0:17:59- Ah! This is how I like it. - SHE GASPS

0:17:59 > 0:18:01- It's gorgeous.- Wow!

0:18:01 > 0:18:04- Yeah.- This is what I'm looking for, definitely.

0:18:04 > 0:18:06It's not too big, it's just the perfect size.

0:18:06 > 0:18:09- It's lovely.- It's bigger than what we have at home as well. - Yeah.- You know, it's...

0:18:09 > 0:18:12A lot of space for the guys to be running around as well.

0:18:12 > 0:18:15- Into the kitchen next.- So, how do you feel about the kitchen?

0:18:15 > 0:18:18- Oh, the kitchen's gorgeous.- Isn't it fantastic?- The worktop is lovely.

0:18:18 > 0:18:22It's great. Nice entertaining space for people to sit at the other end

0:18:22 > 0:18:25of the island and maybe prepare meals for the kids.

0:18:25 > 0:18:28- It's really, really lovely.- Also, even for entertaining guests,

0:18:28 > 0:18:31once again, and sitting down for a meal, and still have all this

0:18:31 > 0:18:33room around us and not feel cramped.

0:18:33 > 0:18:36The family space has proven a hit.

0:18:36 > 0:18:39What about the private space for Mum and Dad?

0:18:39 > 0:18:41- SHE GASPS - Now this is nice.

0:18:41 > 0:18:43- This is much better, yeah.- Yeah.

0:18:43 > 0:18:46This is definitely a dream master bedroom.

0:18:46 > 0:18:50You wouldn't get anything like this back at home, the space, it's just,

0:18:50 > 0:18:53- it's gorgeous, I really love it. - And the walk-in wardrobe is

0:18:53 > 0:18:56virtually a whole new room in itself.

0:18:57 > 0:19:02- Wow! This is what you wanted. - Yeah, this is, oh, this is perfect. - SHE GASPS

0:19:02 > 0:19:04- I think that's our space. - Yeah. It's all mine, really.

0:19:04 > 0:19:06- You can have all that side, no bother. - LAUGHTER

0:19:06 > 0:19:09- So I can keep all my mess in here. - Yeah.

0:19:09 > 0:19:12Sliding into the en-suite now.

0:19:13 > 0:19:17- SHE GASPS - Wow!- Oh, my...

0:19:17 > 0:19:19This is amazing!

0:19:19 > 0:19:21It's bigger than our whole bathroom.

0:19:21 > 0:19:24- It's massive.- Yeah, and the bath alone,

0:19:24 > 0:19:27- I can see myself in here for a couple of hours.- Yeah, watching TV.

0:19:27 > 0:19:31- With a beer.- So we know Paddy will be entertained.

0:19:31 > 0:19:33What about the boys?

0:19:33 > 0:19:35- Wow! Playroom area.- Totally, this is a playroom area.

0:19:35 > 0:19:37- The boys will love that. - Yeah. Perfect for their little...

0:19:37 > 0:19:39- Great size, too.- ..playroom snug.

0:19:39 > 0:19:42I suppose when they get a little bit older, it'll be sort of like a

0:19:42 > 0:19:45- homework/office area for them. - Exactly, yeah.

0:19:45 > 0:19:47Another great sized room.

0:19:47 > 0:19:49By the couple's reaction to the inside of this house,

0:19:49 > 0:19:53I'm not sure that they'd want to leave it, but if they did,

0:19:53 > 0:19:56does the outside match up to what they've seen so far?

0:19:56 > 0:19:59Wow. It's different levels. It's lovely.

0:19:59 > 0:20:03Yeah, it all flows down again. Just the whole house seems to flow in the right direction.

0:20:03 > 0:20:07Yeah, I can see us entertaining out here and having a few family parties

0:20:07 > 0:20:11- and family gatherings. - Wait, guys. There's more.

0:20:12 > 0:20:15- Nice sunlounger for the sun.- The sun that we're going to see.- Yeah.

0:20:15 > 0:20:17Then a nice decking area as well,

0:20:17 > 0:20:20nice seating for eating and enjoying a glass of wine.

0:20:20 > 0:20:22And even more!

0:20:22 > 0:20:25Wow! The boys would love this!

0:20:25 > 0:20:27This is amazing. Yeah, you know, this is perfect.

0:20:27 > 0:20:30- This is what I wanted. A football net and a trampoline.- Yeah.

