He’s one of the longest serving castmembers, having joined Emmerdale at the tender age of 12.

So no wonder Kelvin Fletcher wanted to celebrate his milestone of two decades in the role of Andy Sugden he shared a cute throwback of his early days in the soap.

The actor, 32, shared a photo of himself as a pre-teen on Twitter on Monday, writing: ’20 years ago to the day, 4th July 1996 I made my debut on @emmerdale as ‘Andy Hopwood’.

Fresh-faced: A young Kelvin Fletcher was cast as foster child Andy Hopwood in Emmerdale in 1996
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Fresh-faced: A young Kelvin Fletcher was cast as foster child Andy Hopwood in Emmerdale in 1996

Growing up on screen: Actor Kelvin is now a beefed up thirtysomething
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Growing up on

Sammy tweeted: ‘@kelvin_fletcher @emmerdale love that. Well done Kel. Xxxx.’

Meanwhile, current co-star Nicola Wheeler joked: ‘@kelvin_fletcher @emmerdale awwww well done Emmerdale for putting up with you.’

Fatal mistake: A young Andy set fire to the barn in a bid to help ease his father's financial woes, but ended up killing his mother Sarah in the fire
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Fatal mistake: A young Andy set fire to the barn in a bid to help ease his father’s financial woes, but ended up killing his mother Sarah in the fire

Now a married man and a gym fanatic, Kelvin has grown up in front of the nation after being cast as troubled foster child Andy in 1996.

The young boy was fostered by Jack (Clive Hornby) and Sarah Sugden (Alyson Spiro) and soon settled into life in the village.

One of his first big storylines was setting a barn alight in an insurance scam to save Emmerdale Farm from financial ruin, unaware his adoptive mother Sarah was inside, who was subsequently killed in the fire.

Andy went on to marry Katie as a teenager, but their marriage failed after she had an affair with his adoptive brother Robert.

Not again! After accidentally killing his mother, Andy ended up shooting his father Jack Sugden in 2004 - fortunately he survived
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Not again! After accidentally killing his mother, Andy ended up shooting his father Jack Sugden in 2004 – fortunately he survived

In his fury, Andy attempts to shoot Robert, but ended up hitting his father Jack instead. 

Andy and Robert’s rift comes back to haunt them years later when the former re-marries Katie in December 2014.

Their marriage does not long when Katie ended up falling to her death following a row with Robert.

In 2008, Andy eventually received justice for his part in the fire and Sarah’s death and is sentenced to time in prison.

He weds Jo Stiles (Roxanne Pallett) while in prison, but their marriage doesn’t last long after he started physically abusing her following his release from prison.

Andy is now father to Sarah and Jack Jnr with Debbie Dingle (Charley Webb) after a very complicated on/off relationship. 

Sexy scene: Andy ended up having sex with his estranged brother Robert's ex-wife Chrissie in episodes this year
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Sexy scene: Andy ended up having sex with his estranged brother Robert’s ex-wife Chrissie in episodes this year

screen: Actor Kelvin is now a beefed up thirtysomething

‘I’ve loved every minute.’

Some of his former Emmerale co-stars congratulated him on his achievement, including Sammy Winward, who played his on-screen wife Katie Addyman.