Kate Ritchie’s Shock Confession: Why the Home and Away Icon Can’t Bear to Watch the Show That Made Her a Star
It’s one of the most surprising confessions from an Aussie TV legend this year — Home and Away favourite Kate Ritchie has revealed she can’t bring herself to watch the iconic soap that launched her career.
The beloved actress and radio presenter made the candid admission during a chat on Nova 96.9’s Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie, leaving her co-hosts stunned as she compared her situation to that of NBA great Michael Jordan.
“I Couldn’t Bear Seeing Other People Living in My House”
Ritchie, 47, who spent two decades playing Sally Fletcher from the show’s very first episode in 1988, admitted she hasn’t really watched Home and Away since her departure in 2008.
“I think I sat down maybe about five years ago and watched one episode,” she said. “But I couldn’t bear seeing other people living in my house and sitting on my couch for a while.”
Her co-hosts Ryan “Fitzy” Fitzgerald and Michael “Wippa” Wipfli jokingly crowned her the “Michael Jordan of TV” after she revealed she simply couldn’t go back — much like the basketball legend who hasn’t picked up a ball in decades.
No Family Viewings — Even for Her Daughter
When asked if she’s ever watched episodes with her daughter, Mae, to show her the show that made her famous, Kate admitted she hasn’t.
“[Mae] did watch my Gold Logies acceptance speech [from 2007] this year … but I haven’t watched Home and Away since,” she said.
Her decision isn’t rooted in dislike — rather, it’s tied to nostalgia. After spending 20 years growing up as Sally Fletcher, Ritchie admitted that watching others in those familiar sets simply felt too strange.
No Return to Summer Bay — Unless Ray Meagher Calls
Naturally, her confession reignited fan hopes that she might return to Home and Away. But Kate shut down the rumours, confirming she’s been approached “numerous times” over the years to gauge her interest — and her answer remains the same.
“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.”
However, there was one soft spot she admitted could tempt her back: Ray Meagher, who still plays the legendary Alf Stewart.
“If Mr Stewart asked me back, I would go,” she laughed.
A Chapter Closed — and a Legacy That Endures
Kate first joined Home and Away at just eight years old, becoming one of Australia’s most beloved TV personalities. Over 20 years, she grew up before the nation’s eyes, earning two Gold Logie Awards and cementing Sally Fletcher as a cornerstone of Aussie pop culture.
When she left in 2008, Kate explained that it was simply time to move on.
“I was eight years old when I got the part of Sally, and I’m now a 29-year-old woman who really needs to go out there and do something different,” she said at the time.
Rather than chasing fame overseas like many of her co-stars, Ritchie chose to stay in Australia — building a thriving radio and television career while remaining one of the country’s most respected entertainers.