Latest news with #KateRitchie
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Glaring detail in Nova announcement strongly hints at Kate Ritchie's future at the network
A segment on Nova's Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie has fuelled more speculation the Home and Away star is not returning to the breakfast radio show. On Friday, Fitzy and Wippa shared some details about their upcoming annual Singles Party - but there was one glaring exception. The duo revealed they will be once again hosting a ball for the singles of Sydney - but made not mention if their absent co-star Kate would be attending. 'It's back, Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie's Singles Party returns! One night, one room, 100 chances to find the one,' a promo played on the station said. Co-host Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli then chatted to Kate's fill-in presenter Chrissie Swan about the event and told her it was going to be a great night aboard a luxurious yacht on the Sydney Harbour. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'Chrissie, last year you weren't even there! You are not going to believe it, before the Slow Dance took place, a couple already held hands and wandered off because they were having such a good time together,' Wippa began. 'This is the power of the Singles Party and it is back again for 2025, bigger and better!' Veteran presenter Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald then jumped it to discuss how diverse the event would be - but failed to mention if Kate would be attending. 'It was such an eclectic group of people we had [at last year's event]. A weird mix, ladies who had been unlucky in love, older men, private school boys, it was all over the ship and an amazing night,' Fitzy said. An excited Chrissie then said she needed to 'get in on this' and asked if she could attend, to which Fitzy responded: 'Yes... we need you here.' Kate was not once mentioned in their entire conversation about the upcoming event, although her name is still featured on station promos. The radio network first shared the news of the event on Thursday, alongside a promo image featuring Fitzy, Wippa and Kate, who has been absent from the show for several months. Confused listeners demanded to know if Kate will be returning to the radio program after appearing on the event poster. 'Where is Kate? She has been absent all year and nothing has been mentioned about her coming back, is she returning or not?' one person asked. 'Hope Kate is going well, will she be returning this year?' another concerned fan said. There has been ongoing speculation over when she'll return to co-host Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9 following her sudden departure in January after a troubling public incident in a Sydney park. Kate's Instagram bio doesn't mention Nova anymore; instead she is simply 'actor, radio and broadcaster' which may point to her making a quiet exit. Kate has been receiving ongoing support at a rehabilitation facility since the incident, which saw her photographed in tears and appearing visibly distressed shortly after picking up daughter Mae from school. At the time, Kate released a heartfelt statement on social media explaining her decision to step away from the show. 'I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined,' she began. 'So I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you.' At the time, Nova's co-hosts had promised their audience that the absent Kate would return after one day off, but that timeline was soon dropped. Nova has remained tight-lipped on any potential comeback date and did not respond to questions about whether the embattled star had continued to receive pay during her absence.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Ritchie's footy star ex-husband is charged with refusing breath test following string of drink driving offences
Kate Ritchie 's ex-husband and former NRL player Stuart Webb has been charged with refusing a breath test. The 44-year-old former Sydney Roosters hooker was pulled over in Sydney by Eastern Suburbs Police Area Command at 11.10pm on May 5. Webb was charged with refusing to submit a breath analysis and driving an unregistered vehicle. He was listed to appear at Waverley Local Court on Wednesday and the hearing was adjourned to be heard again at Downing Local Court on July 9. Mr Webb has previously been caught drink driving by police on five occasions. He was most recently charged with drink driving in 2019, with court documents stating that it was his 'fifth PCA (prescribed contention of alcohol) offence since 1999.' Two of those incidents are understood to have taken place in 2012 and 2017, while he was married to Ms Ritchie. He was handed a six-month driving ban in 2019 and an interlock device was fitted to his car for 24 months. A magistrate had told Mr Webb he was 'lucky he hasn't been sent to jail' noting that his driving record was 'appalling'. The former Sydney Roosters star was placed on a conditional release order for two years. In 2003, Mr Webb was signed by the Sydney Roosters and made his debut for the club later that year. After two seasons at Moore Park, he'd hop over to rivals, South Sydney. A year later, he'd move again, joining up with St George, where he would make 19 appearances across the 2008-2009 season, before stepping away from NRL football. After hanging up his footy boots Mr Webb would pursued a career as a