Kate Ritchie | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Ritchie in 2012 | |
| Born | 14 August 1978 Goulburn, New South Wales, Australia |
| Nationality | Australian |
| Alma mater | Hurlstone Agricultural High School |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1986–present |
| Spouse | |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Gold Logie Award for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television (2007 & 2008) — Home and Away |
Katherine Leigh Ritchie (born 14 August 1978) is an Australian actress, radio presenter, and children's author. She is best known for her long-running role as original character Sally Fletcher on the television soap opera Home and Away, for which she won two Gold Logie awards. She played the character for 20 years, appearing from the pilot episode in 1988 until 2008. She currently co-hosts Nova 96.9's breakfast show Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie alongside Ryan Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. Ritchie was part of Nova FM's national drive show, Kate, Tim & Joel with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey from 2014 until 2023.
Prior to her retirement from Home and Away, she shared with fellow original cast members Ray Meagher and Norman Coburn the record (recognised by Guinness World Records) for the longest continuous role in an Australian drama series.[1] After a five-year absence, Ritchie returned to Home and Away in 2013 for a short reprise of her role as Sally Fletcher to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the series.[2] In addition to 20 years on Home and Away, Ritchie has also hosted various television events and appeared in commercials, a mini-series and an Australian film. She has also been involved with the Campbelltown Musical Society.[3]
In 2022, Ritchie appeared as a judge on the tenth season of Australia's Got Talent alongside Shane Jacobson, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon. In 2023, she starred as Carol Spiers in 7 Network's two part documentary series The Claremont Murders. She appeared opposite Erik Thomson, who played her on-screen husband Don Spiers.
- ^ Yeaman, Simon, "Kate and Bay belong together", The Advertiser, 2 July 2005
- ^ "Kate Ritchie reveals TV plans as she returns screen for Play School's 50-year special]".
- ^ "Accolade for our 'iconic' Ritchie", Macarthur Chronicle, 16 May 2006