0:00:02 > 0:00:07Moving to the other side of the world is never an easy decision to make.
0:00:07 > 0:00:11Ten thousand miles is a long way to go to start a new life,
0:00:11 > 0:00:15especially if you've never lived outside your home town before.
0:00:15 > 0:00:17Today, it's a battle of wills.
0:00:17 > 0:00:22Steven and Fred have to choose whether to stay in the UK or move to Australia.
0:00:22 > 0:00:27Steven doesn't care. And he just throws caution to the wind and just does it.
0:00:27 > 0:00:33A move to Australia could potentially put a massive strain on me and Fred.
0:00:33 > 0:00:37This is a life-changing decision that only one person wants to make.
0:00:37 > 0:00:39It's you who wants to move, not me.
0:00:39 > 0:00:45When it comes to experiencing a taste of life in Australia, the cracks really begin to show.
0:00:45 > 0:00:48It's been a stressful week. It's not been easy.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51Will making this decision bring them together or tear them apart?
0:00:51 > 0:00:54Get used to it. Get over it.
0:00:54 > 0:01:01Will they stay at home or make the tough decision to move where they're Wanted Down Under?
0:01:22 > 0:01:25With its British connections and sunny climate,
0:01:25 > 0:01:28Australia is the perfect place to consider
0:01:28 > 0:01:32for Brits leaving the UK in search of a new life.
0:01:32 > 0:01:37But the grass isn't always greener, and leaving everything you know ten thousand miles away
0:01:37 > 0:01:41can be a lot harder than many expect.
0:01:45 > 0:01:49Port Sunlight is an historic village on the Wirral, Merseyside.
0:01:49 > 0:01:55It's home to 44-year-old Steven McEvoy and Fred Wareham, who's 32.
0:01:55 > 0:01:59Steven's job as a science teacher will help get them a visa for Australia,
0:01:59 > 0:02:04but outside school, his real passion is playing tennis.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07This has fuelled his desire for a move down under.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11I would like to have somewhere which was hot all year round to play tennis.
0:02:11 > 0:02:15I love tennis and being outdoors, so I would like the opportunity to do that.
0:02:15 > 0:02:22But first he has to get Fred on board, who's from a very large family and has a lot to lose.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25It will be difficult for me to make the move
0:02:25 > 0:02:29for the simple reason that I'd miss my friends and my family.
0:02:29 > 0:02:33Cos I've got 13 brothers and sisters. If anything goes wrong, they're just there,
0:02:33 > 0:02:37whereas halfway across the world, they're not going to be.
0:02:37 > 0:02:42And there's one family member he will miss in particular - his brother Jay.
0:02:42 > 0:02:49I consider my brother to be my best friend. We socialize together, we go out shopping together.
0:02:49 > 0:02:51We go and have a gay day.
0:02:51 > 0:02:56Although he's still into going out into town and not getting in till the next day.
0:02:56 > 0:03:00I know there's always the internet and the phone,
0:03:00 > 0:03:02it's not seeing them face-to-face, is it really?
0:03:02 > 0:03:05He's my best mate and I'll miss him to death.
0:03:06 > 0:03:13Steven hopes Australia might offer him and Fred a tolerant atmosphere where they can really be themselves.
0:03:13 > 0:03:21One of the reasons I want to try Australia is to see whether or not they accept people who are gay.
0:03:21 > 0:03:24What the lifestyle is like there for that.
0:03:24 > 0:03:29Are they more accepting to people or is it better than here?
0:03:29 > 0:03:32And time isn't on their side.
0:03:32 > 0:03:37Steven is approaching the age limit for emigrating to Australia on a skilled visa.
0:03:37 > 0:03:41It's a massive move, but if I don't try now, I'll never do it.
0:03:41 > 0:03:45This is really my last chance to do this at my age.
0:03:45 > 0:03:48Steven and Fred have been together for 13 years,
0:03:48 > 0:03:51but this is the toughest decision they've had to make.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00For Steven and Fred, opportunities for work in Australia are good
0:04:00 > 0:04:03and British teachers are definitely sought-after.
0:04:03 > 0:04:09But their new life in Australia could be very different depending on where they settle.
0:04:09 > 0:04:12They could go to Sydney.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15With 4.5 million inhabitants and lots of teaching opportunities,
0:04:15 > 0:04:19both Fred and Steven should be able to find work here.
0:04:19 > 0:04:24But Sydney is also the most expensive Australian city in which to live,
0:04:24 > 0:04:28with average three-bedroom houses priced around £300,000.
0:04:28 > 0:04:31But it could offer the lifestyle they desire.
0:04:31 > 0:04:34Steven and Fred could try Melbourne,
0:04:34 > 0:04:39a city with a diverse population and history of tolerance for immigrants from all backgrounds.
0:04:39 > 0:04:43The city also hosts the Australian Open Tennis Championships,
0:04:43 > 0:04:46which will no doubt appeal to Steven.
0:04:46 > 0:04:49There's another good reason Melbourne might be suitable.
0:04:49 > 0:04:54Steven's elder brother Brian moved here five years ago, so he could help them settle in.
0:04:54 > 0:04:57Or there's the west coast of Australia.
0:04:57 > 0:05:00The city of Fremantle is just 12 miles south of Perth
0:05:00 > 0:05:04and is a quiet alternative to Australia's larger hubs.
0:05:04 > 0:05:09House prices are much more affordable here than the east coast,
0:05:09 > 0:05:11but they may have to commute into Perth for work.
0:05:12 > 0:05:18So three possible lifestyle choices for Steven and Fred to try out there.
0:05:18 > 0:05:21Which one would suit them best?
0:05:21 > 0:05:27We decided that Melbourne had the edge over the other two for their week's trial down under.
0:05:27 > 0:05:31With its cosmopolitan and accepting background, they should feel comfortable
0:05:31 > 0:05:35and Steven's brother would be able to offer valuable support.
0:05:35 > 0:05:40Over the course of a week, both of them will sample all aspects of Aussie life.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42They'll look at properties to buy...
