TV and soap legend Kate Ritchie steps away from role amid mental health battle

Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie has stepped back from her radio presenting role, after opening up about her mental health. The actress, 46, starred as Sally Fletcher from the Australian soap’s inception in 1988 until her departure in 2008. She briefly reprised the part five years later. Since 2014, Kate has hosted shows on Nova 96.9 radio, currently fronting breakfast’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie alongside co-hosts Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael Wipfli.

Last week, in pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia, she was seen driving her car to a bottle shop near her home, before picking up her daughter Mae from school and then heading to a park. In an emotional video, she can be seen crying whilst taking a phone call, wiping tears from her eyes and burying her head in her hands. Kate has been absent from her radio show for some time, and although she was meant to make a return today, she has now addressed her private health battle.

Taking to Instagram she wrote: ‘I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined. ‘So, I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love, to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you.’.

She continued: ‘This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it’s like. The images of me taken last week show that I wasn’t okay on that day. ‘My struggle is not helped by the relentless stalking of me by the paparazzi, in fact they are making it much worse. Due to their constant harassment, they significantly add pressure and make my recovery that much more difficult.

‘To those profiting from invading my privacy, a simple question – would you treat, say your sister, mother or daughter the same, if they had similar challenges?. ‘Please reconsider and stop and think of the harm you are inflicting, and give me the space and privacy I need. ‘Thank you to my wonderful family, all the Nova listeners, and many others, who are sending their love and support. I appreciate it more than you can imagine. Thank you.’.

Chrissie Swan, who also works for the station, has replaced her in the interim. Kate is also due to appear in upcoming ABC parenting special The Role of a Lifetime, which has been slated to air later this month. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who’s leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale?. Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews.

Simply click on this link, select ‘Join Chat’ and you’re in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers!. In November, she was involved in a multi-vehicle collision in Randwick, a Sydney suburb. Her BMW collided with a parked Mitsubishi Pajero, knocking it off the road and into another nearby car. She previously told The Sunday Telegraph that she was seeking professional help after struggling with several ‘personal challenges.’.

‘It was a long time coming. I sought professional help, the help that I needed. Sometimes enough is enough,’ she said. ‘Life has thrown me its challenges over the last few years, but I am not alone in that. I was fortunate to be able to take time. ‘I just wanted to be a better version of myself for me and my family.’. If you’ve got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@metro.co.uk – we’d love to hear from you.

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