0:20:30 > 0:20:33Maybe Alex and Jude can have friends out here as well and play.

0:20:33 > 0:20:34- It's a gorgeous house. - It's a great area.

0:20:34 > 0:20:37Yeah, but because the house ticked all the boxes,

0:20:37 > 0:20:39I'm a wee bit wary about the price.

0:20:39 > 0:20:42Well, with a budget of £280,000,

0:20:42 > 0:20:45is Paddy right to be wary?

0:20:45 > 0:20:48- So, what's your feelings? - It's absolutely amazing.

0:20:48 > 0:20:51You know, it would be... Out of all the houses we've seen today,

0:20:51 > 0:20:53- I'd say it would be the dream house.- Yeah.

0:20:53 > 0:20:55I think it's definitely above our budget.

0:20:55 > 0:20:58I'm thinking it's probably around...

0:20:58 > 0:21:00£350,000.

0:21:00 > 0:21:05I'm going to go with £320,000 - £325,000 mark.

0:21:12 > 0:21:15- Let's turn it over.- Yeah, turn it over, yeah, and have a look.

0:21:15 > 0:21:18SHE GASPS

0:21:18 > 0:21:21Well, I definitely thought it would be over budget.

0:21:21 > 0:21:25Not by nearly £100,000, but that's a big difference.

0:21:25 > 0:21:26It's a massive difference.

0:21:30 > 0:21:34A day's house-hunting has given the McGuinnesses some idea of what they

0:21:34 > 0:21:37might be able to afford if they made the move down under.

0:21:37 > 0:21:40Property one was exactly the sort of place they expected to find in a

0:21:40 > 0:21:43typical suburban street in Melbourne,

0:21:43 > 0:21:47but it needed a lot of work and was too small for their needs.

0:21:47 > 0:21:50Property two was a lot more to the couple's taste -

0:21:50 > 0:21:54bigger, more modern, it was just slightly over budget.

0:21:54 > 0:21:57Property three had the wow factor from front to back -

0:21:57 > 0:21:59a blockbuster of a family home,

0:21:59 > 0:22:02but at £380,000,

0:22:02 > 0:22:04it was more a house to aspire to

0:22:04 > 0:22:07then one they could realistically afford.

0:22:07 > 0:22:09So, when it comes to property in Melbourne,

0:22:09 > 0:22:13will the couple vote for the UK or down under?

0:22:13 > 0:22:17Based on the three houses we've seen today, our vote goes to...

0:22:28 > 0:22:30- UK.- Undecided.

0:22:30 > 0:22:31So, why the UK?

0:22:31 > 0:22:35The dream home that I want is £100,000 over budget, and

0:22:35 > 0:22:37I just don't think it's achievable.

0:22:37 > 0:22:39You know, we don't want to move over here and have...

0:22:39 > 0:22:42- Have less than what we have.- ..less than what we have. You know...

0:22:42 > 0:22:44- A bit disappointing really.- Yeah.

0:22:51 > 0:22:56It's a hugely disappointing start for Paddy in his mission to persuade

0:22:56 > 0:22:58Erin that Melbourne is the place for them to settle.

0:22:58 > 0:23:01If he's going to get things back on track, then he'll have to hope

0:23:01 > 0:23:04Australia delivers on the jobs front.

0:23:05 > 0:23:09Back in the UK, Paddy feeds his love of all things Aussie in a rather

0:23:09 > 0:23:13- unique way.- I work as a barman in an Australian restaurant in Armagh.

0:23:18 > 0:23:21So, here you have our Uluru's finest cocktail.

0:23:21 > 0:23:23It's called Bushfire.

0:23:23 > 0:23:26Erin, on the other hand, has a job that's more office-based,

0:23:26 > 0:23:29- working in IT. - I work in information systems.

0:23:29 > 0:23:33The whole objective is to make things more profitable,

0:23:33 > 0:23:36more efficient and work better for the operations team.

0:23:39 > 0:23:43It's a situation that leaves them working very different hours.

0:23:43 > 0:23:47Some evenings, we're passing by and we're not even seeing each other.

0:23:47 > 0:23:50And then, whenever I'm off at the weekend to spend some time with the

0:23:50 > 0:23:53- kids, he's usually at work. - Paddy agrees.

0:23:53 > 0:23:56I love my job. It's just the hours don't suit.

0:23:56 > 0:23:58I wish it was a nine-to-five job.

