Kelvin Fletcher is leaving Emmerdale – but why?

Talk about an end of an era

kevin fletcher emmerdale

by Hannah Mellin |
Published on

UPDATE: Kelvin Fletcher has responded to rumours he's leaving Emmerdale to become a rally driver.

It was reported yesterday that the actor was quitting the soap after 20 years on the show.

And he was said to have decided on a big career change to become a rally driver.

However, the star has responded to the news, and while he didn't confirm or deny if he was leaving the soap, it looks like he's still going to be acting.

He tweeted: "Leaving Emmerdale to become a rally driver? First I've heard!

"Although I do know one thing; There's some big surprises coming."


Kelvin Fletcher, who has played Andy Sugden in Emmerdale for 20 years, has decided to leave the soap.

Kelvin joined Emmerdale when he was just a wee 12-year old in 1996 and has played the same role ever since.

We've all watched him grow up on screen and he's become one of ITV's much adored soap characters.

kevin fletcher emmerdale

Now 32 and newly married to long-term girlfriend Liz Marsland, Kelvin wants a completely different career change - as now he's focusing on becoming a ralley driver!

His life-long ambition, that has been his "other career" since 2012.

Kelvin recently said said: "I do have aspirations to do other things.

"When you play one character for 20 years, regardless of the storylines they throw at you, there comes a time when you want to try something else.

"My drive and hunger for acting has never subsided, but hopefully I’ve got a few strings to my bow."

His exit storyline comes as his character goes to court over the shooting of Lawrence White.

Andy is currently facing prison over the shooting of his lover Chrissie White's father Lawrence White, a crime that he didn't actually commit.

kevin fletcher emmerdale

And although he has already filmed his final scenes, how he's bowing out of the soap is being kept a huge secret.

Speaking to The Sun, a source said: "Kelvin is a soap legend and will be sorely missed by Emmerdale and viewers. Bosses have managed to keep him leaving top secret, but now the cat is out of the bag.

"Producers have given him a big, dramatic exit. It's going to be the perfect way to see off Andy."

Let's hope Andy gets the exit he deserves.

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