Long-time radio host Kate Ritchie may risk losing her Nova radio gig with Australian Idol icon Ricki-Lee Coulter waiting in the wings as her replacement.
Kate, who was caught drink-driving, was just over the legal limit while driving in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs on August 22, with breathalyser results of 0.06.
The Australia’s Got Talent judge was reportedly fined $600 and suspended from driving for three months, according to Daily Mail Australia.
The 44-year-old was already on three weeks’ leave from her radio gig, and her management had been negotiating contracts with the radio network. However, the publication’s sources are now “uncertain” whether the station will want to resign with her.
Kate Richie Shared an Apology for a “Low Level” DUI
Kate took to Instagram on August 29 to address the drink-driving infringement, and TBH, it was honestly impressive how little effort she (or her management) put into the apology.
“Recently, I undertook a random breath test. Although it was low level, the test came back positive. I made a poor decision, and there is no doubt I understand the seriousness of my actions. I am truly sorry [sic],” Kate wrote in the post.
The former Home and Away actress didn’t caption the post and turned off comments.
Australia’s Got Talent Host Ricki-Lee Coulter Is Rumoured to Permanently Replace Kate Ritchie
Ricki-Lee is rumoured to join Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey as a permanent host of Nova’s popular afternoon segment, currently known as the Kate, Tim and Joel Show.
The Australian Idol alum has been filling in for Kate while on leave.
This has led Aussie media to speculate that Ricki-Lee could be a permanent successor after Kate’s drink-driving scandal.
According to Daily Mail Australia, the Can’t Touch It singer would reportedly only cost Nova around $300,000 annually.
And as Kate is rumoured to be currently renegotiating for a $1 million plus deal, the network would save a pretty penny by replacing her.
So Dramatic! has contacted Nova for comment.
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