0:23:58 > 0:24:02And, for that, Paddy knows he'll need a change of career - ideally

0:24:02 > 0:24:04finding a position in the retail fashion sector.

0:24:04 > 0:24:08For Erin, meanwhile, this is make-or-break.

0:24:08 > 0:24:11The dream is to both be able to work during the day

0:24:11 > 0:24:14and spend quality time with the kids in the evenings and the weekends,

0:24:14 > 0:24:16and if I don't find the perfect job,

0:24:16 > 0:24:19the move's definitely not going to happen.

0:24:19 > 0:24:22Today, we'll give the couple the opportunity to explore

0:24:22 > 0:24:25their chances of finding work down under.

0:24:25 > 0:24:29First up, Paddy is paying a visit to a store in the South Yarra district

0:24:29 > 0:24:32in Melbourne's premier fashion and retail strip.

0:24:32 > 0:24:35He's meeting Tony Christakakis, the owner,

0:24:35 > 0:24:38to get the lowdown on his employment prospects.

0:24:39 > 0:24:41I would like to get back into retail,

0:24:41 > 0:24:44and get back into working, to what I know that I can do best.

0:24:44 > 0:24:47I don't think you'd have a problem,

0:24:47 > 0:24:50as an entry-level, getting a job.

0:24:51 > 0:24:54Your CV reads really, really well.

0:24:54 > 0:24:57It's a good start, but are there any jobs?

0:24:58 > 0:25:01If you're looking at getting full-time work as soon as you

0:25:01 > 0:25:05come across, I'll be absolutely honest with you -

0:25:05 > 0:25:07virtually impossible.

0:25:07 > 0:25:11Your best opportunities to get work in retail would be either

0:25:11 > 0:25:13as a casual...

0:25:13 > 0:25:16or a permanent part-timer.

0:25:16 > 0:25:19It's potentially devastating news for Paddy.

0:25:19 > 0:25:23Part-time irregular work is exactly what he was trying to get away from

0:25:23 > 0:25:25in Australia.

0:25:25 > 0:25:28Across town, Erin is meeting up with Jarrad Skeen,

0:25:28 > 0:25:33managing director of a recruitment firm specialising in IT and digital

0:25:33 > 0:25:36innovation. They regularly place business analysts with

0:25:36 > 0:25:38work backgrounds such as Erin's.

0:25:38 > 0:25:40I've had a look through your CV, Erin,

0:25:40 > 0:25:43and the good news is your skills are definitely transferable as an IT

0:25:43 > 0:25:45business analyst here in Australia.

0:25:45 > 0:25:48The market here, in Melbourne in particular, is certainly very high

0:25:48 > 0:25:51in the demand for IT business analysts.

0:25:51 > 0:25:55My suggestion, though, is that there could be some other training that you might want to consider,

0:25:55 > 0:25:59particularly around Agile Methodology, and that training will certainly set you up as a business

0:25:59 > 0:26:03analyst for industries that maybe you haven't worked in before,

0:26:03 > 0:26:07and the training around Agile or PRINCE2 would be highly regarded.

0:26:07 > 0:26:09Oh, that's excellent.

0:26:09 > 0:26:12For the McGuinnesses, family life is important.

0:26:12 > 0:26:15Can Erin achieve the work-life balance she's hoping for?

0:26:15 > 0:26:19I think the employment market in Melbourne and Australia will broadly

0:26:19 > 0:26:22understand the need for flexibility,

0:26:22 > 0:26:26and I think you can find certainly a good opportunity that would support

0:26:26 > 0:26:30flexibility and certainly offer general office hours.

0:26:30 > 0:26:31Oh, that sounds great.

0:26:31 > 0:26:34What about the all-important question - the salary?

0:26:34 > 0:26:37If I did decide to make the move to Melbourne,

0:26:37 > 0:26:40what sort of salary would I be expecting for a business analyst?

0:26:40 > 0:26:43You should expect a starting salary of £64,000 per year.

0:26:43 > 0:26:49That could rise to around £75,000 per year over about a two to

0:26:49 > 0:26:52- three-year period.- Wow, that's a lot more than what I expected.

0:26:52 > 0:26:56Um... Nearly double than what I'm on in the UK, so..

0:26:56 > 0:26:58So are you pretty happy with that number, then, I take it?

0:26:58 > 0:27:00Yeah, no, that's... Definitely.

0:27:00 > 0:27:04- It's a pleasure.- All good news from Erin's perspective.

