Former Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher has delivered a concerning health update to fans, revealing the full extent of an injury sustained during a charity rugby match on his ITV show, Fletchers' Family Farm.
The reality TV star participated in the match alongside professional rugby league players Gareth Ellis, Mark Flanagan, and Danny McGuire. The event was held to raise funds for the David Lewis Centre, a charity dedicated to supporting individuals with complex needs.
Rugby Match Leads to Serious Injury
During the game, which aired in an episode on November 23, Fletcher was initially substituted but later returned to the pitch where he was heavily tackled. He immediately expressed his fear, stating, "I'm hoping, fingers crossed, I've not, but it feels like I've torn my bicep."
Subsequent medical scans confirmed his worst suspicions. The results, revealed on the show, diagnosed a torn bicep, a significant injury that has left him unable to perform many of his essential farming tasks.
Farm Show Responsibilities in Jeopardy
The injury has thrown his participation in the upcoming Royal Cheshire Show into doubt, where he was due to showcase his Lincoln Red cattle. Contemplating his limited mobility, Fletcher remarked on the programme, "I need to find a potential understudy."
He turned to his wife, Liz, suggesting she might have to take the lead. "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," he explained. When he asked how she felt about this new responsibility, Liz replied, "Well not great, obviously."
Despite the setback, Kelvin remained determined, reassuring her that "despite the adversity, despite the hiccups we're still going to go."
Wife Liz Steps Up Amid Concerns
Speaking to the cameras, Liz shared her anxiety about the sudden change of plans. "Where I thought I was just going to be having 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 confessed.
She admitted to feeling "underprepared, more than last year" and expressed concern about how the bull would react to others in the ring. Nevertheless, she resolved, "But we're in it now, what can we do? We're going."
In a lighter moment, Kelvin also suffered a paper cut, leading his wife to affectionately tease him as a "delicate flower" before giving him a warm hug.
Fletchers' Family Farm airs on ITV1 every Sunday, with all episodes available to stream on ITVX.