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It's clean, it's modern...
0:05:45 > 0:05:49- And it's a no.- And it's a no.
0:05:49 > 0:05:50And be put to work.
0:05:50 > 0:05:56I'll ask Steve to take over. Maybe he can test you to see how much you know already.
0:05:56 > 0:06:02Finally, they'll come to a decision on whether to stay in the UK or move to Australia.
0:06:02 > 0:06:06They have a long week ahead of them, but will they come out it unscathed?
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- No way. Never in a million years. - STEVEN SIGHS: Drama queen.
0:06:10 > 0:06:15Steven and Fred's journey to Australia covers almost 10,000 miles,
0:06:15 > 0:06:18and they spend over 21 hours in the air.
0:06:18 > 0:06:23Plenty of time to think about the huge change they could be making to their lives.
0:06:25 > 0:06:31They finally touch down in Melbourne at 8.45 AM local time.
0:06:31 > 0:06:37They've barely set foot on Australian soil, and already Fred's missing family back home
0:06:37 > 0:06:40and is worried whether or not he'll fit in.
0:06:40 > 0:06:44It was sad leaving family and friends and things,
0:06:44 > 0:06:50but my biggest concerns are whether I can relate to new people here, whether I can make a connection.
0:06:50 > 0:06:53Steven's already thinking practically.
0:06:53 > 0:06:57I don't know whether we could afford to live in Australia, to be honest with you.
0:06:57 > 0:07:02And that's a major concern for me. I'm just hoping that we can afford to live here.
0:07:03 > 0:07:07He needs to reassure himself about the money, not to mention
0:07:07 > 0:07:13convincing Fred about the lifestyle they could have. It's going to take a lot of persuading.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Steven and Fred will be staying in a two-bedroom apartment in Elsternwick,
0:07:17 > 0:07:20just 15 minutes' drive from the city centre.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26With a history dating back to a gold rush in the mid-19th century,
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Melbourne has its share of Victorian architecture.
0:07:29 > 0:07:35This rental property with its high ceilings and unique details is a classic example.
0:07:35 > 0:07:37So let's hope they like it.
0:07:37 > 0:07:42Look at the huge staircase. I love it.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45It's lovely. I think it's really grand. What do you think, Fred?
0:07:47 > 0:07:52Hm... A deathly silence from Fred isn't too promising.
0:07:52 > 0:07:54Let's hope the inside changes his mind.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Oh my God... It's big and dramatic, Fred, isn't it?
0:08:00 > 0:08:04- So spacious!- Already, Steven is on the offensive.
0:08:04 > 0:08:06But Fred just isn't convinced.
0:08:06 > 0:08:09Well, I don't think I'll be fitting all my clothes in there.
0:08:09 > 0:08:15They've driven through the local suburb of Elsternwick, but it just hasn't impressed Fred.
0:08:15 > 0:08:18I don't think it was what I expected it to be.
0:08:18 > 0:08:24- It seemed very...- Dated.- Scruffy. A lot of graffiti around.
0:08:24 > 0:08:27It's a different culture, you know.
0:08:27 > 0:08:29I mean, graffiti is a form of art over here,
0:08:29 > 0:08:36so it's not like a gang of scallies or ruffians run round causing trouble.
0:08:36 > 0:08:40This could just be a cultural thing on our first day, that we don't understand
0:08:40 > 0:08:42and we haven't seen before, that's all.
0:08:42 > 0:08:47Steven desperately wants to make this move, but persuading Fred could be an uphill struggle.
0:08:47 > 0:08:53There is going to be a time where we're going to have to adjust.
0:08:53 > 0:08:57You know... Get used to it. Get over it.
0:08:57 > 0:09:02Fred's high expectations could be difficult to fulfil.
0:09:02 > 0:09:07This week could prove harder than either Fred or Steven ever imagined.
0:09:13 > 0:09:16Back in the UK, Steven and Fred live in a two-bedroom house
0:09:16 > 0:09:19in the quiet and peaceful village of Port Sunlight.
0:09:19 > 0:09:23They've put a lot of love into their home already,
0:09:23 > 0:09:27but they'll be looking for something bigger and more luxurious in Australia.
0:09:27 > 0:09:30All houses in Britain seem to be compacted together. It's sort of small
0:09:30 > 0:09:36and there's not a lot of space, whereas in Australia, it's a house with a garden you can walk around
0:09:36 > 0:09:38and a lot of space.
0:09:38 > 0:09:44They've almost paid this mortgage off so estimate their budget will be around £300,000.
0:09:44 > 0:09:48And if possible, Steven wants to live mortgage-free in Australia.
0:09:48 > 0:09:53My dream is somewhere by the beach, possibly in Melbourne or Sydney,
0:09:53 > 0:10:00with a view of the ocean and possibly a tennis club just around the corner within walking distance.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04- I'll have a pool.- So I can get up in the morning, go and play tennis,
0:10:04 > 0:10:06do a bit of teaching in a local school
0:10:06 > 0:10:11and round they day off with a lovely meal in an outdoor fresh fish restaurant.
0:10:11 > 0:10:16It sounds like they've got it all worked out, but will the reality live up to their dream?
0:10:16 > 0:10:21Steven and Fred have a property budget of around £300,000,
0:10:21 > 0:10:24depending on what they can get for their UK home.
0:10:24 > 0:10:30But not even this amount of money can make the heart-wrenching move any easier.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36Melbourne city centre is alive with shops, cafés and bars,
0:10:36 > 0:10:38but property prices are high.
0:10:38 > 0:10:43This single-bedroom apartment is valued at around £500,000.
0:10:43 > 0:10:45If they want to live centrally,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48they could try an up-and-coming suburb like Yarraville,
0:10:48 > 0:10:50a 15-minute drive to the city centre,
0:10:50 > 0:10:56where this small two-bedroom house is selling for £310,000.
