Kelvin Fletcher was flooded with support after sharing a tragic update online. The former Emmerdale star, 42, who documents his rural life on ITV's Fletcher's Family Farm, announced the death of his beloved cow, Cherry. Taking to Instagram with an emotional post, Kelvin admitted Cherry's passing has been "heartbreaking" and expressed gratitude to fans for their continued support of their family show.

He wrote: "Farewell Cherry. It's been tough and heartbreaking to accept after the joys and journey she's taken us on, but unfortunately, part and parcel with farming. We really appreciate your comments with the kindness and compassion you have shown. We truly can't believe the impact this show has and reading your comments and meeting people in the street, hearing your love and connection to the show, is honestly so lovely and humbling."

The Strictly Come Dancing winner added: "It's an honour to give you an insight into our family life."

Supportive messages poured in from fans, with one commenting: "This is the one programme I have to see every week. You and Liz have the most gorgeous family and it's wonderful to see how you are all enjoying your lives as farmers. I was so sorry about Cherry. I hope Ezra is doing OK."

Another penned: "I was gutted when I watched today. Watching your show is my favourite to watch and rewatch again and again. Sending love to your family xxx."

A third shared: "Watched your latest episode last night. Was so sad to see Cherry has passed away poor little Ezra. He looked so lost, but he will be a strong little bull and you will see traits of Cherry in him. Great show but has me in tears, don't know how you do it, but keep it up love watching it."

Cherry's death means her six-month-old calf, Ezra, has been left without a mum.

"This is a lot to process. We are such a small herd, and Cherry was most definitely the matriarch," Kelvin said on Fletcher's Family Farm. "Losing her is a huge blow for us and her calf, Ezra. It's really upsetting. Absolutely gutted."

Kelvin's wife, Liz, added: "It's just happened so out of the blue, but we'll get them in now. We'll work out what we're gonna do about Ezra, and, yeah, just try and get them all back in the sheds.

"It doesn't feel real about Cherry because it just doesn't make sense. She was absolutely fine this morning, and it's not until we get the post-mortem from the vet that we know what happened."