0:27:04 > 0:27:07Back with Paddy, he's hearing about his potential earning power.

0:27:09 > 0:27:11Working on the basis of 30 hours a week,

0:27:11 > 0:27:16you would be looking at roughly £23,000 per annum.

0:27:17 > 0:27:19For part-time, that's pretty good.

0:27:19 > 0:27:21On a full-time basis, again,

0:27:21 > 0:27:26subject to that hour mix, £26,000, £27,000 for...

0:27:26 > 0:27:31a year, for an extra eight hours a week work.

0:27:31 > 0:27:34- I saw your eyes light up.- That's something I couldn't imagine back home.

0:27:34 > 0:27:37Well, it might not have been 100% good news,

0:27:37 > 0:27:40but things have ended on a high for Paddy.

0:27:40 > 0:27:42The dream is definitely back on track.

0:27:42 > 0:27:45This means a lot today, and, going forward,

0:27:45 > 0:27:47I'm hoping it can only get better.

0:27:47 > 0:27:51Back in the centre of town, he and Erin meet up to compare notes.

0:27:51 > 0:27:55- So, how was your day?- To be honest, it went really well.

0:27:55 > 0:27:58If I was to go in as a part-time assistant, working 30 hours per

0:27:58 > 0:28:03week, I could potentially earn up to £22,000 to £23,000 per year.

0:28:03 > 0:28:07- Very good.- Yeah, I was really shocked when I heard that,

0:28:07 > 0:28:10especially for working part-time. So, how was your day?

0:28:10 > 0:28:12I went to a recruitment agency today and met a guy

0:28:12 > 0:28:14called Jarrad who was the managing director,

0:28:14 > 0:28:18and told me that there was a good market for business analysts in

0:28:18 > 0:28:21Melbourne and that I shouldn't have any issue getting a job.

0:28:21 > 0:28:24- So, what about your salary?- He actually told me that I would start

0:28:24 > 0:28:28off at a minimum of £64,000, and after a year or two,

0:28:28 > 0:28:32- that it would move up to £75,000. - Wow, that's fantastic news!

0:28:33 > 0:28:36Well, no prizes for guessing how this vote goes.

0:28:38 > 0:28:40Based on our work meetings today, our vote goes to...

0:28:47 > 0:28:49- BOTH:- Australia!

0:28:49 > 0:28:52With over double the salary and the ease of getting a job,

0:28:52 > 0:28:54you know, of course I was going to pick Australia.

0:28:54 > 0:28:57You know, after the disappointing news we had yesterday, you know,

0:28:57 > 0:29:00knowing that we could potentially afford to live in here in Australia

0:29:00 > 0:29:03and have the dream home that we need, and possibly have the

0:29:03 > 0:29:06lifestyle that we need here in Australia, it's great to hear.

0:29:13 > 0:29:17Halfway through their trial week, and we're no closer to knowing

0:29:17 > 0:29:20whether Erin and Paddy are going to agree

0:29:20 > 0:29:22on where their future lies.

0:29:22 > 0:29:26What's certain is that, with the all-important financial reality

0:29:26 > 0:29:29check, and messages from home still to come,

0:29:29 > 0:29:34things are bound to get even more nail-biting.

0:29:34 > 0:29:38First, though, can a day sampling the sort of lifestyle the family

0:29:38 > 0:29:40might be able to enjoy in Melbourne

0:29:40 > 0:29:43get the Australian dream back on track?

0:29:43 > 0:29:45TRAIN WHISTLE HOOTS It's all aboard,

0:29:45 > 0:29:49as the family take a ride on the Puffing Billy railway train.

0:29:49 > 0:29:54And first up, they're getting a VIP tour of the engine.

0:29:54 > 0:29:56OK, guys, do you want to have a look in the fire?

0:29:56 > 0:29:59Hot stuff, eh?

0:29:59 > 0:30:01TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

0:30:02 > 0:30:06Quick! The train's about to leave. Time to find your seats.

0:30:07 > 0:30:10All aboard!

0:30:10 > 0:30:13The railway has been running for over 100 years,

0:30:13 > 0:30:16and gives everyone spectacular views of the Aussie landscape...

0:30:16 > 0:30:19- TRAIN WHISTLE HOOTS - Whoop-whoop!

0:30:19 > 0:30:22..as it winds through 40km of temperate rainforest.

