Celebrity Health – The Fletchers

Kelvin and Liz Fletcher speak to Liz Parry about the joys and challenges of raising four kids whilst running a farm

Images of the Fletcher Family © Daisybeck Studios/ITV

In 2021, actors Kelvin and Liz Fletcher moved to the Peak District to run a 120-acre farm, whilst also raising their four children under the age of six. As former Emmerdale star Kelvin and his family got to grips with their new life, their adventures were chronicled in the TV shows Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure and Fletchers’ Family Farm. We first interviewed the family two years ago, so as season 2 of Fletchers’ Family Farm has just hit our screens, we took the opportunity to catch up with them.

Q Hello Kelvin and Liz! I last interviewed you two years ago. How has life on the farm been since then?
Kelvin: It’s been an adventure – one that keeps evolving and changing. We’ve been here for three years now, and when we first started out, we never could’ve imagined where we’d end up. We never planned for the life we’re living now, but it’s funny how we can’t imagine life without it. The animals, the countryside, learning about and producing our food, the pride in agriculture – all of that has become such a big part of who we are. It hasn’t been without its challenges; the responsibility is huge, and there’s far less “me” time than before. But even so, it’s absolutely worth it. We’ve expanded a lot in the last few years – not in land size, but in terms of our knowledge and livestock operations. We’re farming more of our own land, working with larger numbers of animals, and even started selling our produce. It feels like we’re still just scratching the surface of what this life can offer.

Q How do you manage juggling farm life, work, and raising four children?
Kelvin: It’s tough! Like any working family, you’re constantly juggling. There’s no getting five minutes’ peace. But that’s just the nature of it, isn’t it? Every family has their challenges, and we’re no different.

Liz: It’s chaos sometimes, especially with twins! But we’ve learned to embrace the chaos. Being outside is a lifesaver – when things get overwhelming, we wrap everyone up and head out. It’s amazing how good it is for everybody, and we can find adventure in every corner. It’s not always easy, but it’s incredibly rewarding.

Q What does a typical day look like for you?
Liz: The kids are our alarm clock! We’re not dairy farmers, so we don’t have to be up at 5am, but mornings are still busy with getting the kids sorted and off to school. The twins stay with us, and we decide what farm tasks they can safely help with. If it’s stuff that they can join in with, then we absolutely get them involved. And they love it! Mateusz is an absolute farmer. He loves being given any job and he’ll just go in there feet first, no matter what it is. He wants to be right in there with the animals. Max holds himself back a little bit. He weighs up the situation, he checks everything’s okay, and then he’ll get involved. Every day, I always say, whatever you’ve got planned, there’ll be a curve ball in there somewhere. An animal might escape, a fence might come down or there will be a leak somewhere. No day is ever the same.

Q What have your kids learned from life on the farm?
Kelvin: They’ve learned so much. Kids have a natural empathy for animals, and it’s wonderful to see that develop. They’re adventurous, inquisitive, and they learn a lot through play, which a farm is perfect for. They’re outside, away from screens, immersed in nature, and learning firsthand about the seasons, the animals, and the cycle of life. This morning, for example, we were talking about the autumn colours and why the seasons change. It’s such a powerful way for them to understand the world.

Q Do they help out on the farm?
Kelvin: Oh, yes, they’re proper little grafters! Marnie has her own sheep and is a big help. Milo pitches in sometimes, too, though the twins are still a bit of a liability – they’re more likely to make extra mess when they help! But they love being involved. Marnie and Milo can take on proper tasks, but with the twins, it’s more about finding age–appropriate jobs. It’s chaotic, but we enjoy it.

Q Would you say you’re fitter and healthier now compared to living in the city?
Kelvin: Definitely. You are what you eat, and being more connected to where our food comes from has made us much more conscious of what we put into our bodies. We’re eating better, living more active lives, and feeling healthier overall. That said, farm life can be exhausting! There are nights when I’m up until 1am and back at it by 6:30. But on the whole, it’s been great for our health and happiness.

Q What’s next for your family?
Kelvin: We plan to stay on the farm and continue raising our kids here. Being in nature has simplified our lives and given us the chance to focus on what really matters: creating memories and staying present. We want to live off the land, respect it, and give back to it. It’s a continuous circle that connects us to something much bigger. I really feel like we’ve found our calling.

Fletcher’s Family Farm (@fletchersonthefarm) starts on Sunday 24 November at 11.30am across ITVX and ITV1.

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