Parenting
Discover How Kelvin and Liz Fletcher Balance Family Life and Farming Success
When we had the chance to chat with Liz and Kelvin Fletcher, the conversation felt like every bit of warmth you’d expect from parents fully invested in their family’s journey. Liz was gracefully multitasking, cradling their young twins, Maximus and Mateusz, while keeping an eye on farm chores. Meanwhile, Kelvin was knee-deep in tech support, trying to fix internet issues – an everyday reality for so many of us. Even though the Fletchers have enjoyed a fair bit of fame in the entertainment world, their down-to-earth demeanor shines through, making them as relatable as your next-door neighbors.
Liz is no stranger to the spotlight, having captured hearts in shows like *Pace* and *Cold Feet*. Kelvin, on the other hand, is a beloved figure in television, famously portraying Andy Sugden on *Emmerdale* for over 20 years. His victory on *Strictly Come Dancing* in 2019 with Oti Mabuse only added to his charm and popularity.
Last year, the couple invited us into their rural life through the TV series *Fletcher’s Family Farm*, giving us a deeper look into the ups and downs of merging parenting with farming and the challenges that come with it. With the announcement of a second season set to premiere on **November 24th on ITV1**, we felt compelled to catch up with them and learn how they’ve navigated the waters since our last chat.
As parents of four—Marnie, Milo, and twins Mateusz and Maximus—the Fletchers swapped the urban hustle for the tranquility of a sprawling 120-acre farm nestled near the Peak District. While trading city life for farm life surely carries its own set of hurdles, Liz and Kelvin are convinced that this choice was a fantastic one for their brood.
Whenever things feel overwhelming, being outdoors has become their sanctuary. “We’ve found that when life gets chaotic, the outdoors becomes our retreat. The children turn into little adventurers, discovering something magical every day. It doesn’t matter if it’s pouring rain or beaming sunshine; we make it a point to embrace the outdoors as much as we can. The sounds of nature, the fresh air, and the freedom it brings are incredibly rejuvenating,” Liz shares, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.
As the new season of *Fletcher’s Family Farm* approaches, Liz and Kelvin promise fans even more family escapades, with plans to introduce new animals and delve deeper into the agricultural lifestyle. Liz explains that transitioning to farm life has highlighted a surprising revelation: children truly thrive when they are encouraged to spend more time outside. “On a morning like today, you’ll find me comfortable in my cozy hoodie and fleece. This lifestyle has really emphasized how little time we spend indoors, and I can genuinely say it’s enriched my overall well-being.”
Both parents detail the positive impact farm life has had on their children. Kelvin notes how he often goes foraging with their eldest, Marnie, who was even gifted a sheep this Christmas—a real testament to their rural lifestyle’s charm.
“They genuinely love getting involved. Their curiosity is boundless, and it allows them to foster independence as they explore nature’s wonders—climbing trees, rummaging through bushes, and observing all the different plants. I truly believe that kids find adventure in every outdoor nook and cranny,” Kelvin says with a smile.
It’s charming how Liz and Kelvin juggle farm responsibilities with family obligations, and they do it with surprising grace. While we’re all left in awe of their balancing act, it does raise the question—how do they manage it all? Liz, as always, provides a refreshingly honest take.
“Some days, it’s pure hilarity,” she chuckles. “Our mornings are a whirlwind. We’re still on the hunt for matching socks! One twin is always missing a shoe, and by the time I finish dressing one, the other has managed to take off all their clothes!”
Despite managing a bustling family alongside farm duties for the past two years, Liz knows that one of the toughest challenges for busy parents is finding time for one-on-one moments with each child. Even amid the busy life they lead, they’ve mastered the art of special time together. “We focus on hobbies,” they share. “When Kelvin takes Marnie to her dance class or I take Milo to rugby, we turn those outings into special occasions, often grabbing a hot chocolate or tasty treat to sweeten the moment.”
Kelvin adds with a grin, “Marnie and I have our own little ‘date nights.’ She dresses to impress, and we have ourselves a fun evening. I try to bring some romance into it, but let me tell you—my attempts usually end up with her rolling her eyes and saying, ‘Dad, you’re so embarrassing!’ Still, I can tell she loves it deep down!”
Looking ahead to the new season, the Fletchers have taken on a whole new world of challenges at the farm, now managing over 200 sheep and 30 pigs. “In the very first episode of this upcoming season, we’ll face hurdles we’ve never seen before. It’s an emotional journey. I mean, Liz shed a few tears in the first episode!” Kelvin laughs. “She cries a lot, actually,” he admits, and Liz quips, “Guilty as charged!” Kelvin quickly follows, “But failure is just part of the deal with farm life. You take risks, and sometimes, you stumble. That’s reality, and we embrace it.”
As for their future—could they ever leave the farming behind? For the Fletchers, it’s hard to envision a life without the connection to nature and farming. “There’s a unique peace that you can’t replicate elsewhere. It’s about being in the moment, feeling part of a community, and taking pride in the food we grow. That foundational experience is crucial for our kids,” Kelvin reflects.
“It’s about creating a legacy,” Liz adds, “not just physically, but passing down the values of hard work and resilience. What they learn here will stay with them, shaping who they become. It’s truly invaluable.”
That said, Kelvin hints at the possibility of one day owning a ranch in America—who knows where that path may lead them? If it does come to fruition, here’s hoping they capture every delightful moment on camera for us to enjoy!