0:30:22 > 0:30:25TRAIN WHISTLE BLOWS

0:30:25 > 0:30:27Are you going to wave at everybody?

0:30:32 > 0:30:35At the journey's end, there are some special people waiting to meet the

0:30:35 > 0:30:39family - Erin's Australian aunts and cousins, and not surprisingly,

0:30:39 > 0:30:42they're bursting with excitement.

0:30:42 > 0:30:45Haven't seen Erin since ten years ago,

0:30:45 > 0:30:48and haven't met the boys and dying to meet them.

0:30:48 > 0:30:51It's the first time that Erin's family and her young boys

0:30:51 > 0:30:57have ever met, but immediately they're getting on like best friends.

0:30:57 > 0:31:01And while the boys play, Erin gets the chance to catch up.

0:31:01 > 0:31:04- Your mum does not want you to come. - No.

0:31:04 > 0:31:06And as I said, "It's Erin's choice."

0:31:06 > 0:31:10That's why I'm really here myself, to have a look around for my family.

0:31:10 > 0:31:13And make your mind up, yeah, yeah.

0:31:13 > 0:31:15Erin is reminded that, back home,

0:31:15 > 0:31:19her own mother is strongly opposed to any move down under, so

0:31:19 > 0:31:23maybe a phone call home, telling her what a fun time they're all having

0:31:23 > 0:31:25is just what's needed.

0:31:25 > 0:31:27Good luck, Erin.

0:31:27 > 0:31:29- Hello, Mum.- 'Well, where are youse?

0:31:29 > 0:31:31'Have you had your lovely fun day today?'

0:31:31 > 0:31:34We're all having a barbecue and the kids are having an absolute ball.

0:31:34 > 0:31:38'Yeah, so they're all going to have an Australian accent, do you think?'

0:31:38 > 0:31:40Well, you never know. They might pick up a bit of an Aussie twang.

0:31:40 > 0:31:43- They might get rid of it in two weeks, I think. - LAUGHTER

0:31:43 > 0:31:45'Yous take care now, and come home soon.'

0:31:45 > 0:31:48- OK, love you.- Miss you.- See you. Sounds like she's really missing out a little bit.

0:31:48 > 0:31:50I'm sure she'd love to be here with everybody.

0:31:50 > 0:31:52If Paddy has his way, of course,

0:31:52 > 0:31:56family gatherings like this will be a regular occurrence, but for now,

0:31:56 > 0:32:00well, it's the chance to get a special memory of the occasion.

0:32:00 > 0:32:02- ALL:- Cheese!

0:32:03 > 0:32:05Meeting extended family,

0:32:05 > 0:32:08Paddy is certain that today has been a game-changer.

0:32:08 > 0:32:10Knowing that, with moving to Australia,

0:32:10 > 0:32:13we have these things that offer us a better lifestyle.

0:32:13 > 0:32:16- For me, the dream is still on. - Are you having good fun?

0:32:16 > 0:32:21But, when all is said and done, Erin's mum is still a big issue.

0:32:21 > 0:32:24I do feel it would be a little bit selfish of me to take the boys to

0:32:24 > 0:32:27the other side of the world. I still am really not sure what I want

0:32:27 > 0:32:29to do at the end of the week.

0:32:29 > 0:32:31So how will the couple vote?

0:32:31 > 0:32:34Based on a great day out, our vote goes to...

0:32:40 > 0:32:43- Australia.- Australia. So, you voted for Australia?

0:32:43 > 0:32:46Yes, I missed Mum today and it would have been nice for her to be here,

0:32:46 > 0:32:49but there's a lot of love over here on the other side of the world.

0:32:49 > 0:32:52I'm absolutely delighted that you've decided to vote for Australia today.

0:32:52 > 0:32:55You know, to be honest, I wasn't expecting that.

0:33:02 > 0:33:06Looks like Paddy's dream's back on track, but to avoid it being

0:33:06 > 0:33:10kicked into touch, the finances will have to stack up.

0:33:10 > 0:33:12Getting the right price for their home in the UK

0:33:12 > 0:33:14could be a good start.

0:33:14 > 0:33:17The couple think it's worth £220,00.

0:33:17 > 0:33:20Will two local estate agents agree?

0:33:20 > 0:33:23- Looks really good. - Looks well, doesn't it?

0:33:24 > 0:33:28The boys love them toys. I love tidying them up as well, after them.

0:33:28 > 0:33:31A nice sizeable living room, perfect for a family.