chef. At the end of that season, Mr Webb proposed to radio personality Ritchie during a European getaway. The pair are understood to have begun dating in 2008. They subsequently tied the knot at a countryside outdoor ceremony at Quamby Estate in Tasmania in 2010, but after nearly 10 years of marriage, they chose to part ways in 2020. They would also have a baby girl, Mae, in 2014. Rumours had swirled that their marriage was on the rocks in 2019, with Mr Webb subsequently being hit with an apprehended violence order (AVO) in 2019. The order was made for the Home and Away star's protection. It came as a NSW Police spokesperson confirmed officers were 'investigating an incident at a home in Randwick' where it was understood the couple had lived, but no charges were laid. Conditions of the AVO state that Mr Webb was 'not to approach or be in the company of Katherine Leigh Ritchie for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs.' He was also required not to threaten, stalk or harass the TV star. Despite that, Ms Ritchie and her ex-husband have reunited on several occasions, most notably to attend their daughter Mae's football matches. Ms Ritchie, who had gone public with new boyfriend Will Skelton, and Mr Webb cut friendly figures as they shared a happy chat on the field. They had also reunited to celebrate their daughter's 10th birthday last year.
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Nova listeners demand to know where Kate Ritchie is as radio station makes a major announcement after star's months long absence
Nova FM has announced it will be hosting its annual Singles Party. The radio network shared the news on Thursday alongside a promo image featuring hosts Ryan Fitzgerald, Michael Wipfli and Kate Ritchie, who has been absent from the show for several months. And now, confused listeners are demanding to know whether Ritchie will be returning to the radio program after appearing on the event poster. 'Where is Kate? She has been absent all year and nothing has been mentioned about her coming back, is she returning or not?' one person asked. 'Hope Kate is going well, will she be returning this year?' another concerned fan said. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'When is Kate back?' a third questioned. There has been ongoing speculation over when she'll return to co-host Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9 following her sudden departure in January after a troubling public incident in a Sydney park. Kate's Instagram bio doesn't mention Nova anymore; instead she is simply 'actor, radio and broadcaster' which may point to her making a quiet exit. Despite her absence, the breakfast radio show has continued to thrive with just Fitzy and Wippa at the helm, recently recording its highest ratings in almost a year. The duo pulled in an impressive 8.7 per cent share of the audience in the latest survey, putting pressure on Nova bosses to make a decision about the show's future direction. Kate has been receiving ongoing support at a rehabilitation facility since the incident, which saw her photographed in tears and appearing visibly distressed shortly after picking Mae up from school. At the time, Kate released a heartfelt statement on social media explaining her decision to step away from the show. 'I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined,' she began. 'So I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you.' Kate went on to address the images taken on January 29. 'This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it's like. The images of me taken last week show that I wasn't okay on that day,' she continued. She went on to thank her friends and fans for their support. 'Thank you to my wonderful family, all the Nova listeners, and many others who are sending their love and support. I appreciate it more than you can imagine,' she wrote. Footage obtained by Daily Mail Australia then showed the former actress crying while on the phone, wiping tears from her eyes and burying her head in her hands. A witness, who saw Ritchie get out of the car at the park, said the star 'looked really distressed'. 'She walked around a bit in the park while talking and then suddenly she sat down and started rocking her whole body back and forth and crying,' they said. 'It was really confronting – she looked so upset. When she turned around her eyes were all red and puffy and she looked absolutely devastated.' The actress was then seen struggling to get up from the grass. 'After the call ended, she tried to stand up but lost her balance and sort of fell over again,' the bystander added. 'When she finally managed to get to her feet, she started making another phone call... she looked much happier during that call.' Kate then walked around to the back of the vehicle – holding an arm out on the car as she got into the driver's seat and drove home. At the time, Nova's co-hosts had promised their audience that the absent Kate would return after one day off, but that timeline was soon dropped. This isn't the first time Kate has stepped away from her duties at Nova. In 2022, she took an extended hiatus from her drive-time program with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey, citing exhaustion and burnout. She never returned to that show either. Nova has remained tight-lipped on any potential comeback date and did not respond to questions about whether the embattled star had continued to receive pay during her absence.
