Kate Ritchie Makes Surprise Home and Away Confession as She Addresses Rumoured Return
Kate Ritchie, one of Australia’s most beloved television icons, has stunned fans by admitting she hasn’t watched Home and Away in almost two decades — despite spending 20 years of her life on the show that made her a household name.
The former Sally Fletcher actress made the unexpected confession live on Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9, revealing she can’t bring herself to revisit the series that shaped her childhood and early adulthood.
Kate Reveals Why She Can’t Watch Home and Away
During the lively breakfast radio chat, Ritchie compared herself to NBA legend Michael Jordan, who famously avoids playing basketball in retirement.
Her co-hosts were baffled by Jordan’s stance — until Kate stepped in.
“I haven’t watched Home and Away since,” she admitted. “I think I sat down maybe about five years ago and watched one episode… but I couldn’t bear seeing other people living in my house and sitting on my couch for a while.”
She explained that her daughter Mae hasn’t watched the show either, though she did enjoy her mum’s 2007 Gold Logie acceptance speech.
No Return to Summer Bay — Unless One Person Asks
With constant rumours swirling about a Sally Fletcher comeback, Kate addressed the speculation head-on.
She revealed the show has “numerous times” reached out to gauge her interest — but she gently turned them down.
“The show is doing so well. It doesn’t need Sally anymore. It’s moved on,” she said. “Sally has a nice life somewhere. I think about her.”
But she did leave the door slightly ajar.
Asked whether she’d return if Ray Meagher — Alf Stewart himself — personally requested it, she didn’t hesitate:
“If Mr Stewart asked me back, I would go.”
A Legacy That Started at Just Eight Years Old
Kate Ritchie joined Home and Away at age eight, playing Sally Fletcher from the show’s launch in 1987 until her exit in 2008.
In that time she became one of Australia’s most recognisable TV stars, winning two Gold Logies and cementing herself as a cornerstone of Summer Bay.
When she left the show, she said the decision came from wanting new challenges:
“I’m now a 29-year-old woman who really needs to go out there and do something different.”
Rather than chase work overseas like many Aussie actors, Kate stayed in Australia to build on her existing career — a choice that led her to both radio success and a new chapter in entertainment.
A Chapter Closed, but Not Forgotten
While Kate insists her Home and Away story is “done,” her comments prove the affection she holds for Sally Fletcher will never fade.
As she put it beautifully:
“I love Home and Away, but that’s a chapter of my life that’s done.”
Unless, of course, Alf Stewart comes knocking.