0:33:31 > 0:33:33Nice, and lots of natural light getting in.

0:33:35 > 0:33:38There's a lovely open-plan kitchen area.

0:33:38 > 0:33:39Really nicely decorated.

0:33:39 > 0:33:42Really quality appliances. A real hub of the house.

0:33:44 > 0:33:46That's a beautiful master bedroom.

0:33:46 > 0:33:48Double-sized bedroom.

0:33:48 > 0:33:51Nice fitted sliding wardrobes.

0:33:51 > 0:33:53Beautiful en suite. It's actually quite large.

0:33:53 > 0:33:56You live in that en-suite.

0:33:56 > 0:33:59Good-sized double room.

0:33:59 > 0:34:02Obviously a kid's room. Really good space, plenty of light.

0:34:02 > 0:34:04A big double bed for such a small child.

0:34:04 > 0:34:08At today's market, I'd value the property at £205,000.

0:34:08 > 0:34:11For a quick sale, I'd put the property on the market with

0:34:11 > 0:34:14offers over £195,000.

0:34:14 > 0:34:18I would value this house at £185,000.

0:34:18 > 0:34:22For a quick sale, I would put it on the market at £180,000.

0:34:22 > 0:34:24So how do the couple feel?

0:34:24 > 0:34:26The first valuation I thought was more on point.

0:34:26 > 0:34:28Compared to what we bought it for, you know,

0:34:28 > 0:34:31we've done well on the property. I think, overall, it's positive.

0:34:33 > 0:34:35While the boys stay with the childminder,

0:34:35 > 0:34:39Mum and Dad prepare to tackle the price of everyday living.

0:34:39 > 0:34:43We've provided a comparison of costs in the UK and Australia,

0:34:43 > 0:34:45starting with the weekly supermarket shop.

0:34:47 > 0:34:51- Blueberries.- So, £1.50 back in the UK...- Mm-hmm.

0:34:51 > 0:34:54..and £6.84 here in Australia.

0:34:54 > 0:34:56Eh, well, I think we'll be substituting that fruit.

0:34:56 > 0:35:01Carrots, 45p back in the UK...

0:35:01 > 0:35:04over here, it's £1.43.

0:35:04 > 0:35:06We love our Sunday dinners. We'll have a look at the pork joint here.

0:35:06 > 0:35:09Back home, £6.72, and in Australia,

0:35:09 > 0:35:11it's £12.83,

0:35:11 > 0:35:14which is a massive difference of £6.11.

0:35:14 > 0:35:17- I wonder what it's like to eat out? - CHUCKLING

0:35:18 > 0:35:21So what does it all add up to?

0:35:21 > 0:35:24£120.76.

0:35:24 > 0:35:28So we'd be worse off by £32.09.

0:35:28 > 0:35:31We're not talking hundreds of pounds here.

0:35:31 > 0:35:34I think we should be able to recover that cost somewhere else.

0:35:34 > 0:35:38An extra £32 a week for food down under doesn't seem to have fazed

0:35:38 > 0:35:41the couple, but what about the bigger outgoings?

0:35:41 > 0:35:43With a move down under,

0:35:43 > 0:35:46the McGuinness' mortgage could almost double in Australia.

0:35:49 > 0:35:53Wow! The difference would be £553 per month.

0:35:53 > 0:35:55That's nearly double our mortgage.

0:35:55 > 0:35:58No, that's... I didn't expect that whatsoever.

0:35:58 > 0:36:00And without the support of family,

0:36:00 > 0:36:02the topic of childcare makes the news even worse.

0:36:04 > 0:36:08Over here, we're looking at £1,160 per month.

0:36:08 > 0:36:10That's...

0:36:10 > 0:36:12That's a difference of £1,000.

0:36:12 > 0:36:14It's not looking too good.

0:36:16 > 0:36:19These figures are actually a bit scary.

0:36:19 > 0:36:23Will the Australian salaries rescue Paddy's dream?

0:36:23 > 0:36:26So, my income in Australia,

0:36:26 > 0:36:30it would be £4,133 per month.

0:36:30 > 0:36:34I could potentially earn up to £1,720 per month.

0:36:34 > 0:36:39So that would give us a difference of £2,631 per month.

0:36:39 > 0:36:42And what does it mean for the overall figures?

0:36:42 > 0:36:46It looks like we're going to be better off in Australia

0:36:46 > 0:36:51- by £751 per month.- Per month? - Yeah.- Wow!

