Emmerdale legend teases return to ITV soap seven years after dramatic exit
EMMERDALE legend Kelvin Fletcher could be set to return to the ITV soap seven years after his dramatic exit.
Kelvin, 39, played the beloved character Andy Sugden from 1996 until 2016.
He left the soap in dramatic fashion seven years ago, with Andy escaping from police custody after he was framed for attempted murder by Chrissie White (Louise Marwood). This came after the pair had a steamy affair while she was engaged to his adoptive brother Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley), who she discovered was busy rolling around in the barn with Aaron Dingle (Danny Miller).
During Andy’s final weeks in the Dales, viewers saw Chrissie plant the gun which Lachlan used to shoot her father Lawrence (John Bowe) in Andy’s car before trying to blackmail Andy’s barrister into persuading her former lover to plead guilty.
Andy pleaded not guilty to the crime, but before he could be sentenced he escaped from prison and went on the run with a fake passport.
His stepsister Bernice Blackstock (Samantha Giles), whom he had been romantically involved with, almost went with him. However, she chose to stay in the village and bid Andy an emotional farewell.
Kelvin chose to exit the soap in order to pursue other acting opportunities. He’s since starred in the comedy film Jack Absolutely Flies Again and appeared in dramas like The Teacher and McDonald and Dodds. He also won Strictly Come Dancing in 2019 and is set to launch his new ITV series, Fletcher Family Farm.
However, after seven years away, Kelvin may be ready to return to the Dales once again.
Speaking to Metro about a possible return to the soap, he teased, “never say never,” adding that he’s still a huge Emmerdale fan.
I watch the show as a fan now and I’m lucky in that sense.”
“It’s an incredible show, it’s got an unbelievable fanbase, since I left it’s gone from strength to strength,” he said before joking, “maybe that’s a sign I should stay away.”
Kelvin’s return would definitely be an interesting one, as the soap would have to explain where he’s been all this time. Additionally, he would also face his daughter Sarah and son Jack, who he left behind.
While Kelvin isn’t giving too much away about Andy’s possible reemergence, it’s not the first time he’s teased a return to the soap.
When Moira Dingle (Natalie J. Robb) had to put her farm up for sale, Kelvin took to social media and suggested this could be the perfect opportunity for Andy to make a comeback. “I’ll buy it,” he wrote online.
Emmerdale fans were thrilled at the prospect of getting Andy back on the soap.
“Please come back onto our screens,” one said.
While another wrote: “Yes please, the Dales are missing you and so are we!”
However, Kelvin’s new family farming show is keeping him pretty busy, so it remains to be seen if Andy will be making a return to the Dales in the near future.
Fletcher Family Farm premieres on ITV and ITVX this Autumn.