It’s a great day for Emmerdale fans, especially those who’ve been missing the rugged charm and heartfelt storylines of one of the soap’s most beloved characters: Andy Sugden. The man behind the role, actor and real-life farmer Kelvin Fletcher, is making a much-anticipated return to television — and in a setting that’s close to his heart.
Kelvin will be featured in the upcoming Channel 5 documentary series Springtime on the Farm, a celebratory and insightful look into the beauty, complexity, and community spirit of British farming. The show, set to air in April, is already generating buzz, especially with its impressive line-up of familiar faces.
Back to Nature: Farming with the Stars
The new series will follow a group of well-known personalities, including JLS star JB Gill, Countryfile presenter Adam Henson, and Springwatch Unsprung’s Lindsey Chapman, as they live and work on JB’s family farm. Together, they’ll get their hands dirty tending to animals, planting crops, and learning more about the dedication and care that goes into running a farm during one of its busiest seasons.
Kelvin, who has in recent years embraced farming in his personal life with his own farm and young family, seems right at home in this new chapter of his career. Viewers will see him swap the soundstage for stables and enjoy a lifestyle he’s clearly passionate about.
“It’s a real celebration of British farming,” said co-host Adam Henson. “We want to capture the imagination of the public and show the incredible work farmers are doing across the country.”
For fans of Kelvin’s Strictly Come Dancing win and those who’ve followed his journey from soap stardom to countryside living, Springtime on the Farm offers a refreshing and meaningful new glimpse into who he is beyond the screen.
From Emmerdale Fields to Real-Life Farming
Long before he was tending to sheep and soil in real life, Kelvin was winning hearts as Andy Sugden, a role he played for nearly two decades on ITV’s Emmerdale. From 1996 until his departure in 2016, Andy’s emotional storylines—marked by tragedy, romance, fatherhood, and resilience—made him one of the show’s most enduring and relatable characters.
His departure from the soap was met with sadness by loyal viewers. In the story, Andy was forced to flee after being wrongly accused of attempted murder, a dramatic exit that left the door wide open for a potential return. And judging by Kelvin’s recent comments, the idea of stepping back into Andy’s boots isn’t entirely off the table.
“There’s More to Tell with Andy”
Speaking with Digital Spy not long after leaving the show, Kelvin expressed his affection for the character and the world of Emmerdale, hinting that he’s open to future appearances.
“If there’s a time in the future that Andy reappears as a man trying to prove his innocence, who knows?” he said. “I’d leave any exciting future storylines in the capable hands of the talented producers, storyliners, and writers.”
Kelvin made it clear that his journey with Andy Sugden doesn’t feel entirely over.
“For me as an actor, I still feel like I could give more with the part of Andy—and I always will.”
For longtime Emmerdale fans, that’s music to their ears. The idea of Andy returning, perhaps older, wiser, and ready to clear his name or reconnect with the characters he left behind, offers endless possibilities for emotional storytelling.
Kelvin’s Life Today: More Than an Actor
Since stepping away from Emmerdale, Kelvin Fletcher hasn’t exactly slowed down. After winning Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 with professional partner Oti Mabuse, his profile soared even higher. But beyond the glitterball trophy, Kelvin made a surprising move—trading in city life for a farm in the countryside with his wife, Eliza Marsland, and their four children.
His journey into farming has since been chronicled in the BBC series Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure, where audiences saw his struggles and successes adjusting to life on the land. The authenticity and heart he brought to the series resonated with viewers, making it clear that farming wasn’t just a phase—it was a passion.
With Springtime on the Farm, Kelvin continues this journey, and his fans are more than happy to go along for the ride.
A Bright Future – On Screen and Off
Between his real-life farming pursuits, television projects, and potential return to Emmerdale, Kelvin Fletcher has carved out a career that balances heart, hard work, and humility. He’s a rare celebrity who continues to evolve while staying grounded — quite literally.
Whether it’s ploughing fields or portraying compelling characters, Kelvin brings authenticity and charm to everything he does. And as he returns to our screens this spring, viewers are eager to see what this next chapter holds.
Could Andy Sugden make a surprise return to the Dales someday? With the door still open, fans can dream. But for now, they’ll be happy to watch Kelvin thrive where he clearly feels most at home — among nature, animals, and family.