0:10:56 > 0:10:58If you're prepared to move out of town,
0:10:58 > 0:11:00you could pick up more of a bargain.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03The area of Werribee is a 30-minute drive to town,
0:11:03 > 0:11:08and four-bedroom houses like this are on the market for £230,000.
0:11:08 > 0:11:10But Steven may have to commute
0:11:10 > 0:11:14into the city as there aren't many schools out here.
0:11:14 > 0:11:18With its miles of beaches sweeping southeast on Port Phillip Bay,
0:11:18 > 0:11:22there are many places in Melbourne within a short drive of the sea.
0:11:22 > 0:11:24But you do pay a bit more for the privilege.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28This four-bedroom house is 40 minutes from Melbourne city centre
0:11:28 > 0:11:32and is priced at £320,000.
0:11:32 > 0:11:35But Steven wouldn't have to commute too far,
0:11:35 > 0:11:37as schools are dotted all along the coast.
0:11:40 > 0:11:47If Steven's going to persuade Fred to leave his close-knit family, having a good home will be the key.
0:11:49 > 0:11:51Property one is in the suburb of Mornington,
0:11:51 > 0:11:56about 45 minutes' drive from the city and only 20 minutes from the beach.
0:11:56 > 0:11:59It's a two-bedroom house with a back yard and garage
0:11:59 > 0:12:02and is on the market for 440,000,
0:12:02 > 0:12:06about £250,000, so well within budget.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09But will it be impressive enough for the boys?
0:12:09 > 0:12:14- I'd want that one as well. - There's another one next door. - We can get that for your parents.
0:12:14 > 0:12:18Finding the right property is crucial to Steven and Fred.
0:12:18 > 0:12:22They are house-proud and wouldn't be happy with a step down the property ladder.
0:12:22 > 0:12:28- Quite modern, but not my decor. - It's very modern. I like the decor, myself.
0:12:28 > 0:12:34The downstairs is checked within a glance, so it's upstairs to explore the rest of the house.
0:12:34 > 0:12:38The main bedroom has a good-size window, but there isn't much privacy.
0:12:38 > 0:12:43- You could watch everything from here, couldn't you?- Even our house isn't as overlooked as that.
0:12:43 > 0:12:49It's looking like this house isn't going to be enough to persuade Fred that Australia is for him.
0:12:49 > 0:12:52- It's tidy, but... - I want a separate shower.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54I want a his and his sink.
0:12:54 > 0:12:57I'm more concerned with a separate shower like we've got a home.
0:12:57 > 0:13:03The bathroom doesn't meet their high standards, and the owners' taste is putting Fred right off.
0:13:03 > 0:13:06- Oh my God... No, no, no... - How much space do you need?
0:13:06 > 0:13:10- Don't forget this is the second bedroom. - You can live here on your own.
0:13:10 > 0:13:14This two-bedroom house has a simple design and is well finished,
0:13:14 > 0:13:17but is that enough to interest Steven and Fred?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21I like it, but to me, it's too close to the other houses.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24And Fred really isn't convinced.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28I think it's a lovely house, but it's just not for us.
0:13:28 > 0:13:32You know, you're living literally on top of each other.
0:13:32 > 0:13:37Steven will have to work harder if he's going to persuade Fred that this is the right move.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39I think you can be too idealistic.
0:13:39 > 0:13:45- Myself, I just want somewhere simple, somewhere where you can relax. - You can move here on your own.
0:13:45 > 0:13:48No, I like it. I think this is an ideal bachelor pad.
0:13:48 > 0:13:51- OK, bye. - FRED LAUGHS
0:13:51 > 0:13:57Fred leaves property one a disappointed man. For him to even think about making the move,
0:13:57 > 0:14:03we'll have to find something really special, or he could be heading home on the next available flight.
0:14:03 > 0:14:07Property two is up the coast in the popular suburb of Elwood,
0:14:07 > 0:14:12just 15 minutes' drive to the city centre and across the road from a popular beach.
0:14:12 > 0:14:16But you have to pay for this location. This two-bedroom apartment
0:14:16 > 0:14:20is finished to a high spec and on the market for 600,000,
0:14:20 > 0:14:24around £340,000.
0:14:24 > 0:14:28But will Fred appreciate the bohemian area?
0:14:28 > 0:14:33Already, there's a problem. Fred's done a runner.
0:14:33 > 0:14:38He took one look at the exterior and decided it wasn't even worth looking inside.
0:14:38 > 0:14:41And Steven is not happy.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44I haven't got a clue where he's gone. He's just gone walkabout.
0:14:44 > 0:14:46Gone AWOL.
0:14:46 > 0:14:49Is that him there?
0:14:49 > 0:14:52Ten minutes later, Fred finally returns.
0:14:52 > 0:14:56He's giving up a life surrounded by friends and family
0:14:56 > 0:14:59to follow Steven and his dream to Australia.
0:14:59 > 0:15:02- Nice of you to show up!- Sorry. - I can't believe that.
0:15:02 > 0:15:07It's a big ask, and unless he feels comfortable in his surroundings, he won't make the move down under.
0:15:07 > 0:15:12He doesn't like the look of this property and is not even willing to go inside.
0:15:12 > 0:15:16You're having a laugh, aren't you? Look at the state of if. No way. Never in a million years.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20After a stern telling-off from Steven, he's persuaded to take a look.
0:15:20 > 0:15:25The main living area is open-plan with a small yard out the back.
0:15:25 > 0:15:27Nice and big, isn't it?
0:15:27 > 0:15:32- Outside space... What do you think, Fred?- Very small.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37This is a bad start. Maybe things will improve in the bedrooms.
0:15:37 > 0:15:40- It smells.- "It smells?"
0:15:40 > 0:15:44Fred just isn't letting up. Steven is trying his best to convince him.
0:15:44 > 0:15:47It's clean, it's modern...
0:15:47 > 0:15:50- And it's a no.- And it's a no.
0:15:50 > 0:15:53But it's another rejection from Fred.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Well, at least it's easy to clean. It's only small.
