Kelvin Fletcher first became a household name through his role on ITV's long-running soap Emmerdale, but he has gone on to enjoy success far beyond the world of acting. After leaving the show in 2016 after 20 years as Andy Sugden, Kelvin took on a new challenge and was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion in 2019 alongside professional dancer Oti Mabuse. His life took another dramatic turn in 2021 when he swapped city life in Manchester for the countryside, relocating to a farm in the Peak District. Since then, he has embraced farming, spending much of his time caring for livestock.
Together with his wife, Liz, Kelvin stars in Fletcher's Family Farm, an ITV series that follows the family's journey as they adapt to rural living. The programme has won over audiences with its honest portrayal of farming life, the couple's experiences raising their four children, and the strong bond they share both on and off screen. As Kelvin and his wife, Liz, continue displaying their bond on screen, we've delved into the origins of their relationship.
First Encounter and Split
Kelvin and Liz's tale started in childhood, having initially crossed paths when they were merely eight years old, reports the Liverpool Echo. However, their friendship didn't blossom into romance until several years afterwards, when they rekindled their connection in 2009. Nevertheless, the couple temporarily parted ways in 2010 before reuniting later that same year.
Marriage and Children
In 2015, the couple tied the knot in a beautiful wedding ceremony at London's One Mayfair. Explaining why the couple opted to marry in London rather than the anticipated rural setting, Kelvin revealed to 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 shared with 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." Twelve months after exchanging vows, the delighted pair welcomed their firstborn, Marnie, in August 2016. They were then blessed with Milo, who arrived in December 2018, followed by twin boys Maximus and Mateusz, born in August 2022.
Standing Strong
In 2023, Kelvin opened up honestly about his relationship with Liz, discussing what he credits for their enduring marriage. During an appearance on Amelia Singer's podcast Ameliarate Through Wine, the former Emmerdale actor offered his perspective on sustaining a long-term relationship. "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. Reflecting on the highs and lows that every couple encounters, he went on to say: "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 own thoughts during the interview, revealing that humour and chasing shared ambitions are vital ingredients in a fulfilling 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." Fletcher's Family Farm is available to watch on ITVX.
