Emmerdale’s Kelvin Fletcher Addresses Possible Return as Andy Sugden

The Legacy of Andy Sugden

For Emmerdale fans, few names evoke nostalgia quite like Andy Sugden. Played by Kelvin Fletcher for 20 years, Andy grew up before viewers’ eyes — from troubled foster child to complicated adult — before disappearing from the Dales in 2016. His emotional exit left a hole in the show’s heart that fans still hope might one day be filled.

Now, nearly a decade later, Fletcher has opened up about whether he’d ever return to the ITV soap that made him a household name. Appearing on This Morning alongside his wife Liz to promote the new season of Fletcher’s Family Farm, the actor addressed the rumours head-on. Emmerdale legend Kelvin Fletcher responds to Andy Sugden return rumours

From the Dales to the Farm

Kelvin first joined Emmerdale in 1996 as Andy Hopwood, the foster son of Jack (Clive Hornby) and Sarah Sugden (Alyson Spiro). Over two decades, his character endured betrayal, heartbreak, tragedy, and redemption — including accidentally killing his foster mother, torching the family barn, and surviving countless feuds with brother Robert (Ryan Hawley).

Fans watched him navigate relationships with Katie Addyman (Sammy Winward), Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett), and Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb), as well as raising his daughter Sarah. Andy’s journey was one of the most dramatic in soap history, culminating in his decision to go on the run after being framed by Chrissy White (Louise Marwood).

After leaving the Dales, Kelvin swapped scripts for soil. He bought land in Cheshire, launching Kelvin’s Big Farming Adventure on BBC One and later Fletcher’s Family Farm on ITV — a reality series following his family’s journey into farming life. Andy Sugden sitting at a table with some alcohol beside him in Emmerdale

The Fire That Changed Everything

The new series picks up after tragedy struck the Fletchers’ real-life farm earlier this year. While the family were on holiday, a fire broke out at their home.

“It was the stuff of nightmares,” Kelvin told This Morning. “Our neighbour called in a panic saying the house was on fire. The fire brigade came out, and it was surreal. We were abroad — there was nothing we could do.”

Despite the devastation, Kelvin and Liz have focused on rebuilding, turning the experience into another chapter of their inspiring journey. Robert Sugden, as played by Ryan Hawley and Andy Sugden, as played by Kelvin Fletcher

“Would I Go Back to Emmerdale?”

When host Alison Hammond asked the question on everyone’s mind — whether Andy Sugden could make a comeback — Kelvin smiled knowingly.

“There always seems to be those rumours,” he said. “Emmerdale’s in a fantastic place right now. We’re fans of the show, and it’s very different watching it as someone who spent 20 years there. I’ve got amazing memories, but honestly, I think I’d be too busy — and I don’t think I could handle that two-hour commute!”

While Fletcher’s response doesn’t completely rule out a future return, it makes one thing clear — for now, his focus is firmly on family, farming, and enjoying life beyond the Dales. Andy Sugden (Kelvin Fletcher) and Jo Sugden (Roxanne Pallett)

Andy Sugden’s Future — Never Say Never

Emmerdale fans continue to speculate about whether Andy might one day return. With the Sugden family legacy still strong — and Robert and Victoria’s stories ongoing — there’s always room for another dramatic comeback.

For Kelvin, though, the door seems slightly ajar but not swinging open just yet. “I had an incredible time there,” he reflected. “Those memories will always stay with me.”

And for fans who grew up alongside Andy Sugden, that might just be enough… for now.