Liz Fletcher, wife of former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher, has opened up about a mortifying moment at a farm show that left her fearing she had caused her family humiliation, though their young daughter ultimately improved the situation.
Life on the Farm
The celebrity couple gained widespread recognition after trading their entertainment industry careers for managing a farm in the Peak District, all captured in the popular ITV series 'Fletchers' Family Farm'. Kelvin and Liz have been transparent about the challenges and triumphs of agricultural life.
A Sheepish Mishap
In a recently unearthed 2024 interview with The Farmer's Guardian podcast, Liz recounted her experience exhibiting some of the family's animals at a farm show. Unfortunately, during her debut appearance showcasing the farm's flock, things did not proceed as planned.
She recalled: "The first show we went to, we actually showed our sheep, and my sheep was just the most embarrassing sheep ever. I did not realise but sheep are very good at pretending to be dead and that is what mine did. I completely embarrassed the whole family. I remember the judge actually said to me, '10 out of 10 for behaviour'."
"But nothing had happened, I was just standing still at that point and as soon as she went to look at the sheep's teeth, he was just going like, jumping up, lying flat, and she went, 'it does not matter'. You could see everyone looking going, 'Oh well'... What can you do? They just do whatever they want so, yeah."
Daughter's Triumph
Nevertheless, the day was not entirely disappointing as Liz's daughter Marnie secured fourth place on the very same day, allowing the family to move past the troublesome sheep incident. Liz recalled: "But Marnie actually won at that show. She got a fourth place for hers. And I was crying my eyes out, you know, just the sense of pride. My daughter stood there with sheep. I think she was three or four at the time... and we took that little award home with absolute pride."
Challenges on the Farm
While Liz and Kelvin have enjoyed many rewarding moments with livestock on their farm, they have also encountered significant challenges. During a 2024 episode of the ITV show documenting their farming journey, the couple needed to accommodate cattle, sheep and pigs to enhance the farm's sustainability. This decision forced the duo to part ways with their cherished alpacas.
Discussing the difficult choice with shearer Kirstie, Liz explained: "We will be sad to lose them, but we need the land back. We need it for the other animals. They are an incredible animal, and when we have had the odd event at the farm, it has been amazing. But what we really want to focus on now is what works commercially for us on the farm, so we can put money back into the farm, and they just do not."
Upcoming Appearance
Liz and Kelvin are scheduled to feature on James Martin's Saturday Morning broadcasting today (June 13) at 09.30 on ITV1.
