Could one of Home and Away’s most iconic duos reunite in 2026? Ray Meagher says he’s ready to break the rules—for Kate Ritchie.

A Call from the Bay’s Longest-Serving Legend

If you’ve missed Sally Fletcher in Summer Bay, you’re not the only one. Ray Meagher—aka Alf Stewart—has finally said what fans have been thinking for years: it’s time for Sally to come home.

Meagher, who has played Alf since the soap began in 1988, has always stayed hands-off when it comes to storylines. But on a recent radio appearance, he shocked listeners by suggesting he’d break that rule—just to bring Kate Ritchie back to the Bay.

“I’ve never gone to the producers about a storyline,” he said. “But I’d make an exception in Kate’s case.”

A Decade of Absence—and an Open Door?

Kate Ritchie first appeared as Sally Fletcher in 1988 and remained a central figure for two decades. She exited the show in 2008 and made a short-lived return in 2013. Since then, she’s become a national treasure in radio, co-hosting Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie.

But fans haven’t given up hope of seeing Sally walk back into Summer Bay.

During the interview, co-host Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli brought up the upcoming return of Darryl ‘Brax’ Braxton—and cheekily suggested Sally could follow. “You’ve never clearly said no!” he told Ritchie, prompting nervous laughter.

Ray Meagher, seated beside them, didn’t hesitate. He told the group he’d be willing to bring it up with producers. And in a show that’s no stranger to legacy returns, that’s all fans needed to hear.

Why Sally Still Matters

Sally Fletcher wasn’t just another character. She was the heart of Home and Away for a generation. Her journey from wide-eyed schoolgirl to strong, compassionate teacher left a lasting legacy.

Fans still remember her bond with Alf as one of the show’s most heartfelt dynamics. And with Summer Bay currently rocked by major storylines—from surprise proposals to a deadly train crash—her return could offer both comfort and nostalgia.

Even Meagher admitted the thought of Sally’s return struck a chord. “I’d have a yarn with [the producers],” he said with a grin. “Just this once.”

Could 2026 Be the Year?

With Home and Away deep into filming high-stakes episodes for its 2026 run, producers might be looking to make a splash. And few returns would land harder than Sally’s.

No confirmation yet from Ritchie, but fans are hopeful that Ray Meagher’s rare plea could finally tip the balance.