Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz have become familiar faces on television, showcasing their married life on screen. The actor and TV personality first rose to fame on ITV's long-running soap Emmerdale, but he has also built a successful life beyond acting.
After leaving the fictional Yorkshire Dales behind in 2016 following an incredible 20 years, the former Andy Sugden star was crowned the winner of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 alongside professional dancer Oti Mabuse. Not long after, Kelvin relocated from Manchester to a farm in the Peak District in 2021, where he now spends much of his time caring for livestock. Alongside his wife, Liz, he stars in Fletcher's Family Farm, a television series that follows their experiences adapting to rural life.
The ITV show has carved out its own place among the many farming programmes on television, winning over audiences with Kelvin and Liz's farming journey, their family life with four children, and the warmth of their relationship. As they continue to showcase their partnership on screen, we take a deep dive into how their relationship began.
First Encounter and Split
Kelvin and Liz's story began in childhood, having first met when they were just eight years old. Yet their friendship did not turn romantic until many years later, when they reconnected in 2009. However, the pair briefly split in 2010 before reconciling later that year.
Marriage and Children
In 2015, the pair exchanged vows in a stunning wedding ceremony at London's One Mayfair. Sharing the reason why they decided to wed in London instead of the expected countryside, 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 tying the knot, the happy couple welcomed their first child, Marnie, in August 2016. This was then followed by Milo, born in December 2018, and twin boys Maximus and Mateusz, born in August 2022.
Standing Strong
In 2023, Kelvin spoke candidly about his relationship with Liz, revealing what he believes has helped their marriage stand the test of time. Appearing on Amelia Singer's podcast Ameliarate Through Wine, the former Emmerdale star shared his thoughts on what makes a lasting 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.
Reflecting on the ups and downs that every couple faces, he continued: "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 shared her perspective during the interview, explaining that laughter and pursuing shared goals are key ingredients in a happy 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.