0:36:51 > 0:36:53For me, to look at them figures, it's great news.

0:36:53 > 0:36:56I'm actually ecstatic.

0:36:56 > 0:36:59I think I know which way this vote is going to go.

0:36:59 > 0:37:02Based on our reality check today, our vote goes to...

0:37:09 > 0:37:11- Australia!- Australia!

0:37:11 > 0:37:13So, you voted for Australia again?

0:37:13 > 0:37:15I was a little bit shocked with the house prices but, you know,

0:37:15 > 0:37:17when we did the overall calculations,

0:37:17 > 0:37:20it looks like we...we'll be far better off.

0:37:20 > 0:37:23To know that you voted for Australia has made me really happy again,

0:37:23 > 0:37:26to know that we can be comfortable over here,

0:37:26 > 0:37:28with comfortable salaries starting off,

0:37:28 > 0:37:30and still have a proper lifestyle.

0:37:38 > 0:37:41Next, Erin and Paddy sit down to watch messages

0:37:41 > 0:37:44- from loved ones back home. - Hi, guys.- Hi, guys.

0:37:44 > 0:37:45Hi.

0:37:45 > 0:37:47Patrick is a wonderful fella.

0:37:47 > 0:37:51He's not great with the DIY, but he's a really, really good father,

0:37:51 > 0:37:53and he works very, very hard.

0:37:53 > 0:37:56Erin is fun-loving, she's somebody you like to be around.

0:37:56 > 0:37:59She's a fantastic friend and a fantastic mother.

0:37:59 > 0:38:04Alex, um, I always used to have fun with him,

0:38:04 > 0:38:06and I still do.

0:38:06 > 0:38:09And Jude, I like him so much.

0:38:09 > 0:38:12Patrick and Erin came up one day. They just said,

0:38:12 > 0:38:14"We've a surprise to tell you," and I said, "What is it?"

0:38:14 > 0:38:17"Me and Erin are thinking of going to Australia."

0:38:17 > 0:38:19I actually burst into tears.

0:38:20 > 0:38:22I can't even speak at the moment.

0:38:22 > 0:38:25It's just the very thought of those boys in Australia.

0:38:25 > 0:38:27I'm Nanny Mary, and that's it.

0:38:27 > 0:38:30Because they're my two grandsons, and they're my daughter's children,

0:38:30 > 0:38:32- and they're special.- Well,

0:38:32 > 0:38:34we can't complain about their decision, cos we did it.

0:38:34 > 0:38:38Let them go for it, and we need to support them to the hilt.

0:38:38 > 0:38:41I would be completely for it.

0:38:41 > 0:38:45I do believe it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

0:38:45 > 0:38:49And I'd miss wee Alex and Jude now, really, because

0:38:49 > 0:38:51they...I wouldn't see them at all.

0:38:51 > 0:38:54Maybe only on Facebook or something like that, you know?

0:38:54 > 0:38:56And I don't have Facebook.

0:38:56 > 0:38:58I hope youse come back.

0:38:58 > 0:39:00I'll miss you so, so, so, so much.

0:39:00 > 0:39:04Whatever decision you make, know that we will always love you,

0:39:04 > 0:39:06and we're here for you.

0:39:06 > 0:39:08Look, make your decision for you.

0:39:08 > 0:39:11Whatever it is, we will support. But, um...

0:39:12 > 0:39:16- do what's right for you. - I will back youse up,

0:39:16 > 0:39:20but I'm hoping that it's terrible weather in Australia

0:39:20 > 0:39:21youse don't have a good time,

0:39:21 > 0:39:25and youse come back and make your decision to stay here.

0:39:25 > 0:39:27I can't see this being as part of my life,

0:39:27 > 0:39:30you sitting over there and me here.

0:39:30 > 0:39:33Everyone else seems to be onboard and supporting it,

0:39:33 > 0:39:37and I am going to support youse, but this will be a big wrench for me.

0:39:37 > 0:39:39Remember, it's for you as a family.

0:39:39 > 0:39:41And don't forget to ring home.

0:39:44 > 0:39:47Seeing the messages and, obviously, yes,

0:39:47 > 0:39:50we've been having a good time here, but it sort of...

0:39:50 > 0:39:52brings it back home that, yes,

0:39:52 > 0:39:56- we're going to be leaving a lot of people.- We rely a lot on your mum.

