Kelvin Fletcher defends 'expensive' prices after announcing farm will open Santa's Village

While we all know he is particularly good at dancing thanks to his Strictly Come Dancing appearance, Kelvin Fletcher has turned his hand to other things following his Emmerdale exit.

Fletcher spent 20 years playing Andy Sugden in the ITV soap, before leaving the Yorkshire dales for good in 2021.

But while he may have left the Emmerdale farm, the actor has invested much of his time on a real-life 120 acre farm in the peak district at Wincle, near Macclesfield.

Alongside his wife Liz and their four children, a lot of interest has garnered in Fletcher's farming adventures, and the family are even documenting their experiences in a documentary for ITV.

Now, the former Emmerdale star has confirmed the farm will open to the public this Christmas, with Fletchers on the Farm hosting the 'magical' Santa's Village event on weekends throughout December.

Instagram/@kelvin_fletcher

Taking to Instagram to announce the news, the Fletchers said: "Fletchers on the Farm presents.... SANTA'S VILLAGE!!

"After the incredible success of our Easter Wonderland event we have decided to open up our farm THIS CHRISTMAS.

"We can't wait to welcome you and your family for the MOST MAGICAL event of the season."

Unfortunately for the Fletchers, fans aren't exactly focusing on the exciting news that the farm will be opening in the buildup to Christmas, but instead the price it will cost to get in.

It was confirmed over the weekend that tickets for the first ever Christmas event would be available in a 48-hour 'flash sale'.

But many have been left shocked by the 'expensive' ticket prices, with passes for the experience ranging from £48 to £54 for children.

As for adults, prices range from £24 to £28 depending on the dates you choose in December.

Instagram/@kelvin_fletcher

So, say a family of four was to visit the farm for a Christmas extravaganza, then they would be spending £144 on the cheaper days to visit.

Of course, those dates closer to the big day itself are going to be even more expensive - a burden a lot of families will not be able to afford with the ongoing cost of living crisis and the obvious extra costs during the holiday season.

The couple have since defended the prices they are charging for people to visit their farm.

In an extremely short statement, they told the Manchester Evening News: "The price reflects the experience."

Regardless of the promised experience, when the Fletchers announced the news, many flocked to the comments of the Instagram post to discuss the price.

"Wow, that's expensive," one person simply said, while a second added: "Shame the prices are so high for children."