Kelvin Fletcher’s Transformation: Leaving Emmerdale Behind for Farming and Family in the Countryside
Kelvin Fletcher rose to fame on ITV’s Emmerdale as Andy Sugden, but away from the cameras, he has built a family farm life with his wife Liz
Actor and television personality Kelvin Fletcher first shot to prominence on ITV’s Emmerdale, but he has since carved out an impressive life away from the soap.
After bidding farewell to the fictional Yorkshire Dales in 2016 following a remarkable 20-year stint, the former Andy Sugden star lifted the coveted trophy on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 alongside professional dancer Oti Mabuse.
Shortly afterwards, Kelvin made the move from Manchester to a farm in the Peak District in 2021, where he now dedicates much of his time to tending livestock. Together with his wife, Liz, he features in Fletcher’s Family Farm, a television programme documenting their adventures as they adjust to countryside living.
The ITV programme has established its own niche amongst the wealth of farming shows on television, capturing viewers’ hearts with Kelvin and Liz’s agricultural adventure, their family life raising four children, and the genuine affection between them.
As Kelvin and his wife, Liz, continue to present their partnership on screen, we’ve delved into the origins of their relationship, reports, the Liverpool Echo.
Kelvin and Liz’s romance traces back to childhood, having initially crossed paths when they were merely eight years old.
Yet, their friendship didn’t blossom into romance until years later, when they rekindled their connection in 2009.
The couple briefly parted ways in 2010 yet Kelvin and Liz reunited later that year.
Family life
In 2015, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony at London’s One Mayfair.
Explaining why the pair opted to marry in London rather than the anticipated countryside setting, Kelvin told Hello!: “We did consider a more traditional country wedding but we both love London and thought we would make a weekend of it for everyone just before Christmas.
“We had people coming from far and wide so it seemed like a good place to all come together.”
Kelvin also told the publication at the time: “I knew I wanted to marry Liz the day I met her. Deep down I knew she was The One. The image of Liz coming towards me up the aisle will live with me forever. She took my breath away. She looked so beautiful.” A year after exchanging vows, the delighted pair welcomed their first child, Marnie, in August 2016.
They were then blessed with Milo, who arrived in December 2018, followed by twin boys Maximus and Mateusz, who were born in August 2022.
Relationship advice
In 2023, Kelvin opened up about his relationship with Liz, discussing what he believes has enabled their marriage to endure.
Speaking on Amelia Singer’s podcast Ameliarate Through Wine, the former Emmerdale actor offered his insights into what creates an enduring partnership.
“Work hard, like anything in life. You’ve got to put the hard work in. You take your vows. You got to take those seriously for better or for worse. And in sickness and in health. And that is it,” Kelvin said.
Considering the challenges that all couples encounter, he added: “You know, there’s times through life, the colour of life, the variety of life you’ll get all of that.
“In the testing times you’ve got to have faith in what you are doing, and why you decided to take those vows, and see it through, as simple as that.”
Liz also offered her viewpoint during the conversation, noting that humour and working towards common aspirations are vital elements in a successful relationship. She said couples should work “your dreams out together”, before adding: “Don’t hold each other back. Just pursue what you need to do but do it as a team.”