Kate Ritchie taking a break from Nova radio show

Kate Ritchie has made a shock announcement on live radio, saying that she is taking a break from her Nova drive show and telling her listeners why. Here is what she said.

After a tough time, Kate Ritchie has taken a break from her Nova radio show.

The popular radio and television personality made the announcement live on air on Thursday, sharing the tough news with listeners that she has stood down from the Kate, Tim and Joel show for the remainder of the year.

She will however return alongside co-hosts Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey in 2023.

“This past year has been incredibly hectic and full on for both me and my family,” Ritchie told listeners.

“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.

Tim Blackwell, Kate Ritchie and Joel Creasey for the Kate, Tim and Marty show on Nova radio.

“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.”

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.

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.

Fan favourite Kate Ritchie.

“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.”

The team would have taken their scheduled Christmas break in mid-December.

Nova Entertainment chief executive Peter Charlton said: “Kate is a talented broadcaster and a

respected member of the Kate, Tim & Joel and Nova Network team. We are very supportive

of Kate’s decision to take some time for herself and her family. We look forward to

welcoming her back in the New Year.”