CELEBRITY farming couple Kelvin and Liz Fletcher are to host the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards ceremony at Warrington in March.
Kelvin, who famously played farmer Andy Sugden on Emmerdale, lives with Liz and his four young children on a 120-acre farm in the picturesque village of Wincle, in the Peak District near Macclesfield.
The couple star in ITV’s Fletcher’s Family Farm, soon to return for a fourth series, which documents the highs and lows of running their farm.
But, Kelvin, who won a new set of fans when he won Strictly with dance partner Oti Mabuse in 2019, says he is now looking forward to his new role alongside Liz as hosts of the Visit Cheshire Tourism Awards 2026.
From iconic attractions and boutique stays to unforgettable events and outstanding hospitality, the awards celebrate the brilliant businesses and individuals behind the region’s £3.9 billion visitor economy.
Organised by Marketing Cheshire, the glittering ceremony will be held on Thursday March 5 at Walton Hall and Gardens in Warrington.
Kelvin said: “Liz and I proudly call Cheshire our home, so this is a huge honour. As well as its beautiful surroundings, we know tourism plays a massive part in the region’s prosperity and we can’t wait to celebrate the success stories behind it.”
Liz also hosts her own ITV show, Fletchers’ Country Workshop, showcasing her flair for craft, and said she was delighted to be teaming up with Kelvin at the awards ceremony.
“We both love Cheshire and it’s a wonderful place to live, work and bring up our family and we are so excited to be able to celebrate all our brilliant tourism businesses.”
The couple’s farm also hosts events including a festive attraction complete with Santa’s Grotto last month. Guests can also rent a cottage on the farm.
Winners of the Cheshire Awards will be entered into the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence, where they’ll represent Cheshire and Warrington and compete against the country’s best tourism businesses.
Jamie Christon, chair of Marketing Cheshire, said: “The region’s world-class tourism sector supports 38,000 jobs and attracts more than 56 million visits a year. The standard of entries for this year’s awards has been phenomenal, we are delighted that Liz and Kelvin will be joining us to recognise and celebrate the brilliant people powering the Cheshire and Warrington visitor economy.”