0:15:56 > 0:15:58Nice... Lovely location.
0:15:58 > 0:16:03Steven's positive attitude is still not getting through to Fred, and there's another problem.
0:16:03 > 0:16:05The noise.
0:16:05 > 0:16:07Elwood is a desirable area,
0:16:07 > 0:16:12but the apartment is just too small and not the detached property Fred had in mind.
0:16:12 > 0:16:17Well, I wandered off because it just wasn't appealing to the eye
0:16:17 > 0:16:23and then the noise and... It's just not what I was looking for in an Australian property.
0:16:24 > 0:16:29Well, that's two steps backwards so far. At least we know what they don't like.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32So let's hope property number three is a step forward.
0:16:35 > 0:16:40This house is a detached four-bedroom property down the coast in the suburb of Aspendale,
0:16:40 > 0:16:44about 45 minutes' drive to the city and 10 minutes to the sea.
0:16:44 > 0:16:50It's on the market for 650,000, around £370,000.
0:16:50 > 0:16:52To be able to afford this,
0:16:52 > 0:16:57they would need to get a good price for their UK home and good jobs.
0:16:57 > 0:16:59But will Steven and Fred like it?
0:16:59 > 0:17:05- STEVEN LAUGHS: You're joking me, aren't you?- Is that good or bad?
0:17:06 > 0:17:09It is incredible. There's a pool!
0:17:09 > 0:17:13I love it straight away. I'm getting an emotional feeling.
0:17:13 > 0:17:16Finally! That sounds a lot more positive.
0:17:16 > 0:17:19- Oh wow... - It's very showroom, isn't it?
0:17:19 > 0:17:23I don't know what to say, I'm speechless. I love it. I'm moving in.
0:17:23 > 0:17:27Fred is clearly reserving his judgment, but Steven is hooked.
0:17:27 > 0:17:30This is it. I'm taken aback a little bit.
0:17:30 > 0:17:34Fred's supposed to be the emotional one, and I'm the level-headed one, but no.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37To me, now, I feel a bit emotional.
0:17:37 > 0:17:39Steven just can't get enough of this house.
0:17:39 > 0:17:41Is that yours as well?
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Outdoors has a dedicated barbecue area and a pool.
0:17:46 > 0:17:52- Is the pool cold?- I don't know, do you want to...- No, it's warm.
0:17:52 > 0:17:53Have a little swim.
0:17:53 > 0:17:58- This property has everything Steven wanted.- Oh wow...
0:17:58 > 0:18:02Fred has been unusually quiet. He finally has something to say.
0:18:02 > 0:18:06- There's that pylon there. I don't like that.- You just grow a few trees up that.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10He even tries to convince Steven that this is not the property for them.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13I think you're going with your heart and not with your head,
0:18:13 > 0:18:16cos if you think about it, you know,
0:18:16 > 0:18:20- you can hear the traffic coming up and down this road.- I love it.
0:18:20 > 0:18:24This is my dream home for Australia.
0:18:24 > 0:18:29And if we could afford this, I would definitely seriously consider it.
0:18:29 > 0:18:34This is something that I expected, but there's certain aspects I like and certain aspects I don't.
0:18:34 > 0:18:38So I wouldn't rush in with my cheque book. Not at all.
0:18:39 > 0:18:43Steven and Fred have seen three very different properties.
0:18:43 > 0:18:46Property one was too small to impress either of them.
0:18:46 > 0:18:50Fred couldn't stand property two even from the outside.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53It was disappointing in terms of size and price.
0:18:55 > 0:18:57Property tree was more on target.
0:18:57 > 0:19:01With a pool and four bedrooms, it was Steven's dream home.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06But it was right at the top of their budget, and Fred still wasn't convinced.
0:19:06 > 0:19:12It's time to make a decision. Will they choose to vote for properties in the UK or in Australia?
0:19:12 > 0:19:14On properties, I'm going to vote...
0:19:17 > 0:19:19..um...
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- Australia.- And I'm going to vote...
0:19:26 > 0:19:29- ..undecided.- Ah...
0:19:29 > 0:19:33Little Jack or big Jack? I thought you were going to go for little Jack.
0:19:33 > 0:19:39- Well, based on property two and one, I'm still undecided. - Just get property three
0:19:39 > 0:19:44and stop arguing. Drama queen.
0:19:47 > 0:19:52Steven knows Fred will never move to Australia without that dream home.
0:19:52 > 0:20:00But it doesn't come cheap. To make it happen, both of them will need to secure good jobs.
0:20:01 > 0:20:07Back in the UK, Steven teaches biology at secondary schools around Liverpool.
0:20:09 > 0:20:14Currently, he works on supply and earns around £37,000.
0:20:14 > 0:20:18He'll want to find a similar job in Australia with an equivalent salary.
0:20:18 > 0:20:24'Working 39 weeks of the year in the UK is quite difficult with planning and things like this.
0:20:24 > 0:20:28'Both of us need a good and a better work-life balance.'
0:20:28 > 0:20:32If it's harder and the work-life balance is worse,
0:20:32 > 0:20:35'then I would actually want to work part-time.
0:20:35 > 0:20:39'Whether that's a possibility or not is a major issue for us in the decision'
0:20:39 > 0:20:43whether we stay in the UK or Australia.
0:20:43 > 0:20:47Steven's work is crucial to their visa application,
0:20:47 > 0:20:50so we've set him up with a trial day at Glen Eira College in Melbourne,
0:20:50 > 0:20:53a secondary school with students from many nationalities.
0:20:53 > 0:20:58But when it comes to the Australian syllabus, has he done his homework?
0:20:58 > 0:21:05Um... Little bit apprehensive going into a new school with a completely new syllabus,
0:21:05 > 0:21:10but I'm open to new things and learning new ways.
0:21:10 > 0:21:16It's vital Steven can fit in and interact with Australian pupils.
0:21:16 > 0:21:19Today, he's working with teacher Elizabeth Tasiopolous
0:21:19 > 0:21:23to see if he can transfer his skills to the Aussie classroom.
