Kate Ritchie returning to acting for first time since Home And Away

After announcing she needed a break from hosting her radio show, Kate Ritchie has revealed her surprising new move.

Almost a decade after she last appeared on Home And Away, Kate Ritchie is finally returning to the small screen.

The 43-year-old Australian personality, who shot to fame as a child star on the Aussie soap in 1988, is set to star on Channel 7’s upcoming two-part miniseries, The Claremont Murders.

The show, based on the true events of the infamous Claremont killings, was filmed in Perth and will air in 2023.

“The disappearance of three young women in Perth in the late 1990s launched a 25-year investigation by the police and one tenacious journalist, all determined to seek justice,” Seven wrote of the show in a statement.

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Kate Ritchie is returning to scripted television for the first time in nine years. Picture: Supplied

It marks a TV comeback for Ritchie, who hasn’t appeared in a scripted show since she reprised her role as Sally Fletcher on Home And Away in 2013. Ritchie had left the show in 2008 after 20 years and made a move to radio.

Kate Ritchie reprised her role as Sally on Home And Away in 2013. Picture: Supplied

Ritchie, who got her big break aged eight, starred on the soap for 20 years. Source Instagram

Last week, Ritchie, who is currently appearing as a judge on Australia’s Got Talent, dropped the surprising news she would be stepping away from Nova’s Kate, Tim and Joel drive show.

She informed fans via Instagram she had decided to take a break to allow “more time for myself and my family to re-energise”.

Her break however will only be temporary, with the star promising to return to the program in 2023.

“As some of you may have heard from me on the show today, this past year has been hectic for my family and I. I have had much change, like many of you, in a short space of time and it has taken its toll,” her post read.

Kate has stepped away from her radio show with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey. Picture: Instagram

“So I’ve made the decision to take a short break to have more time for myself and my family to re-energise.

“Thank you to the team, to Nova and to all of our fabulous listeners for your support and understanding.

“Although it’s only going to be for a short time, I will miss you all. See you for a game of Quick Draw in 2023.”

Originally published as Kate Ritchie returning to acting for first time since Home And Away