OK, that second way (with the TTing) is what I have done to get one of the 3 in. I have also turned off WiiConnect 24 via both the Wii settings and the in game settings to make sure they don't escape.

And I'm not really too bothered by which NPC goes as I can just use the NPC to get the ones I really like back after the ones from my friend moves in.

Thanks!!!