Soap legend steps down from her job amid mental health struggle and ‘stumbling around park’ after off-license visit

A SOAP legend has confirmed she is stepping down from her radio hosting role amid her ongoing mental health battle.

Kate Ritchie, famed for her role as Sally Fletcher in Home and Away, sparked concern last week after being photographed heading to an off-license before picking her daughter up from school.

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Concerning images saw the star, 46, appearing to cry down the phone as she sat alone in a public park close by to the shop in Sydney.

Now the actress has confirmed she will be taking a break from her current role as a host on the Nova FM Breakfast Show in Australia as she focuses on her own health.

Kate took to Instagram to share a statement in which she addressed her struggles as well as to thank employer Nova for standing by her.

The star penned: "I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal.

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"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.

"I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you."

Kate continued on: "This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it's like.

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"The images of me taken last week show that I wasn't okay on that day."

Kate went on to clarify her "appreciation" for those sticking by her as she took time out to focus on herself.

Her Nova FM co-hosts shared their support for the star publicly as they commented underneath her Instagram post.

Ryan Fitsgerald, known as Fitzy, wrote: "Love you Kate. Always here."

Whilst fellow morning show host Michael Wipfli, known as Wippa, added: "We are so proud of you. We love you, we need you and can’t wait to have you back on the show.

"You are brave and courageous and sometimes, only sometimes as funny as Fitzy and I."

Last week, the reported that the star had been locked in crisis talks with her management team after the release of the images.

Her managers were snapped arriving at her home on Friday to speak with the star.

Concern first arose after the star was spotted sobbing in a park after picking her child up from school.

An onlooker who witnessed Kate's behaviour told the Mail: "She walked around a bit in the park while talking and then suddenly she sat down and started rocking her whole body back and forth and crying.

"It was really confronting – she looked so upset.

"When she turned around her eyes were all red and puffy and she looked absolutely devastated."

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Kate rose to fame as Sally in the popular soap in 1988 where she remained until 2008 before making a cameo in 2013.

She has since established herself as a popular radio star and appeared as a judge on Australia's Got Talent in 2022 alongside UK stars David Walliams and Alesha Dixon.

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