Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has confessed to feeling a wave of nerves as he and his family gear up for the prestigious Royal Cheshire Show.
The 41-year-old actor, famous for his long-running role as Andy Sugden, opened up about his anxieties in the latest episode of his ITV series, Fletcher Family Farm. Fletcher, who lives on a 120-acre farm in the Peak District with his wife, Liz Marsland, and their four children, revealed a profound sense of responsibility towards his young family as they prepare their animals for the competitive agricultural event.
Family Pride and Pre-Show Jitters
Kelvin Fletcher is not just nervous about showing his own calves; his children are also slated to compete in the show's youth categories. This adds a significant layer of parental pressure for the dad-of-four.
"You're kind of up against it, really, especially the kids are going to be in the show themselves," Kelvin admitted, reflecting on the delicate balance of parenting. "You've got a responsibility as an adult, as a parent, to work out how much you push them out of their comfort zone."
The family has a strong track record to live up to. Last year, Kelvin and his son Milo clinched the Junior Native Champion title, and their bull calf, Ray, won a Best In Class award in 2024. Their sheep and cows have also earned rosettes, victories celebrated by viewers of their popular show.
Overcoming New Challenges on the Farm
Despite their past success, Fletcher is facing fresh hurdles this year. He revealed that the family's young calves are not yet ready to be led by the children, prompting him to try "a few new tricks" in training.
Compounding the stress, Kelvin has torn his bicep, casting doubt on his ability to lead the powerful Ray at the show. In a conversation with Liz, he described his arm as "really sore" and questioned whether she should take over.
"I feel underprepared," Liz confessed, sharing her own concerns about how Ray might react to other bulls. Despite her apprehension, she stated she is ready to "step up" if her husband's injury prevents him from participating fully.
This challenge comes on the heels of a devastating farmhouse fire last October, which forced the family into temporary rented accommodation. Kelvin described the incident as "heartbreaking" but noted that everyone, including their animals, was unharmed. He has since referred to the restoration process as a "huge inconvenience" but sees "light at the end of the tunnel."
A Hopeful Outlook
Drawing confidence from their against-the-odds victory last year, Fletcher is not ready to give up. "Last year we didn't even own calves until six weeks before the show and we came home as rosette winners," he said, "so I'm not throwing in the towel yet."
Fletcher Family Farm continues to document the family's rural life, airing on Sundays at 2:20pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
