Kelvin Fletcher Swaps Emmerdale Fame For Farm Life

Kelvin Fletcher, once a household name as Andy Sugden on the long-running ITV soap Emmerdale, has charted a dramatically different course since leaving the show in 2016. After spending two decades in the fictional Yorkshire village and appearing in over 2,000 episodes, Fletcher now finds himself far from the bright lights of the television studio, living a hands-on rural life with his wife, Liz, and their four young children on a farm in the picturesque Peak District. Their journey from soap stardom to muddy boots has captivated viewers, especially with the return of their ITV series, Fletchers’ Family Farm, now heading into its fourth season.

The couple recently appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning on January 17, 2026, offering a candid glimpse into their current life and reflecting on the dramatic shift from television to farming. The timing is no coincidence: the new season of Fletchers’ Family Farm is set to premiere on January 19 at 7:30 PM on ITV1, slotting into the weeknight schedule previously dominated by Emmerdale itself. It’s a full-circle moment for Fletcher, who, despite the nostalgia that might be expected from such a long tenure on the soap, was unequivocal about his feelings toward a possible return.

When host James Martin asked, “Do you miss your old life as well? I mean you did 2,000 episodes. When you look at it like that, that's a huge amount,” Fletcher responded without hesitation. “No I don't. Emmerdale was 20 happy years but there's not a day goes by I'd ever really think about it really. It's a past chapter and I've very much moved on now. It's funny, like I've said before, how life's imitating art.” According to the Daily Star and Express, this sentiment was echoed throughout the interview, with Fletcher making it clear that his days as Andy Sugden are firmly behind him.

The soap’s fans will remember Andy Sugden’s dramatic exit: framed for the shooting of Lawrence White by Chrissie White, the character was forced to flee custody using a fake passport. Fletcher joked, “I think I'm on the run, I think I'm in Spain. So I could go back having trained as a chef with a bit of a tan!” This tongue-in-cheek comment delighted viewers and underscored his readiness to embrace new adventures, both real and fictional.

Life on the farm, as depicted in Fletchers’ Family Farm, is anything but tranquil. Liz Fletcher, ever candid about the realities of rural living, teased what audiences can expect in the upcoming season. “We're bringing pigs back into it this time—we've had a bit of a break from pigs because they become a bit problematic but we miss them so we have brought pigs back. Just more of farm chaos really!” she told James Martin’s Saturday Morning. The return of pigs, after a hiatus due to their challenging nature, promises more unscripted moments and playful mishaps—a far cry from the scripted drama of Emmerdale, but entertaining in its own right.

The new season’s premiere isn’t the only thing for fans to look forward to. ITV1 will also air re-runs of previous seasons of Fletchers’ Family Farm in the 7:30 PM weeknight slot, a move made possible by Emmerdale’s shift to a later time. “We're the new Emmerdale basically,” Liz joked, highlighting the show’s growing popularity and its place in the hearts of British viewers. Kelvin added, “It's a bit of a catch up, a bit of a rejig, so if you've been under a rock for the past couple of years, this is what you've missed.”

For many, the Fletchers’ transition from television fame to farm life is a story of reinvention. According to Everything Gossip and FilmoGaz, Kelvin’s role on Emmerdale was not just a job, but a defining chapter. Yet, he has embraced the challenges of farming with the same determination that made Andy Sugden a memorable character. The couple’s willingness to share both the joys and the chaos of raising a family and running a farm has resonated with audiences, making their show a staple of ITV’s schedule.

There’s a certain irony in how closely Kelvin’s real life now mirrors the rural drama of his former on-screen existence. But while Andy Sugden’s story was one of perpetual turmoil and high-stakes drama, Kelvin and Liz’s farm life is grounded in authenticity, hard work, and the unpredictability of nature. The show doesn’t shy away from the difficulties—whether it’s wrangling pigs, coping with the weather, or juggling the needs of four children—but it also celebrates the triumphs, big and small, that come with a life lived close to the land.

As Fletchers’ Family Farm returns for its fourth season, the Fletchers are keen to welcome both loyal fans and newcomers. The new episodes promise more of the unscripted, relatable moments that have made the show a hit, as well as a chance to catch up on earlier seasons for those who missed out. “On a Monday night they're going to show shorter versions of series one, two and three,” Liz explained, making it easier than ever for viewers to join the journey from the beginning.

Despite the occasional speculation about a possible Emmerdale comeback, Kelvin Fletcher’s focus is firmly on the future. His reflections on his acting career are warm but resolute. “Emmerdale was a happy chapter but I have moved on.” His humor and humility—whether joking about Andy Sugden’s fate or embracing the chaos of farm life—have endeared him to a new generation of fans. And with Liz by his side, the Fletchers are proving that life after soap stardom can be just as dramatic, if not more so, when the script is written by real life.

For those tuning in, Fletchers’ Family Farm offers more than just a glimpse into rural living. It’s a story about change, resilience, and the joy of forging new paths—even if they’re a bit muddy. With the new season launching on January 19, 2026, at 7:30 PM on ITV1, the Fletchers invite everyone to join in the fun, the chaos, and the adventure of their ever-evolving family farm.