Strictly winner Kelvin Fletcher on job that ‘encapsulates life’

For 20 years he portrayed farmer Andy Sugden in Emmerdale and is now living out that job in real life with his wife Liz - their adventure is documented in TV series Fletcher’s Family Farm which returns for a second series later this month. 

But how would Oldham-born Kelvin define himself? The 40-year-old explained how he came face-to-face with his light-hearted struggle for identity in an everyday chore we have all become accustomed to; form-filling. 

“I always shudder when you fill out forms and they ask for your profession,” he said in an interview associated with WhichBingo. 

Kelvin and daughter Marnie (Image: Newsquest) “I've always had a bit of a panic attack then anyway because I always feel a bit silly writing. ‘actor’. Am I an actor, a farmer, or a stay-at-home dad? What am I?  

“I'm a bit of a jack of all trades, but wouldn't say I’m a master of any, really.”   

The farmer’s life wasn't initially on the cards for the Fletchers having for a time been seduced by the sunnier climes of California before eventually laying down roots in England’s Peak District. 

A global pandemic ended any stateside dreams – and despite not managing to break America as an actor – success would manifest itself in a different way for Kelvin, Liz and their four children.

Reflecting on his journey with Fletcher’s Family Farm, he added: “It's crazy, isn't it? Three years ago, we were moving to California.  

Kelvin Fletcher won Strictly Come Dancing with his dance partner Oti Mabuse (Image: BBC/PA) “That was the plan. As actors, I guess we naively or foolishly wanted to chase that Hollywood dream, as many actors have maybe tried and failed. 

“But in our eyes as a young family, we wanted to take our two young children over there at that time and just do something a bit different.  

“I'd just come off the back of winning Strictly [in 2019] and I just felt, artistically, I was still at an age to have a new experience. I felt that over the pond was our calling, but then the pandemic came.  

“That didn't happen, but I think subconsciously we wanted a change and went from the beaches of California to the rolling hills of the Peak District.”  

And unlike Fletcher’s role in Emmerdale or what may have ensued from his time in the States, there is nothing scripted about his leading part in Fletcher’s Family Farm. 

Kelvin and Liz (Image: NFYFC) An authentic what-you-see-is-what-you-get portrayal of farming life comes to light – something which has proved to be a real hit for viewers on ITV. 

“It's been amazing. I think the biggest thing is the feedback we've had from the people that have watched the show,” he explained. 

“Firstly, just how much the show has resonated with them, particularly from people in agriculture or those also living that rural life. 

“People have said, for a number of reasons, that it's naturally entertaining. Two actors with four feral children who have never farmed before. So inherently, it's going to be entertaining.” 

So, what can fans expect from the new series? Essentially more of the same fun and hijinks, but there is an underlying seriousness to the fact that this is the most important casting role of Fletcher’s career. 

The Fletchers posing together ahead of series 1 of Fletcher's Family Farm “There are going to be some moments where it's maybe comedic, but hopefully it will represent a family who's willing to step into the unknown, embrace something different and throw themselves into the deep end. 

“At times they might come up short, But, overwhelmingly, the endeavour is there to give it a go and let the audience come on that journey with them.  

“It's our lives, and what we do every day. It's a bit strange when you have a TV crew coming into your life.  

“As an actor, you've always hid behind costume and a fictional character, but here you’re being filmed and captured in your most personal space in a scenario that you're still figuring out for yourself.  

“We’re three years into this farming journey, we're still learning and it's still a lot for us to take on. But that's where the programme makers – ITV – have reassured us with their collective vision of the show. 

“We’ve never felt exposed in any way, and it's just been an honest and authentic observational documentary.  

“My take on farming is that it’s the one industry that absolutely encapsulates life. There are ups, downs, triumphs, and losses. There’s also hard work, endeavour, and patience. All those values that you need to get through life are there in farming.”  

Kelvin as Andy Sugden in Emmerdale

Fletcher may have left his soap star life behind him, but the same cannot be true for eight-year-old daughter Marnie. 

She has played Lexi Roscoe in Hollyoaks since April and is forging the start of a very promising acting career herself, with a part in A Christmas Carol, which will be held at The Lowry in Salford over this upcoming festive period.  

“I'm immensely proud,” he beamed. “It’s her first ever professional musical. 

“She's a child actor alongside an ensemble of adults, some of which have West End experience. It’s a wonderful moment for us as parents and we’re very proud. 

“This Christmas, I'll be buying my tickets to watch my own daughter knowing that it will bring tears to my eyes. 

“She's thriving and happy. That’s all you want for any of your children, whatever their chosen passions are; be it playing the trumpet, dancing around on a stage or fixing things in the garage. 

“As a parent, you just want to absolutely support that. And if it makes them happy, it makes you happy.”