Kate Ritchie missing from radio line-up as rating’s resume

Kate Ritchie will remain on leave as the radio year returns, after the Nova drive co-host finished the 2022 year early to “have time for me and for my family”.

Kate Ritchie will remain on leave as the radio year returns.

The popular media identity and Nova drive co-host finished the 2022 year early when in October she announced she would step down for the remainder of the year.

Ricki-Lee Coulter will fill in on the Kate, Tim (Blackwell) and Joel (Creasey) show from Monday at 4pm.

Chrissie Swan meanwhile will start her new afternoon show, The Chrissie Swan Show, from 2pm on January 30.

At the time, Ritchie told listeners: “This past year has been incredibly hectic and full on for both me and my family. I have had much change and increased stress in my life, like many of you, in a short space of time. And it has taken its toll. But still, I am so proud that our Nova show, with Tim and Joel and the team, is just powering along, and going from strength to strength.”

Nova's Kate Ritchie will remain on leave.

Ritchie is a single parent to her beloved daughter Mae and earlier this year took time off to focus on family.

She was suspended from driving for three months after a low-range drink driving incident in August.

On January 21, she posted a picture of her daughter with her former Home and Away co-star Ray Meagher, who plays the beloved Alf Stewart, and like her, was one of the original actors on the popular soapie.

Ritchie was a child actor who played Sally Fletcher on the Aussie show for 20 years before moving on from the role.

The former Home And Away star is one of our most loved entertainers and is currently also seen on TV as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent.

She has been part of the top rating Nova drive afternoon show for several years, having joined the network in 2006.

The Kate, Tim and Marty (Sheargold) show launched in 2014 while Creasey came into the fold in September 2020 after Sheargold’s departure.

“We love our audience and they seem to put up with us,” Ritchie said in October.

“And as you may have guessed, I invest a lot of emotional energy into everything I do, my work, and my family especially and the last few months I have been working on radio, I’ve been returning to TV and in my spare time, I even wrote a children’s book.

“So, it’s simple, like some of you, I imagine, I’m tired and I just need a break for a short while and have more time for me, and for my family to re-energise.

“I have spoken with the bosses at Nova, and they have graciously agreed that this is a good time to take the break, as we approach the end of the year.”

She continued: “Nova have been fabulous and understanding, so thank you Nova, and thank you Tim, Joel and the team, and most importantly, thank you to all of our fabulous listeners, I really mean that.

“It’s time to recharge the batteries and come back fresh next year. And although it’s only for a short time, I will miss you all. I’ll see you in the New Year.”