Kate Ritchie back on NovaFM after drink driving scandal

Kate Ritchie is “back with the gang” on the Nova FM airwaves come Monday, following a leave of absence after her drink driving scandal.

Kate Ritchie returned to Nova FM airwaves Friday with co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey. Picture: Instagram

Kate Ritchie is back on the Nova FM airwaves on Monday with co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey, following a leave of absence after her drink driving scandal.

The actor and radio host shared a group shot of the threesome to her Instagram on Saturday captioned: “Back with the gang on set today,” to announce her return.

Creasey commented: “She’s back baby! Love you and can’t wait to bantsssss with you #radioisourlife.”

“Our captain returns tomorrow,” Creasey also posted to his Instagram stories.

The 44-year-old Home And Away actor apologised publicly after she was fined $600 and hit with a three-month driving ban. Ritchie was pulled over in Sydney’s east, where she allegedly recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.06 at Maroubra Police Station in August.

The 44-year-old Home And Away actor apologised publicly after she was caught drink driving in Sydney’s east last month. Picture: Supplied

She said she had made a “poor decision”.

“Recently I undertook a random breath test. Although it was low level, the test came back positive,” she wrote.

“I made a poor decision and there is no doubt I understand the seriousness of my actions.”

“I am truly sorry.”

Despite claims Ritchie was facing the axe at her popular NovaFM drive show Kate, Tim & Joel, a spokesperson for the network said she would be returning to the show in weeks.

Kate Ritchie’s Instagram post about her recent drink driving incident and charge. Picture: Instagram

“Whilst we don’t usually comment on this type of unfounded speculation, or confirm our presenter line up for 2023, we have no plans for any changes to the Kate, Tim & Joel drive show or Kate’s role within the show,” a spokesperson said.

Nova issued the statement after a report in the Daily Mail claimed the network was looking to replace her with Ricki-Lee Coulter following the incident.

The network spokesperson added that Kate was on planned leave and had been for the past few weeks, before praising the Summer Bay alum for being a “talented broadcaster and a respected member” of the team.