‘We celebrate Kate’: Co-hosts show support for radio star following mental health struggle

Kate Ritchie’s Nova co-hosts Fitzy and Wippa have offered their full support to the popular present after she opened up about her mental health struggles. READ what they said.

Nova breakfast presenter Kate Ritchie’s co-hosts Fitzy and Wippa have shown support for the star as she continues to be off air struggling with her mental health.

The popular Nova breakfast presenter was absent from the airways last week, with Chrissie Swan to replace her for the time being alongside Nova 96.9s Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald.

The pair publicly expressed their pride in Ritchie for speaking out about her mental health struggles after she shared a statement on Instagram on Monday morning.

“The support for Kate over the past few days has been unbelievable. This is an ongoing battle … we will back Kate till the bank,” Fitzy said live on air.

Wippa added: “We are so moved by all the comments and calls here at Nova showing her support.

“That’s why we celebrate Kate for putting her hand up and being so brave. I’m so proud of my friend for putting a statement out.”

Kate Ritchie has been off air for days. Picture: Tim Hunter

The pair also took a moment to call out a media publication days after they shared photos of Ritchie appearing distressed as she spoke on the phone in a park.

“When you do see someone visually struggling, and just deteriorating right in front of you, I don’t know what you’re like but I’d like to go over and say, are you okay or do you need something?” Fitzy said.

Wippa added, “This person, whoever took the footage, didn’t do that.”

Several listeners then called in to express their support for Ritchie and offer her their best wishes.

Kate Ritchie's Instagram post.

It comes after the former Home and Away actor posted to Instagram on Monday morning: “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.”

Nova breakfast team Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald, Kate Ritchie and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Nova radio also issued a statement of support for Ritchie.

“Kate has our full support as she prioritises her health during this time,” the statement read.

“Chrissie Swan will continue to join Fitzy and Wippa on Nova’s Sydney breakfast show while Kate takes a break.”

Celebrity friends also rallied around Ritchie, 46, who has been in the entertainment industry since childhood.

Originally published as ‘We celebrate Kate’: Co-hosts show support for radio star following mental health struggle