Parenting
Kelvin And Liz Fletcher Share Insights On Family and Farming
When we spoke with Liz and Kelvin Fletcher, it was exactly what you would envision from active, engaged parents. Liz was balancing their young twins, Maximus and Mateusz, while simultaneously tending to farm duties, and Kelvin was busy resolving internet issues. Despite their acclaim as well-known actors, which might imply a life filled with glamour, the Fletchers’ authentic and approachable nature remains just as refreshing as ever.
The Fletchers are no strangers to fame. Liz gained recognition from her performances in Pace and Cold Feet, while Kelvin has earned his spot in TV history after over 20 years portraying Andy Sugden on Emmerdale. He also won the hearts of many when he triumphed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 alongside Oti Mabuse.
Last year, the couple welcomed us into their lives (metaphorically speaking) as they embraced the challenges of family life on their farm in the television series Fletcher’s Family Farm. We had an up-close view of their experiences, witnessing their efforts to balance parenting, farming, and life’s other demands. So, upon learning they would return for a second series on November 24th on ITV1, we knew we had to reconnect with them for the latest updates on their journey since we last saw them.
Goodbye showbiz, hello Mother Nature
Kelvin, Liz, and their four children—Marnie, Milo, and twins Mateusz and Maximus—have undertaken the bold adventure that many parents only fantasize about, leaving the hectic city life behind for rural life on a sprawling 120-acre farm just outside the Peak District. Although the farm comes with its share of challenges, the couple, both from non-farming backgrounds, explains why they believe this decision has been fantastic for their family.
“Whenever life gets overwhelming, our safe haven is outdoors. The kids become free-spirited explorers and discover adventure in every nook. Regardless of whether it’s raining, snowing, sunny, or anything in between, we make it a point to be outside as much as we can. And for me, I love the sounds, the scents, and the mental clarity it brings. It makes me feel revitalized,” Liz explains.
“You don’t really realise just how little time you actually need to spend indoors.”
In the upcoming season of Fletcher’s Family Farm, Liz and Kelvin assure audiences that they will showcase even more of their family’s adventure as they introduce new animals to the farm and explore the agricultural lifestyle. Liz revealed to us how relocating to the farm has highlighted just how little time she needs to be indoors, and as a mother, this change has positively affected her overall wellness. Naturally, she shares this on a misty, foggy morning while sporting a hoodie and fleece ensemble that only Liz could pull off with such style.
Both Liz and Kelvin Fletcher note the positive influence of farm life on their children. Kelvin shares that he often goes foraging with their eldest daughter, Marnie, who even received a sheep for Christmas this year to look after!
“I think children find adventure in any outdoor area.”
“They truly enjoy participating. Their curiosity about their surroundings is always evident. This also fosters a sense of independence, allowing them to explore the outdoors, investigate the bushes, and observe what’s growing. I believe children discover adventure in any outdoor space,” Kelvin states.
Harvesting Chaos
We are truly impressed by how Liz and Kelvin manage to balance their farm duties with family life. In this upcoming series, viewers can expect to see more of their everyday experiences as they run the farm together. Nevertheless, it leads us to ponder…How do they accomplish everything? It seems daunting to juggle caring for animals while raising children. As always, Liz provides a refreshingly candid response.
“Some days, it is absolute chaos. Our morning school run is… to this day, we still can’t seem to locate a matched pair of socks. There’s always one child missing a shoe. You get one twin all set, and by the time you look again, the other one has taken off their clothes!”
The Fletchers have been balancing parenthood with farm management for two years now, yet any parent of multiple children understands that one of the greatest hurdles is carving out time for individual interactions with each child. While it’s hard to fathom how they manage everything alongside a bustling farm, we’re eager to witness their approach in the new series.
Kelvin and Liz shared this valuable tip: “Hobbies.” They mentioned how they leverage each child’s passions as a chance for one-on-one bonding time. For instance, when Kelvin takes their daughter Marnie to her dance rehearsals or Liz accompanies Milo to rugby, they ensure these outings become special moments, often indulging in a hot chocolate or treat beforehand. Brilliant!
Liz and Kelvin always prioritize one-on-one time with their children. ©Instagram/ Liz Fletcher
“Me and Marnie often do a little date night.”
With a smile, Kelvin shares, “Marnie and I often enjoy little date nights together. She’ll show up all dressed nicely with a small bag in tow, and that becomes my ‘date’ for the evening. I attempt to be romantic, but I usually end up embarrassing her. She’ll protest, saying, ‘You’re so embarrassing, Dad,’ but I can tell she secretly loves it!”
New Season, New Challenges
What awaits us in the new season? The Fletcher farm has undergone significant changes. They’ve transitioned from having no sheep to now owning over two hundred sheep and thirty pigs. Talk about a bustling household.
Kelvin elaborates, “From the outset in episode one, we encounter challenges we’d never faced before. It’s an emotional journey. I believe Liz shed tears in the first episode.” Liz playfully interjects, “I cry all the time!” To which Kelvin adds, “Indeed, we take substantial risks, and there are moments we fall short. But that’s essential—that’s just part of life and farming.”
Liz and Kelvin Fletcher with their children Marnie, Milo, and twins Mateusz and Maximus. ©Kelvin and Liz Fletcher
Is Farm Life Forever?
While we thoroughly enjoyed watching Liz and Kelvin Fletcher along with their family in the first season of the Fletcher Farm and eagerly anticipate the upcoming season, we started to wonder if this was the end of their journey as a celebrity couple.
“I can’t imagine a life without some aspect of country living or farming. It gives you a stillness and a presence that nothing else ever has. Naturally, we incorporate other parts of our life as we go, seeing where they take us. But at the core of it all, for me, living off the land, having that sense of community, and taking pride in rural life and homegrown food – that’s what it’s all about,” says Kelvin.
“The farm will be a legacy to the children, not just in a physical sense, but in the values they learn here. That, to me, is absolutely key. The farm will provide a foundation, both consciously and subconsciously, and the opportunities they have and the lessons they absorb will benefit them for the rest of their lives. It’s truly priceless.”
However, Kelvin hints that perhaps a ranch in America could be a future possibility, and if that occurs, we hope they bring the cameras along for the ride.
