Kelvin Fletcher has delivered a concerning health update on the latest episode of his ITV reality series, Fletchers' Family Farm.
On the November 23 installment, viewers learned the full extent of injuries the former Emmerdale actor sustained during a charity rugby match. Fletcher played alongside professional rugby league stars Gareth Ellis, Mark Flanagan, and Danny McGuire to support the David Lewis Centre, a charity for individuals with complex needs.
Initially removed from the game as a substitute, Fletcher later re-entered the action, enduring a heavy tackle. At the time, he feared he had torn his bicep, saying, “I’m hoping, fingers crossed, I’ve not, but it feels like I’ve torn my bicep.”
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The latest medical scans confirmed his worst fears—Fletcher is dealing with a torn bicep injury. This has left him unable to fully manage his farming responsibilities, particularly his work with Lincoln Red cattle.
“I need to find a potential understudy,” Fletcher said on the show, as he considered whether he could participate in the upcoming Royal Cheshire Show. Speaking with his wife Liz, he admitted, “My arm is killing me still. My arm’s really sore and I’m just thinking whether it’s best you taking them. You’ll be fine.”
Liz responded with some hesitation: “Well, not great, obviously.” Nevertheless, Fletcher remained optimistic: “Despite the adversity, despite the hiccups, we’re still going to go.”
Later, Liz confided to the cameras her concerns about stepping in: “Where I thought I was just going to have a lovely day at the Cheshire show with the kids, no pressure, no worries, I’m now told I’m going to have to step it up and potentially be the one that’s in the ring with the cow because of Kelvin’s injury.”
She added, “I feel underprepared, more than last year. Even though he is a beautiful and calm temperament, it’s how does he respond to those other bulls. But we’re in it now, what can we do? We’re going.”
Adding to his physical setbacks, Fletcher also suffered a minor paper cut, prompting Liz to teasingly call him a “delicate flower” before giving him a warm embrace.
Fletchers' Family Farm airs Sundays on ITV1, with episodes available to stream on ITVX.