Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher and his wife Liz have bid a heartfelt farewell to some of their beloved animals on the latest episode of their ITV show, Fletchers' Family Farm. The couple made the difficult decision to rehome their alpacas in order to create more space for cattle, pigs, and sheep as they work toward making their farm sustainable.
A Sad Goodbye
During the episode, which originally aired in late 2024, viewers watched as Liz arranged for the alpacas to be prepared for departure. Kelvin explained in a voiceover that the farm needed to focus on commercial viability, which meant parting ways with animals that were not contributing to that goal.
Liz told shearer Kirstie, who helped trim the alpacas before their sale: "We'll be sad to lose them, but we need the land back. We need it for the other animals." Kelvin added that the creatures had been "great fun" to keep but their time on the farm had come to an end.
Focusing on Commercial Success
Liz elaborated on the decision: "They're an incredible animal, and when we've had the odd event at the farm, it's 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 don't. So, we're going to get them sheared, get them all cleared up, get them checked over and then plan to sell them on."
As Kirstie began shearing the alpacas, a voiceover clarified that while it might look uncomfortable, it was the safest method and vital for their wellbeing. After shearing the first animal, Kirstie explained that alpaca fleece is ideal for people with allergies to sheep wool.
Finding New Homes
Kelvin reflected: "It's right that we find them a new home in which they can flourish. For now, we'll store these fleeces until we find a good use for them. We'll be sad to say goodbye to these wonderful, characterful creatures, but if we're to focus on being native wildstock farmers, we need to put all our energy into the breeds that help us achieve that dream."
Kelvin and Liz have been documenting their farming adventure for ITV audiences since 2021, after purchasing a 120-acre estate in Cheshire. The show is currently in its fourth series, with the most recent episode broadcast in April, featuring the family hosting their first farmers market at the farm.
Fletchers' Family Farm is available to watch on ITVX.
