Former Strictly Come Dancing champion Kelvin Fletcher is calling on people in the farming community to check in on loved ones as he pledged his support for a campaign about mental health in the industry.

The ex-Emmerdale star, who last year bought a 120-acre farm in the Peak District, is supporting the Farm Safety Foundation’s Mind Your Head campaign.

There were a total of 44 suicides registered in England and Wales of those working in the farming and agricultural industry in 2020, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The foundation said a recent study showed that mental health issues among farmers and agricultural workers are of growing concern and are having a direct impact on safety on farms.

A survey of 450 farmers under the age of 40 found that 92 per cent suggested poor mental health is the biggest hidden problem facing farmers today – up from 82 per cent in 2018.

Meanwhile, a separate survey of 250 farmers over the age of 40 found 84 per cent said it is one of the biggest problems farmers face.