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ITV viewers threatened to "switch off" Sunday's instalment of Fletcher's Family Farm after Kelvin Fletcher revealed his intentions to send his cow Sonic for slaughter.

Kelvin explained, "I'm in the barn with Sonic, and we're about to start a journey that every farmer knows well, but in this particular case is new to us. It's nearly time for Sonic to make the journey most livestock animals are bred for."

Discussing the rationale behind his choice, the former Emmerdale star said, "The process is we have got Sonic in, and we've got him in to finish. We enjoy meat, as many people do, and this is part of it. Obviously, we've done that with the sheep and the pigs, and we've kind of got used to that now, whereas this is going to feel very well, I don't know how it's going to feel. Is it going to feel different? I don't know."

"Even though it's part of life on the farm, it doesn't make the moment any easier," he added.

Kelvin continued by stating that this Christmas, he anticipated serving Fletcher's beef. He said, "The kids understand brilliantly the concepts, in such an uncomplicated way, of what the animals become. You know, when we eat animals, they've got a very good understanding of that, and it's uncomplicated, as it kind of should be. It's celebrated," reports the Mirror.

He continued, "He's had a great life running around and being happy. He looks in fantastic condition. He's a show winner as well. Let's not forget that he's a rosette-wearing supreme champion. I'd probably go as far as saying you'd be our most famous.

"You're our first, you're award-winning, you've been on the telly, you've got a name, and you'll be the first Fletcher beef that we eat and other people eat, so there's a lot riding on this, mate."

After the episode aired, Kelvin and his wife, Liz, posted an update on Instagram for their followers. Using their Fletcher's Family Farm Instagram page, the pair revealed, "Fletcher's Beef. What a moment for us."

Kelvin and Liz didn't specify whether the beef came from Sonic, but some viewers were upset by the revelation, with many stating they couldn't bring themselves to watch the most recent episode.

One viewer commented, "I've just watched today's show, and I had to turn it off...poor Sonic."

"I can't watch this week's! The downside of farming for me," another remarked, whilst a third stated, "Shan't be watching anymore."

Someone else urged, "Please don't name them, if you're going to eat them."

Another questioned, "Is that poor Sonic? You're a braver person than me, no way could I eat him."

Others praised the couple on their beef, commenting: "Looks fabulous, beef. Congratulations, that's a hard job to choose the cattle to market. It needs to be done."

Another person added: "Congrats to you, I couldn't be a farmer, I couldn't feed them, name them, rear them, and then eat them. I am not saying I don't eat meat, I do, but not ones I name."

Fletcher's Family Farm is available to watch on ITVX.

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