ITV's Fletchers' Family Farm has been taken off air this week due to a schedule shake-up on the broadcaster. The popular programme, a Sunday morning staple for households across the UK, follows former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher as he navigates life on his Cheshire farm.
Viewers will miss out on an episode this Sunday due to scheduling conflicts with sports coverage on ITV1. Following Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, which ends at 11.30am, fans would usually expect to see Fletchers' Family Farm on the schedule. However, it has been replaced by EFL coverage as Southampton vs Portsmouth kicks off at 12pm. Live from St Mary's Stadium, the broadcast begins at 11.30am and ends at 2.25pm, leaving no time for an episode of the farming programme.
Official update on Instagram
The Fletchers' on the Farm official Instagram account shared an update with followers ahead of the missing episode, saying: "No Fletchers' Family Farm tomorrow due to the football!" with a crying face emoji. The post also gave fans insight into the current filming schedule, with future Christmas episodes already on the cards. Sharing a photo of Liz and the cast and crew in the kitchen, decorated with holly, pine cones and a nutcracker, the caption said: "Day one over and out [Christmas tree emoji] what a team." There was also a photo of a basket of cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli with a Christmas tree in the background.
Series background and recent updates
Fletchers' Family Farm has been a hit with fans since it first aired in October 2023. The documentary series sees millions of viewers tune in as the family navigate their life on the farm located in the Peak District. The site is a private farm and is not currently open to the public on a day-to-day basis, though Kelvin and Liz have hosted open days in the past and regular seasonal events.
In a recent episode, Kelvin and his wife Liz shared an update about rebuilding the family's fire-damaged home. The family were forced to leave their home after a fire broke out while they were on holiday last year. Now, the couple are hoping to rebuild the house for their children again.
Rebuilding plans and NTA nomination
While preparing the farm's holiday cottage for guests, Liz said: "The next big project is actually our house, which I didn't ever think was going to be on the list. But yeah, it'll be nice to put this energy and effort into the house now and build a home for the kids." She added: "The twins don't remember living in it. That's how long it's been. They call it the burnt house, which is sad, really, but listen, one day we'll be able to move back in, and it'll just be their home."
Liz said she was eager to get started on the rebuild: "I imagine it'll take us forever to finish it, but I guess that'll be part of our story now, won't it? I can't wait to lay some bricks, start mixing some cement, doing some hard graft. I'm excited for it."
Fletchers' Family Farm was nominated at this year's National Television Awards. Kelvin and Liz stepped out on the red carpet and spoke to the ECHO about how much they are enjoying their time living in Cheshire. Originally from Oldham in Greater Manchester, the former Emmerdale star is "proud" to be a representative of the North West. He said: "We love living in Cheshire. We very much love the North West and very proud of where we are and flying the flag."