0:21:23 > 0:21:26We've got a visitor in our room today. He's over from England.
0:21:26 > 0:21:31His name is mr McEvoy. We'll be team-teaching a little bit today,
0:21:31 > 0:21:35so I'm hoping that you will ask him lots of questions and he'll be able to help you out.
0:21:35 > 0:21:39As Steven gets stuck in, Fred's out and about as well.
0:21:39 > 0:21:46It's vital he also finds work to help afford the lifestyle that they long for in Australia.
0:21:46 > 0:21:51Back home, Fred started his own business arranging artificial flowers.
0:21:51 > 0:21:55He's come to meet Brian McKelvey who may be able to give him some work.
0:21:55 > 0:21:59- Hello. I'm Fred.- How are you? - Nice to meet you.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02- I heard you're interested in flowers.- Yes.- OK.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05And you've worked with artificials or...?
0:22:05 > 0:22:09In the garden centre, that's what I did. I did artificial designs.
0:22:09 > 0:22:14- Considering that, I've got some work that I can ask you to do if you'd like to have a go.- Right, OK.
0:22:14 > 0:22:18- OK? We'll see what you can get up to.- OK.
0:22:18 > 0:22:21I will judge you at the end. BRIAN SNIGGERS
0:22:21 > 0:22:26As Fred tries to impress his new boss with his creation, Steven's being tested himself.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31This lesson is brand-new to him, so how will he cope?
0:22:31 > 0:22:37I'll ask Steve to take over. Maybe he can test you to see how much you know already.
0:22:37 > 0:22:42- What's important about plants? - They're an energy transformer. They transform energies.- Excellent.
0:22:42 > 0:22:47- Why is it important for us to have plants?- We wouldn't be able to breath.
0:22:47 > 0:22:51We wouldn't be able to breath because... Excellent.
0:22:51 > 0:22:55- Thank you very much, Year 8. I really enjoyed that. Thank you. - Thank you very much.
0:22:57 > 0:23:00Steven survived his first Australian class,
0:23:00 > 0:23:03but he needs to ensure that he can earn enough money
0:23:03 > 0:23:07to afford the lifestyle that he and Fred currently have back in the UK.
0:23:07 > 0:23:10So he's been summoned to see the principal Lesley Lamb.
0:23:10 > 0:23:13Will he be quids in or out of pocket?
0:23:13 > 0:23:19After six years' experience, that would put you in "accomplished" in our categorization,
0:23:19 > 0:23:23and you'd be looking at 60,000 per annum. But after ten years,
0:23:23 > 0:23:27the scale increases quite rapidly and you'd be up to about 80,000.
0:23:27 > 0:23:32Good. So it's equivalent to UK money, really. Yeah, good.
0:23:32 > 0:23:36With over six years' experience, Steven could earn at least £35,000 a year.
0:23:36 > 0:23:41So his prospects are looking good. But as ever, he's concerned about Fred.
0:23:41 > 0:23:46Fred needs to work. He's a workaholic. He meets friends through work.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49He won't have any problem meeting friends.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51Once he's got a job, he will be secure.
0:23:51 > 0:23:55And I think that it's a massive thing for Fred to get working.
0:23:55 > 0:24:01So far, Fred has been feeling unsettled. So will this opportunity help change his mind?
0:24:01 > 0:24:05I'm surprisingly enjoying it, more than I thought.
0:24:05 > 0:24:08It's nice to get your fingers back into it again.
0:24:08 > 0:24:12This morning, I was walking around feeling a little bit low.
0:24:12 > 0:24:15But I'm feeling a little bit better today.
0:24:15 > 0:24:20You know, doing something, getting my hands... Getting stuck into something, basically.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23Has he been able to impress Brian with his skills?
0:24:23 > 0:24:28Let's have a look. It's something different to what I would do.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30No, but I think it's good. I like it.
0:24:30 > 0:24:35Probably deserves a beer. FRED LAUGHS
0:24:35 > 0:24:40It's been a good day for both Fred and Steven, but will this be enough to sway Fred's vote?
0:24:40 > 0:24:46Between work in the UK and work in Australia, I'm going to vote...
0:24:49 > 0:24:56- ..Australia.- And I'm going to vote, because of opportunities...
0:24:57 > 0:25:00..Australia.
0:25:00 > 0:25:04It will be a difficult decision to make, leaving a lot of friends and family behind,
0:25:04 > 0:25:07but I feel a lot more positive today.
0:25:07 > 0:25:13It's Fred's first vote for Australia. Could Steven finally be winning him over?
0:25:19 > 0:25:23Steven McEvoy and Fred Wareham are considering
0:25:23 > 0:25:27whether to make the move from Liverpool in the UK to Melbourne, Australia.
0:25:27 > 0:25:31I would like somewhere which was hot all year round to play tennis.
0:25:31 > 0:25:35Steven has had an uphill struggle trying to persuade Fred.
0:25:35 > 0:25:41- Get used to it. Get over it. - I think you're going with your heart and not with your head.
0:25:41 > 0:25:48When it comes to seeing messages from friends and family back home, emotions run sky-high.
0:25:49 > 0:25:53And they still have to make one of the biggest decisions of their lives.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55I'm yet to be convinced by Australia.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58He knows I want to be here so much.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05It looks like Fred is finding his feet at last.
0:26:05 > 0:26:10But whether they can actually afford their dream house and the lifestyle down under
0:26:10 > 0:26:14depends on the value of their UK home.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Steven bought their two-bedroom house in 1985 for just £47,000.
0:26:20 > 0:26:25In 2008, they had it valued for £175,000.
0:26:25 > 0:26:30But will it still fetch that price in the harsh economic climate?
0:26:30 > 0:26:34We sent two estate agents in to give it a current valuation.
0:26:34 > 0:26:39Steven and Fred have worked hard to make this house their ideal home.
0:26:39 > 0:26:41But what will the experts say?
