Mum’s got 17 kids… now I’ve got 3 by the age of 21

THE Radfords, from TV show 17 Kids and Counting, captivated the nation by raising Britain’s biggest brood with no handouts from the state.

The public was in awe of how they coped and eldest daughter Sophie Radford provided another twist to the family’s saga.

She was the first of the brood to get married in 2015 and had a secret under her beautiful gown — her third baby.

Despite swearing she would not follow in her mum’s mega-broody footsteps, she became a mum once again at the tender age of 21.

But where her and Mum do agree is that Sophie too will work for her family and not claim benefits.

The Sun exclusively went along to the first Radford wedding, where Sophie spoke about believing she has now completed her little family and her joy at marrying boyfriend Joe Broadley, 32.

Radiant Sophie, whose baby boy is due on New Year’s Day, says: “It was a surprise and a massive shock. I was on the contraceptive injection.

“We were quite upset at first but we’re over the moon now.

“He will definitely be our last. Our house will be full up.

“Although I can’t say the same for Mum and Dad, you never know with them.”

The Radford family, of Morecambe, Lancs, shot to fame as the stars of Channel 4’s 16 Kids and Counting.

Although the couple say they were never actively trying for more kids, mum Sue was not on the Pill and happy to let nature take its course.

Sue, 45, and Noel, 48, have been married for 23 years and added to their own brood just nine weeks ago, welcoming Hallie to the family.