Kelvin Fletcher Details 'Traumatic' Farm Fire That Forced Family Into Temporary Housing
Former Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher has spoken candidly about the devastating fire that ripped through his family's farm, describing it as a 'traumatic time' that left them homeless for half a year. The 42-year-old actor, who appears alongside his wife Liz and their children on the ITV series Fletchers' Family Farm, revealed the heartbreaking details during an emotional interview on Lorraine.
Fire Strikes While Family Is Away on Holiday
The Strictly Come Dancing alumnus explained that tragedy struck their 120-acre farm in Wincle, Cheshire, while they were away on holiday. The blaze rendered their home completely uninhabitable, forcing the family to move into temporary accommodation as they prepared for extensive renovations. Fletcher recalled the incident with raw honesty, admitting that 'life throws curveballs' and this was certainly a major one for his family.
'Looking back it was quite a traumatic time,' Fletcher confessed to Lorraine Kelly. 'But as ever you try to take out the positives and look forward. We've got a big rebuild about to start but I've been wanting to show that in the show - that the show is our lives, so the good, the bad, the overwhelmingly positive because we're in a really great place now.'
Documenting the Journey on Television
The family's farming journey has been documented across two television series - Kelvin's Big Farming Adventure and the current Fletchers' Family Farm. The couple purchased their Peak District property in 2021 after originally planning to move to California, with COVID-19 restrictions altering their plans. Their television shows capture both the idyllic moments and the harsh realities of farming life.
During the Lorraine interview, Liz Fletcher revealed an exciting spoiler for upcoming episodes, confirming that Lorraine Kelly herself makes a cameo appearance. 'You're on the next episode, actually,' Liz teased. 'A little spoiler alert, we actually film us doing a live VT, so you see the behind the scenes.'
Marriage Realities and Austrian Adventures
The conversation also touched on more lighthearted moments from their television series, including a Christmas special that saw the family travel to Austria. During their stay with the Achrainer family, matriarch Martina gave Liz a baking lesson in traditional Austrian fried dough pastries called Bauernkrapfen.
After the cooking session, Liz humorously reflected on her culinary skills compared to traditional farmer's wives. 'That was so fascinating and it's so good to see that they have this real farmer's wife tradition,' she said to camera. 'And actually, that's probably Kelvin's dream woman. A farmer's wife... and he got me, and I can't cook.'
A Love Story Documented on Screen
Kelvin and Liz, who have known each other since childhood, began dating in 2009, got engaged in 2014, and married the following year. Their farming adventure represents a significant lifestyle change that they've chosen to share publicly through their television programs.
Speaking previously about their decision to document their lives, Fletcher explained: 'I think that's what has been amazing about filming an observational documentary. There were a lot of considerations initially: as actors, to invite a film crew into your personal space, in a situation that you're still figuring out yourself.'
'But we did it as honestly as we could, and what we got out of it was, first and foremost, an amazing TV show,' he continued. 'The audience reception we've had has been absolutely incredible, and it has resonated with so many people. But we can also look back and think, 'we've captured that moment'. We've really got that documented and in such a beautiful way that we will have forever.'
The family's resilience in the face of adversity shines through their story, demonstrating how they've turned a devastating event into an opportunity for growth and renewal. Fletchers' Family Farm continues to air on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX, offering viewers an intimate look at their ongoing farming journey and family life.
