On December 28, 2025, viewers across the UK tuned in for a heartwarming—and at times, humorous—holiday special as ITV’s “Fletchers’ Family Farm at Christmas” returned to screens. But this year, instead of the familiar rolling hills of the Peak District, the Fletcher family swapped muddy boots for snow boots, embarking on a festive adventure to Tyrol, Austria. The special not only showcased the joys and challenges of rural living, but also offered a candid glimpse into the dynamic between celebrity couple Kelvin and Liz Fletcher, their four children, and the traditions that shape their lives both at home and abroad.
Kelvin Fletcher, known to many as an Emmerdale star and former Strictly Come Dancing winner, and his wife Liz, have become familiar faces on British television since their leap from city life to farming in 2021. Their journey, chronicled in the ongoing ITV series, has seen them trade the urban hustle for muddy fields, livestock, and the unpredictable rhythms of agricultural life. But as the family gathered for their Christmas special, it was Liz’s lighthearted confession about her husband’s “dream woman” that stole the show—and plenty of laughs.
The Fletchers, parents to Marnie, Milo, Maximus, and Mateusz, decided to spend this Christmas far from their Peak District home, seeking new inspiration (and perhaps a bit of respite) in the Austrian Alps. Their hosts, the Achrainer family, have a long and storied history in farming, making them the perfect guides for the British family’s alpine experience. From the outset, it was clear the Fletchers were in for more than just a change of scenery.
One of the episode’s most memorable moments unfolded in the Achrainer kitchen, where Liz joined family matriarch Martina for a baking session. Their mission? To make Bauernkrapfen—Farmer’s doughnuts—a traditional pastry beloved in the region. But as Liz quickly discovered, Martina’s approach to baking was worlds away from her own. “She doesn’t measure anything, she just knows. She just feels, she just has a feeling,” Liz marveled, as reported by Cheshire Live and echoed across several outlets. The intuitive, hands-on method left Liz both amazed and slightly envious.
Martina revealed that farmers’ wives in the Tyrol region don’t just bake for their families—they sell their doughnuts, producing around 500 pastries in total. The scale and skill involved were impressive, but Liz was quick to admit her own limitations. “I’m good at eating, not great at cooking. I do my best, I burnt the kettle once,” she confessed, drawing a chuckle from viewers and her husband alike. It was a moment of self-deprecating humor that many could relate to—especially during the holiday season, when kitchen mishaps are all too common.
But it was Liz’s reflection on the local traditions that struck a deeper chord. “That was so fascinating and it’s so good to see that they have this real farmer’s wife tradition. And they keep this tradition and they cook to celebrate,” she told the camera, visibly moved by the sense of continuity and pride among the Austrian women. The culinary session wasn’t just about food—it was about heritage, community, and the ways in which women have shaped rural life for generations.
With a twinkle in her eye, Liz took the opportunity to poke fun at herself—and her husband’s supposed preferences. “Actually, that’s probably Kelvin’s dream woman, a farmer’s wife. But he got me and I can’t cook,” she joked, cementing her place as the show’s comedic heart. The quip, repeated across multiple reports including Everything Gossip, resonated with audiences, who have watched the couple’s relationship evolve from childhood friendship to married life on the farm.
Indeed, Kelvin and Liz’s story is one of enduring connection. The pair first met around age eight, but it wasn’t until 2009, after a chance reunion as adults, that romance blossomed. They married in 2015, and with four children in tow, made the bold decision in 2021 to leave behind the city for the unpredictability—and rewards—of farming. Their journey has been anything but smooth, as Kelvin himself acknowledged during the special.
Reflecting on their most recent year, Kelvin remarked, “What a year it’s been. As we’ve reached our fourth year in farming, we’ve fallen for this way of life hook, line and sinker. But farming can be a bumpy ride and this year we’ve had some big challenges.” His words were a sobering reminder of the realities that lie behind the picturesque scenes of rural life. The family’s resilience was put to the test in 2025, when a devastating fire destroyed their farmhouse—a traumatic event that could have derailed their agricultural dreams.
Yet, as the Christmas special made clear, the Fletchers remain undeterred. The fire, though catastrophic, has only deepened their commitment to their new way of life. Their willingness to learn from others, as seen in Austria, and to laugh at themselves in the face of adversity, has endeared them to viewers and underscored the strength of their family bond.
For Liz, the experience in Tyrol was as much about personal growth as it was about festive fun. Watching Martina and the other farmers’ wives carry on centuries-old traditions, she was reminded of the importance of adaptability and the value of community. “It’s so good to see that they have this real farmer’s wife tradition. And they keep this tradition and they cook to celebrate,” she reiterated, her admiration evident.
As “Fletchers’ Family Farm at Christmas” continues to stream on ITVX, the Fletcher family’s story serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of authenticity, humor, and resilience. Whether learning to bake doughnuts in a snowy Austrian kitchen or rebuilding after loss, Kelvin and Liz Fletcher remind viewers that the real magic of Christmas—and of life—lies in embracing both the triumphs and the trials, together.