0:26:41 > 0:26:45Ooh... Nice fireplace. Decor is quite dark.
0:26:45 > 0:26:48STEVEN GASPS
0:26:50 > 0:26:54Oh, lovely. Very nice.
0:26:56 > 0:26:58At least he wiped his feet.
0:26:58 > 0:27:03Beautiful kitchen. Granite work surfaces, tiled flooring...
0:27:03 > 0:27:06"Beautiful kitchen."
0:27:07 > 0:27:11- Oh...- It looks clean. - Of course it does.- What can I say?
0:27:11 > 0:27:13Absolutely gorgeous.
0:27:13 > 0:27:16- That's what we want to hear. - Beautiful. Lovely.
0:27:16 > 0:27:20Decor is a little bit OTT for me personally.
0:27:20 > 0:27:24But hey-ho, someone might just like it.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29- Look at your two-piece suit, love. - STEVEN GASPS
0:27:31 > 0:27:34Stunning bathroom. Unusual bath.
0:27:34 > 0:27:38- Of course.- Marble, actually. - Very nice.- Solid marble tiles.
0:27:38 > 0:27:42Excellent main bedroom, fully fitted wardrobes.
0:27:42 > 0:27:44So mixed reactions to their home,
0:27:44 > 0:27:50but will it make anything near the £175,000 it's previously been valued at?
0:27:50 > 0:27:56Two-bedroom mid-terrace, Port Sunlight. Absolutely lovely. Won't appeal to everybody in decor.
0:27:56 > 0:27:57I actually liked it.
0:27:57 > 0:28:01Probably value it in the region of £169,950.
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Just because it is different.
0:28:03 > 0:28:06This is a very attractive Port Sunlight property.
0:28:06 > 0:28:12Grade II-listed, full of character but with a contemporary twist, some very nice appointments.
0:28:12 > 0:28:15We would recommend marketing around £165,000
0:28:15 > 0:28:19although, if a quicker sale was to be achieved, probably £160,000.
0:28:19 > 0:28:23- Too cheap.- Well, we don't want a quick sale, so we're not bothered.
0:28:23 > 0:28:27- I wouldn't sell at £160,000. Would you?- No.
0:28:27 > 0:28:31The annoying part is, we can't sell our house now and go and get somewhere.
0:28:31 > 0:28:35So it forces us into waiting and playing the long game.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39What they get for their house is only the start of their financial considerations.
0:28:39 > 0:28:44So we prepared a breakdown of their cost of living in Australia and the UK
0:28:44 > 0:28:46to see if the sums will add up.
0:28:46 > 0:28:54Well, the UK mortgage... What's our mortgage? £170 in the UK per month.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58- Property three. - We should base it off that one, because that house...
0:28:58 > 0:29:01That's something we'd like, but somewhere else.
0:29:01 > 0:29:09We're talking a difference of £630. For salary for me, £36,000 in the UK.
0:29:09 > 0:29:13In Australia, it's just over £30,000, say £32,000.
0:29:13 > 0:29:16What do you expect to earn in Australia?
0:29:16 > 0:29:19I'd have to go into retail management. I wouldn't do with less than £20,000.
0:29:19 > 0:29:2232 and 22 is 54.
0:29:22 > 0:29:26So we're £4,000 worse off in Australia.
0:29:26 > 0:29:33£17 tennis club in the UK and it's £30 a month tennis in Australia.
0:29:33 > 0:29:37- You'll have to pack that in. - OK, so the Australian total is
0:29:37 > 0:29:43£2,327. The UK is...
0:29:45 > 0:29:48..£1,282.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51So that's how much better off we are in the UK compared to Australia.
0:29:51 > 0:29:56- £1,045.- It's more expensive, but we can do it.
0:29:56 > 0:30:02By choosing their dream home their mortgage increases dramatically, which is making Steven think twice.
0:30:03 > 0:30:11Yeah, it's doable but from a practical point of view, it's a lot of outgoings to sustain.
0:30:11 > 0:30:13It's you who wants to move here, not me.
0:30:13 > 0:30:18Steven is starting to realize this move might be less realistic than he thought.
0:30:18 > 0:30:22But is it a price worth paying? It's time to vote.
0:30:22 > 0:30:26On the costs of living in Australia or the UK...
0:30:28 > 0:30:31..I'm going to choose Australia.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34UK.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38- Why are you voting UK? - I'm just focusing on one factor.
0:30:38 > 0:30:45Cost of living is cheaper in the UK. Why did you vote Australia?
0:30:45 > 0:30:47Because we can afford it.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51OK.
0:30:51 > 0:30:56Against all odds, the roles have been reversed. Could this change everything?
0:31:01 > 0:31:06In trying to live up to Fred's high expectations,
0:31:06 > 0:31:12Steven is beginning to realize his dream of living mortgage-free could be impossible.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16But this move has always been more than just about money.
0:31:16 > 0:31:22It's been about living the outdoor life in a tolerant atmosphere.
0:31:22 > 0:31:28Steven's Australian dream has always been motivated by his passion for tennis.
0:31:28 > 0:31:32Our relationship starts when Steven isn't playing tennis.
0:31:32 > 0:31:37Though Steven plays four times a week all year round, Fred has never seen him play.
0:31:37 > 0:31:43The simple reason is the stigma around...you know, being gay.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48He plays with a lot of teachers. I wouldn't want it flying around and affecting his career.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51We've always kept our lives separate where that concerns.
0:31:51 > 0:31:54It's quite sad that I've never seen him play.
0:31:54 > 0:31:57Steven and Fred are hoping that in Australia,
0:31:57 > 0:32:03they may find more relaxed attitudes towards their sexuality and a place to meet new people.
0:32:03 > 0:32:07We found them a special surprise in Melbourne to help them out.
0:32:07 > 0:32:11They've come to a tennis club with a twist that should suit them down to the ground.
0:32:11 > 0:32:15I'm Peter Wells, president of the Vic Tennis gay and lesbian tennis group.
