Australia’s Got Talent 2022 judge Kate Ritchie is taking a short break from NOVA following a “hectic and full-on” year.
On August 22, Kate was caught over the legal limit while driving in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, with breathalyser results of 0.06. She was reportedly fined $600 and suspended from driving for three months.
Now, the former child star has revealed to her longtime listeners of NOVA’s Kate, Tim and Joel that she will take a break for the remainder of the year.
“This past year has been incredibly hectic and full-on for both me and my family,” she said. “I have had much change and increased stress in my life, like many of you, in a short space of time. And it has taken its toll.’
Kate then said that she was “still so proud” of “our show” because it’s just “powering along and going from strength to strength”.
“And as you may have guessed, I invest a lot of emotional energy into everything I do, my work, and my family especially, and the last few months I have been working on radio, I’ve been returning to TV, and in my spare time, I even wrote a children’s book.”
She continued: “So, it’s simple, like some of you, I imagine, I’m tired, and I just need a break for a short while and have more time for me and for my family, to re-energise.”
The long-time Australian star then admitted she’d spoken to her bosses at NOVA, who “graciously” agreed it was a good time “to take a break”.
“Nova has been fabulous and understanding, so thank you Nova, and thank you Tim, Joel and the team, and most importantly, thank you to all of our fabulous listeners. I really mean that.”
Kate then took to Instagram to reiterate her statement.
Shane Jacobson Defends Kate Ritchie In an Interview
On October 9, Australia’s Got Talent judge Shane Jacobson spoke about his co-star’s drink-driving charges.
“Did she do wrong? Of course, she did,” Shane told Stellar Magazine before adding that fame is why the incident is still making headlines.
“She has apologised, and there have probably been 40,000 other people caught for being a touch over [the limit] since then, but they’re not going to make the papers,” he said.
“I think, especially because it’s her, we’re going to hear about it when she makes a small error in judgement.”
Kate Richie Shared an Apology for a “Low-Level” DUI
On August 29, Kate took to Instagram to address the infringement.
“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 apology and turned off comments.
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