Actor and television personality Kelvin Fletcher first rose to fame on ITV's Emmerdale as Andy Sugden. However, he has since built a remarkable life away from the soap opera.
After leaving the fictional Yorkshire Dales in 2016 following a 20-year stint, the former Andy Sugden star won the coveted trophy on BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 alongside professional dancer Oti Mabuse.
Shortly after, Kelvin moved from Manchester to a farm in the Peak District in 2021, where he now spends much of his time tending livestock. Together with his wife Liz, he features in Fletcher's Family Farm, a television programme documenting their adventures as they adapt to countryside living.
The ITV programme has carved out its own niche among farming shows, captivating viewers with Kelvin and Liz's agricultural journey, their family life raising four children, and their genuine affection for each other.
First Meeting and Separation
Kelvin and Liz's romance traces back to childhood. They first crossed paths when they were just eight years old. However, their friendship did not turn into romance until years later when they reconnected in 2009. The couple briefly separated in 2010 but reunited later that year.
Family Life
In 2015, the couple married in a beautiful ceremony at London's One Mayfair. Explaining why they chose London over a 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 said: "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 marrying, the couple welcomed their first child, Marnie, in August 2016. They were then blessed with Milo in December 2018, followed by twin boys Maximus and Mateusz in August 2022.
Relationship Advice
In 2023, Kelvin opened up about his relationship with Liz, discussing what he believes has made their marriage last. Speaking on Amelia Singer's podcast Ameliarate Through Wine, the former Emmerdale actor shared his insights on enduring partnerships.
"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 couples face, 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 goals are vital in a successful relationship. She said couples should work "your dreams out together" and added: "Don't hold each other back. Just pursue what you need to do but do it as a team."