0:32:15 > 0:32:18We hire out this venue every Sunday and Monday night.
0:32:18 > 0:32:23We provide a safe environment, an environment where we can speak our mind.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26It's sport, but it's also very social.
0:32:26 > 0:32:33This club caters exclusively for gay and lesbian players, so Steven and Fred should be able to relax.
0:32:33 > 0:32:35But they can't quite believe it.
0:32:35 > 0:32:41- Is it a gay tennis club, then? - No... It's not. Don't be silly.
0:32:41 > 0:32:46- I don't think it is.- It's not. There's no such thing. Is there? - I don't know.
0:32:47 > 0:32:52Yes, there is. In Melbourne, there's something for everyone.
0:32:54 > 0:32:57But one thing Steven isn't used to is the heat.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59It's over 30 degrees on the court.
0:32:59 > 0:33:03It's a bit different from playing in the UK, I'll tell you.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06It's the first time Fred's seen Steven play.
0:33:06 > 0:33:11I'm quite shocked, really, at the level he's at. He's very good.
0:33:11 > 0:33:14It's just nice to watch him, really.
0:33:14 > 0:33:19And though Fred might rather be shopping, he's taking the opportunity to meet new people.
0:33:19 > 0:33:26I moved here from Sydney a year and a half ago. Joining a social club like tennis helped me find friends
0:33:26 > 0:33:31- and, in the end, helped me find my current flatmates.- Yeah.
0:33:31 > 0:33:35For both of them, this has been a unique and very welcoming experience.
0:33:35 > 0:33:38Well, I didn't think you could play that well.
0:33:38 > 0:33:44So it was a surprise. And it was nice to come to a group where everyone is so friendly.
0:33:44 > 0:33:48It's so friendly, isn't it? I think you surprised yourself coming.
0:33:48 > 0:33:51But Fred can't help thinking of his friends and family back home.
0:33:51 > 0:33:56I'm missing my friends. But that's what this is about.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58I think we've got to embrace that.
0:33:58 > 0:34:04Because it could be the difference between us not staying here and settling in
0:34:04 > 0:34:08or settling in. I think it could be as drastic as that.
0:34:09 > 0:34:14They've had a good time, but it looks like Steven has more convincing to do.
0:34:16 > 0:34:19It's time to bring in the reinforcements.
0:34:19 > 0:34:26Steven's taking Fred to see someone who may be able to 'suade Fred of everything Australia has to offer.
0:34:26 > 0:34:32Steven's brother Brian moved to Melbourne five years ago and is on hand to give some advice.
0:34:32 > 0:34:37Brian brought his family here for a better lifestyle, and he's never looked back.
0:34:37 > 0:34:40So what does he think they should do?
0:34:40 > 0:34:45Look at the positives. Otherwise, you'll start to hate it and start to...
0:34:45 > 0:34:50You can start to find problems, you know...
0:34:50 > 0:34:54My view is... Just do it, it's great.
0:34:54 > 0:34:58If Brian can't convince Fred, his daughter Anna has a go.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00She was 12 when the family emigrated.
0:35:00 > 0:35:04Here, you find that you miss your family and stuff.
0:35:04 > 0:35:07But then when you go back after like a year or something,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11everything seems so small, and it's just like, "Oh my God, I can't believe I lived here."
0:35:11 > 0:35:14Australia is so different, in a better way.
0:35:14 > 0:35:19Yeah. And I know Fred's sort of sitting on the fence, in a way.
0:35:19 > 0:35:24He doesn't know which way he's going to go. But you've got to make that decision and go for it 100%.
0:35:24 > 0:35:28I think it's important that you... If one says yes and one says no,
0:35:28 > 0:35:31you're really at a bad start.
0:35:31 > 0:35:35So if it's half and half yes and no, I think you should just both say no and go home.
0:35:35 > 0:35:40A sobering thought from Steven's brother, but Fred is remaining as noncommittal as ever.
0:35:40 > 0:35:46Australia is a nice place, but it's sort of not around your home comforts.
0:35:46 > 0:35:48- Like your family?- Yeah.
0:35:48 > 0:35:54The McEvoys have been piling on the pressure, but it leaves Fred missing his family even more.
0:35:54 > 0:35:58Brian is your brother and they're their children, so...
0:35:58 > 0:36:01I mean, don't get me wrong, they've been very hospitable and...
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- But they're not your family. - No, they're not my immediate family, are they?
0:36:05 > 0:36:06ALL: Bye!
0:36:06 > 0:36:09Meeting family has given them both food for thought.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13It's time to vote on the social scene in Australia.
0:36:13 > 0:36:19So for the social side, friends here in Australia or friends at home,
0:36:19 > 0:36:22we're going to vote for...
0:36:25 > 0:36:28- ..Australia.- UK.
0:36:28 > 0:36:35- Why?- Because it takes me a long time to make new friends, so...
0:36:35 > 0:36:38I'm not going to make them within a day.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48Australia is a long way from home.
0:36:48 > 0:36:54And if you have a large, close family like Fred, it's very difficult to say goodbye.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57But if he's serious about making the move,
0:36:57 > 0:37:02he has to face up to the pain of leaving loved ones behind.
0:37:03 > 0:37:08We've prepared some messages from their friends and family back in the UK.
0:37:08 > 0:37:11Hi, Fred and Steven. Hope you're having a good time.
0:37:11 > 0:37:14- Hello, Steven and Fred. - Steven and Fred...
0:37:14 > 0:37:16They get on very well. Really well.
0:37:16 > 0:37:19- Fred can be a lunatic. - SHE LAUGHS
0:37:19 > 0:37:22My and Fred's relationship is quite...
0:37:22 > 0:37:27I don't know, we're quite close, with him being gay as well.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30I think we've got a lot more in common.
0:37:30 > 0:37:33We are really proud of him. We're proud of what he's achieved,
0:37:33 > 0:37:36we're proud of how he's grown up to be a young man,
0:37:36 > 0:37:40and...to us, that means everything.
