Who is Kelvin Fletcher? Strictly Come Dancing star replacing Jamie Laing and Emmerdale actor

29 November 2019, 13:38 | Updated: 29 November 2019, 13:41

Everything you need to know about Strictly contestant Kelvin Fletcher
Everything you need to know about Strictly contestant Kelvin Fletcher. Picture: Getty / Instagram

Kelvin Fletcher, who is best-known for playing Andy Sugden in Emmerdale, is joining this year's Strictly line-up.

After Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing was forced to pull out of the dancing competition, Strictly Come Dancing bosses confirmed Emmerdale star Kelvin Fletcher would be stepping in his place and will be paired up with professional dancer Oti Mabuse.

Here's everything you need to know about the star - including details on his career, wife Eliza and their children.

READ MORE: Here's the full Strictly line-up for 2019

Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher joins the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing line-up
Emmerdale actor Kelvin Fletcher joins the 2019 Strictly Come Dancing line-up. Picture: BBC

Who is Kelvin Fletcher and who did he play in Emmerdale?

Kelvin Fletcher, 35, is best known for playing Andy Sugden in Emmerdale - a role he had for over twenty years!

In 2016, Kelvin announced he would be leaving the show. Producers on the soap decided to leave Andy's story open, in the event he decided to return to the Dales.

As well as being a successful TV actor, Kelvin is a professional rally driver.

Who is Kelvin's wife Eliza Marsland?

Kelvin married his long-term girlfriend and Eliza in 2015.

Eliza regularly shares sweet snaps of her and Kelvin, as well as their two children, with her Instagram followers.

How many kids do Kelvin and Eliza have?

The couple welcomed their first baby shortly after tying the knot, when Eliza gave birth to their daughter Marnie on 25 August, 2016.

Kelvin and Eliza then announced the arrival of their son Milo, who was born in December 2018.

What has Kelvin said about taking part in Strictly 2019?

On Sunday 8 September, Kelvin took to Instagram to share the exciting news with his 115k followers.

He wrote: "Is this really happening @bbcstrictly ?!!!! Absolutely BUZZING! β€οΈπŸ•ΊπŸ»πŸ’ƒπŸ»"

Only time will tell if Kelvin has two left feet - or his dancing skills are enough to take him all the way, to be crowned this year's winner.