Kelvin Fletcher may forever be associated with the rolling fields and tangled family histories of Emmerdale, but nearly a decade after leaving the ITV soap,

the actor has made it clear that his life has taken a dramatically different—and deeply fulfilling—direction. Once best known as Andy Sugden, one of the show’s most enduring

and emotionally complex characters, Fletcher has swapped scripted drama for real-life chaos on a working farm, embracing a lifestyle that is worlds away from the Dales that defined his early career.

Kelvin and Liz Fletcher on James Martin’s Saturday Morning

Fletcher’s departure from Emmerdale in 2016 marked the end of an era. Having joined the show as a child, he spent two decades portraying Andy Sugden, growing up on screen and becoming a familiar presence in British living rooms. Andy’s exit storyline was suitably dramatic: wrongly accused of shooting Lawrence White after being framed by Chrissie White, Andy went on the run, fleeing custody using forged documents to escape prosecution. It was a storyline filled with betrayal, heartbreak, and unresolved tension—one that left the door ajar for a possible return, at least in theory.

Fast-forward to the present day, and life has taken an unexpected turn that, as Fletcher himself admits, bears an uncanny resemblance to his character’s final chapter. Instead of hiding out abroad, however, Kelvin has found his freedom not in exile, but in the rugged beauty of the Peak District. Alongside his wife Liz and their four young children, he has built a new life as a farmer—one now documented in ITV’s popular factual series Fletchers’ Family Farm, which is set to return for its fourth season.

Ahead of the new series, Kelvin and Liz appeared on James Martin’s Saturday Morning on January 17, offering viewers a candid glimpse into what they described as their “chaotic” day-to-day existence. As Kelvin prepares to celebrate his 42nd birthday, the conversation naturally turned to reflection—both on the life he left behind and the one he has wholeheartedly embraced.

James Martin, clearly intrigued by Fletcher’s dramatic career shift, asked the question many fans have wondered about: does he ever miss his old life on Emmerdale? After all, as Martin pointed out, Kelvin appeared in more than 2,000 episodes—a staggering commitment by any measure.

Kelvin’s response was refreshingly definitive. He acknowledged the significance of his time on the soap, describing it as “20 happy years,” but was quick to clarify that it belongs firmly to the past. He revealed that he rarely thinks about returning, explaining that Emmerdale represents a completed chapter in his life. With quiet conviction, he added that he has “very much moved on,” noting the irony that his current life echoes the themes of escape and reinvention that once played out on screen.

That sense of closure did not stop the conversation from drifting, playfully, toward the possibility of Andy Sugden’s fate. When James Martin asked whether Andy was truly gone for good or merely lying low somewhere, Kelvin responded with humor, joking that his character was probably “on the run” and “in Spain.” Ever the performer, he quipped that a return could involve Andy coming back with a suntan and a new career—perhaps as a chef.

Despite the lighthearted banter, Kelvin made it clear that any return to Emmerdale is not currently on his radar. His focus, instead, is firmly rooted in the soil of his Peak District smallholding, where the demands of farm life have become both his greatest challenge and greatest joy.

Fletchers’ Family Farm has resonated with viewers precisely because it captures this unfiltered reality. The series chronicles the couple’s efforts to run a sustainable farm while raising four young children—a balancing act that often veers into chaos. From unpredictable livestock to the relentless pressures of rural living, the show offers a stark contrast to the polished world of scripted television.

Liz Fletcher teased what audiences can expect from the upcoming fourth series, revealing that pigs are making a return to the farm. After taking a break from them due to the complications they bring, the family decided they missed the animals too much to stay away. According to Liz, their return promises even more unpredictability, laughter, and stress—essential ingredients in what has become the show’s signature blend of warmth and realism.

James Martin was keen to ask Kelvin about his Emmerdale caree

The couple also shared news that previous seasons of Fletchers’ Family Farm will be reshown on ITV1 during the 7.30pm weekday slot, recently vacated as Emmerdale moves to a later broadcast time. Liz jokingly referred to the development as a symbolic passing of the torch, quipping that they are now “the new Emmerdale.” On Monday nights, shorter versions of the first three series will air, offering new viewers a chance to catch up—and longtime fans an opportunity to revisit the family’s journey.

Kelvin is looking ahead to the fourth series of his TV show

Kelvin echoed the sentiment, describing the repeats as a “catch-up” and a “rejig,” inviting anyone who may have missed the show to see what the past few years have held. The comment carried a sense of pride, not just in the success of the programme, but in the life it represents.

What makes Kelvin Fletcher’s story so compelling is the authenticity of his transformation. Unlike many former soap stars who chase new acting roles or pivot toward celebrity culture, Fletcher has embraced a path defined by hard work, uncertainty, and genuine connection. Farming, much like acting, requires resilience—but it offers no scripts, no retakes, and no guaranteed outcomes.

In that sense, Kelvin’s journey reflects a broader narrative about reinvention and fulfillment. While Emmerdale gave him fame and stability, life on the farm has given him purpose and perspective. His comments suggest not regret, but gratitude—for where he’s been, and for where he is now.

For fans hoping for an Andy Sugden comeback, the message is gentle but clear: Kelvin Fletcher has moved on. And as Fletchers’ Family Farm returns to screens, it’s evident that his “chaotic” new chapter is one he wouldn’t trade for anything—even the familiar pull of the Dales.