0:37:40 > 0:37:47Steven is a lot calmer than Fred. Steven is more sensible-headed
0:37:47 > 0:37:49and level-headed than Fred.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Steven is a very caring person.
0:37:51 > 0:37:56He thinks of everybody else sometimes and not himself.
0:37:56 > 0:38:03He thinks about what he says to you. He's always polite in that respect, isn't he?
0:38:03 > 0:38:07He's... He's a lovely man, he really is.
0:38:07 > 0:38:11His dad would have been made up to think he was a...you know, he'd made it as a teacher.
0:38:11 > 0:38:15So I think he's not only like a partner for Fred,
0:38:15 > 0:38:18he's like sort of a role model to look up to.
0:38:18 > 0:38:20He's achieved so much in his life,
0:38:20 > 0:38:25and he's actually where he wants to be in his life. Not many people can actually say that.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27It might be for them, it mightn't be for them.
0:38:27 > 0:38:30But you don't know till you try, do you really?
0:38:32 > 0:38:38I won't last much longer, so they may as well enjoy life while they're young.
0:38:39 > 0:38:43It's not like he's gone forever. There's always going to be holidays and stuff,
0:38:43 > 0:38:48and I can go over to see him and he can come over and see me
0:38:48 > 0:38:50and we'll be talking on the phone and...
0:38:50 > 0:38:53He is like my best mate. I really don't want to lose him.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57I will never be able to go to see him, because I can't fly.
0:38:57 > 0:38:59So I would have to wait till he came home.
0:38:59 > 0:39:03We wish you all the best. Hope you make a good go of it.
0:39:03 > 0:39:07- And if you're happy, we're happy. - And best of it all, take care of each other.
0:39:07 > 0:39:11We'll miss you loads. I don't know how you're going to get back, if you decide to stay,
0:39:11 > 0:39:15to do my mother's cleaning. It looks like I've got to take over.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19Whatever decision you make, Steven, whatever decision you make, Fred.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22I think that'd be the hardest thing, not actually seeing them.
0:39:25 > 0:39:30You shouldn't have said that. Are we finished?
0:39:35 > 0:39:38Seeing his loved ones has brought Fred to breaking point.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41Where does this leave Steven's dream?
0:39:41 > 0:39:46He's bound to be upset seeing the family like that, and I think...
0:39:46 > 0:39:50He's been like that for the last few days anyway, but...
0:39:52 > 0:39:58I must admit I was... I was starting to well up myself.
0:39:58 > 0:40:03- I don't get emotional normally. - No, I'm the whingeing one.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- You're the cryer, aren't you?- Yeah.
0:40:07 > 0:40:14It's made me think twice. With having so many brothers and sisters, it's just like...
0:40:14 > 0:40:18Whenever you need someone, someone's always there.
0:40:18 > 0:40:23Cos blood's thicker than water. So they're like your best friends, all of them.
0:40:23 > 0:40:27There's things that we're going to miss in the UK.
0:40:27 > 0:40:30- I think we accepted that when we got on the plane, didn't we?- Mm.
0:40:30 > 0:40:36We're going to leave things behind. But we can't take them with us.
0:40:41 > 0:40:45It's always difficult leaving loved ones behind.
0:40:45 > 0:40:49And Steven and Fred seem even more divided than ever.
0:40:49 > 0:40:55They've had an intense week, and it's nearly time to make their final decision.
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Steven's always been the one pushing to move.
0:40:58 > 0:41:01His partner Fred has never been sure.
0:41:01 > 0:41:04It's been a stressful week. It's not been easy.
0:41:04 > 0:41:10The properties were expensive and not up to Fred's exacting standards, especially property two.
0:41:10 > 0:41:15You're having a laugh, aren't you? Look at the state of if. No way. Never in a million years.
0:41:15 > 0:41:19Although the job prospects were good, when it came to realizing
0:41:19 > 0:41:22how expensive the dream could be, it was Steven's turn to be doubtful.
0:41:22 > 0:41:28It just goes to show, I mean, I was convinced everything to me would have been Australia.
0:41:28 > 0:41:32So it's not as black and white as I originally thought.
0:41:32 > 0:41:37When it came to seeing loved ones back home, Fred hit rock bottom.
0:41:37 > 0:41:42I felt, you know, at times like as if I was going to crack.
0:41:42 > 0:41:46But no... I think I've held it together quite well.
0:41:46 > 0:41:50And their time has brought out the differences between them.
0:41:50 > 0:41:53Steven's got one of these attitudes where he doesn't care.
0:41:53 > 0:41:57And he just throws caution to the wind and just does it, you know,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00whereas I'm a little bit more reserved.
0:42:00 > 0:42:02I still think that I've got to persuade Fred.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07I still think that he's got reservations deep down,
0:42:07 > 0:42:09that every now and then, he doesn't let out.
0:42:09 > 0:42:12I think part of him is trying to keep me happy.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15I'm yet to be convinced by Australia.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18It'll take me a while to be able to decide on whether I want to come or go.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21He knows I want to be here so much.
0:42:21 > 0:42:26It's finally time to decide and find out, once and for all, whether they're united or divided.
0:42:26 > 0:42:33It's been a long week. We've come to the final decision, and I'm going to vote for...
0:42:33 > 0:42:36- Australia. - And I'm going to vote for...
0:42:36 > 0:42:37Australia.
0:42:37 > 0:42:43It's a vote for Australia after all. So what changed Fred's mind?
0:42:43 > 0:42:48Coming here is about a new challenge and a new beginning.
0:42:48 > 0:42:51So I've got to give it a go. I can't not.
0:42:51 > 0:42:54It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you can't get rid of.
0:42:54 > 0:42:59I'm excited about it. I'm nervous about it, but I'm excited about it.
0:42:59 > 0:43:02And I can't wait to start that journey.
0:43:03 > 0:43:04To Australia.
0:43:06 > 0:43:10Let's hope it works out for both of them.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd
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