0:39:56 > 0:39:58If it was just me and you, it would be fine,

0:39:58 > 0:40:01but the fact that she's going to be so devastated,

0:40:01 > 0:40:03it makes it really tough for me.

0:40:06 > 0:40:09So, if this was YOUR decision,

0:40:09 > 0:40:11what would YOU do?

0:40:11 > 0:40:14Choose what's best for your family and move?

0:40:14 > 0:40:17Or listen to the wisdom of those who have been there,

0:40:17 > 0:40:19done that, and stay?

0:40:19 > 0:40:22As Paddy and Erin McGuinness approach their final vote,

0:40:22 > 0:40:26we're about to see if their trial week down under has helped them make

0:40:26 > 0:40:28up their minds about the dilemma.

0:40:28 > 0:40:32Or has it simply driven them further apart?

0:40:33 > 0:40:37As they prepare to depart, Paddy is able to reflect on what, for him,

0:40:37 > 0:40:39has been an unforgettable week.

0:40:39 > 0:40:41It has been my dream to come to Australia,

0:40:41 > 0:40:44and this week has exceeded my expectations.

0:40:44 > 0:40:47I've seen it can open doors for me that I could not possibly have back

0:40:47 > 0:40:51home. I believe there is better opportunities for us out here,

0:40:51 > 0:40:54- and I want to take them with both hands.- Are you digging?

0:40:54 > 0:40:58For Erin, the issue is slightly more complicated.

0:40:58 > 0:41:00I've always had in the back of my mind that I have two homes,

0:41:00 > 0:41:03and I wasn't sure which one is actually home.

0:41:03 > 0:41:06But, for Paddy, this is about where their children call home.

0:41:06 > 0:41:09The benefits of the life they could have over here,

0:41:09 > 0:41:13the upbringing that I possibly couldn't give them

0:41:13 > 0:41:15back home in Ireland.

0:41:15 > 0:41:18Something that Erin can indeed empathise with.

0:41:18 > 0:41:21The boys, over the last two days in particular, have just had an

0:41:21 > 0:41:24absolute ball. The outdoor lifestyle suits them so well,

0:41:24 > 0:41:26and at the end of the day, they're absolutely exhausted.

0:41:26 > 0:41:30- Nearly hit the helicopter. - Ultimately, however,

0:41:30 > 0:41:33it's a situation that risks still leaving them divided.

0:41:33 > 0:41:36I'm having to make a decision between what's going to make my

0:41:36 > 0:41:40husband happy and what's going to make my mum happy.

0:41:40 > 0:41:44My gut feeling is I'm just really not sure if I can go ahead and leave

0:41:44 > 0:41:49- my mum behind.- So what way will they decide to vote?

0:41:49 > 0:41:52It's time for the moment of truth.

0:41:52 > 0:41:55After an amazing week in Melbourne, our vote goes to...

0:42:10 > 0:42:12- BOTH:- Australia!

0:42:12 > 0:42:15- You went for it again! - LAUGHTER

0:42:15 > 0:42:16So, I've convinced you, then?

0:42:16 > 0:42:19Well, not so much you, but, yeah,

0:42:19 > 0:42:21every day has been getting better and better and, you know,

0:42:21 > 0:42:24everything on paper ticks all the boxes that,

0:42:24 > 0:42:27yes, I think we could, we could make it here as a family.

0:42:27 > 0:42:31For me to know now that you have chosen Australia

0:42:31 > 0:42:33has made me really feel happy.

0:42:33 > 0:42:35I'm willing to work as hard as I can to prove this.

0:42:35 > 0:42:38- I'm on top of the world.- It's going to be really tough, saying goodbye

0:42:38 > 0:42:42to Mum, but I'm hopeful that she'll come and visit us.

0:42:42 > 0:42:44So, I've said we're moving to Australia, I've made your dreams

0:42:44 > 0:42:47- come true, I think I deserve a hug. - You do.

0:42:47 > 0:42:49Come on, let me give you one.

0:42:55 > 0:42:59In the end, despite the emotional pleas from back home,

0:42:59 > 0:43:03the McGuinnesses have decided that their future lies in a part of

0:43:03 > 0:43:07Erin's past, in Australia.

0:43:07 > 0:43:09Whatever move they make next,

0:43:09 > 0:43:12we'll be following their progress with interest, and of course

0:43:12 > 0:43:15wishing them the very best of luck.