After ending her 25-year tenure as Sally Fletcher on Home and Away in 2013, it has been almost ten years since Kate Ritchie last appeared on television. But the 44-year-old hasn’t exactly been sitting around doing nothing.
The celebrity has experienced many ups and downs, particularly in the most recent year.
Ritchie joined a private mental health clinic a few months after being charged with drunk driving last August to help treat her alcoholism.
The adored actress has admitted that getting assistance took a while to happen. “I had the good fortune to have leisure. I now have more understanding, which is why I feel so positive about returning.
And Ritchie has undoubtedly returned in style.
In March, she made a comeback to radio as a co-host of the Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie programme. In the Seven miniseries The Claremont Murders, the actress is also slated to make a victorious comeback to television.
Ritchie will portray Carol Spiers, whose daughter Sarah and two other young women vanished from Claremont, Perth, in 1996. Ritchie will co-star with another Australian favorite, Erik Thomson. It took more than 20 years to uncover the crime in the chilling case, which quickly rose to the top of the list of mysteries that engulfed the country.
Ritchie had no trouble accepting the part. She talks to WHO about her comeback to television and what it was like to be back on set in this interview.
After so many years away from performing, how was the first day of filming? There were any jitters?
Surprisingly, there were no nerves, and I believe that is a very strong indication that I am working at something I enjoy and am meant to be doing. I was excited to be a part of such a fantastic ensemble company and knew I would always be safe with them by my side. It felt like visiting an old friend for tea when I walked onto the scene.
How was dealing with Erik Thomson like? Did you have a prior relationship before this project?
Working together was a welcome offer because I had seen Erik socially, in the hallways of Channel 7 for years, and as a fan of his work. I share Australia’s sentiment – how can you feel as though you don’t know Erik? He was a complete delight.
Can we anticipate seeing you in more acting parts in the future? Has taking on this role rekindled your passion for the craft?
Something inside of me has most certainly been rekindled by working with the people I have on this production and by simply being on set and using the muscles I used to develop as a kid. I’m hoping I can balance my passion for performing with my desire to enliven listeners’ mornings on the radio. We’ll see.
Is Mae aware of your time on Home and Away and the nature of your performing and radio work?
She is aware that I’ve been working on something she won’t be able to see. We then began watching videos of Mummy doing other acting roles. Then concerns are raised. So when I recently showed her a leather-bound copy of the Home and Away pilot, she started reading it like a book! She knows very little about my path before she met me. It was funny, though, because she remarked, “That’s the song you used to sing to me as a baby, Mumma,” when she heard the [Home and Away] theme music. Because I am only her mother and nothing else, I appreciate that she adores me.
How do you believe 10-year-old Kate would react if you told her she would pursue a long-term acting and radio career? What tips would you offer her?
She should pursue her dreams of becoming an engineer or a veterinarian, I would advise her.
