A tough start to lambing season has led to heartbreak for a former Emmerdale actor and Strictly star.
Kelvin Fletcher who played farmer Andy Sugden for 20 years—now runs a real-life 120-acre working farm near Macclesfield with his wife Liz
But the pair have lost six of their first 10 lambs this season.
They shared the news on their ITV show Fletcher’s Family Farm, which follows their journey into farming life and airs on Sundays.
Kelvin in happier times (Image: Freelance)
Mr Fletcher said: "So many issues.
"So when you hear that, it's a little bit easier to stomach, really, that it's not you.
"You've done nothing wrong."
A visiting vet described this year’s lambing as the worst she had ever seen, with widespread complications reported across the region.
These included prolapses, oversized lambs, and ringwomb—a condition where the cervix fails to open enough for birth.
Although the problems were distressing, the couple took some comfort in knowing they were not alone.
Mr Fletcher noted that while four years of experience had helped them develop a routine, some ewes had delivered larger-than-usual lambs this season, leading to more difficult births.
Mrs Fletcher said: "That's the thing.
"There are highs and lows, and when the highs are good, they're really good."
The couple found solace in the surviving lambs, with Mrs Fletcher pointing out a sleeping lamb nearby as a reminder of the rewarding moments farming can bring despite the setbacks.