Daily Mail
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Ritchie looks stylish as she carries a $5,500 Louis Vuitton handbag during morning coffee outing with her daughter Mae
Kate Ritchie looked effortlessly stylish on Saturday as she stepped out for a low-key morning coffee run in Sydney with her daughter Mae. The former Home and Away star, 46, turned heads in a casual yet chic ensemble, pairing a cream short-sleeve T-shirt with beige trackpants featuring bold red side stripes. But it was her arm candy that truly stole the spotlight – a $5,500 Louis Vuitton Dauphine MM crossbody bag, complete with the brand's signature monogram print and gold hardware. Kate finished off the look with oversized black sunglasses and slicked her brunette locks into a low ponytail. She enhanced her beauty with a natural makeup palette as she clutched a Campos takeaway coffee cup and her car keys. Walking alongside her was daughter Mae, 10, who was dressed comfortably in a navy oversized T-shirt and grey trackies. The sighting comes amid ongoing speculation over when she'll return to co-host Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Nova 96.9 following her sudden departure in January after a troubling public incident in a Sydney park. Despite her absence, the breakfast radio show has continued to thrive with just Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli at the helm, recently recording its highest ratings in almost a year. The duo pulled in an impressive 8.7 per cent share of the audience in the latest survey, putting pressure on Nova bosses to make a decision about the show's future direction. Kate has been receiving ongoing support at a rehabilitation facility since the incident, which saw her photographed in tears and appearing visibly distressed shortly after picking Mae up from school. At the time, Kate released a heartfelt statement on social media explaining her decision to step away from the show. 'I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal. This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined,' she began. 'So I have decided to take a break from the show and the team who I love to focus on my health. I want to thank all of those who are helping me through this very difficult time. I love you. Thank you Nova for being there when I need you.' Kate went on to address the images taken on January 29. 'This is also a problem many others are struggling with. They know what it's like. The images of me taken last week show that I wasn't okay on that day,' she continued. She went on to thank her friends and fans for their support. 'Thank you to my wonderful family, all the Nova listeners, and many others who are sending their love and support. I appreciate it more than you can imagine,' she wrote. Footage obtained by Daily Mail Australia then showed the former actress crying while on the phone, wiping tears from her eyes and burying her head in her hands. A witness, who saw Ritchie get out of the car at the park, said the star 'looked really distressed'. 'She walked around a bit in the park while talking and then suddenly she sat down and started rocking her whole body back and forth and crying,' they said. 'It was really confronting – she looked so upset. When she turned around her eyes were all red and puffy and she looked absolutely devastated.' The actress was then seen struggling to get up from the grass. 'After the call ended, she tried to stand up but lost her balance and sort of fell over again,' the bystander added. 'When she finally managed to get to her feet, she started making another phone call... she looked much happier during that call.' Kate then walked around to the back of the vehicle – holding an arm out on the car as she got into the driver's seat and drove home. At the time, Nova's co-hosts had promised their audience that the absent Kate would return after one day off, but that timeline was soon dropped. This isn't the first time Kate has stepped away from her duties at Nova. In 2022, she took an extended hiatus from her drive-time program with Tim Blackwell and Joel Creasey, citing exhaustion and burnout. She never returned to that show either. Nova has remained tight-lipped on any potential comeback date and did not respond to questions about whether the embattled star had continued to receive pay during her absence.
Daily Mail
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Guy Sebastian makes raunchy OnlyFans confession live on-air as he reveals if he's joining the adult site
Guy Sebastian has revealed he is not opposed to starting an OnlyFans account considering the unstable reality of working in the music industry. The multiple ARIA award-winning star, 43, was a guest on Nova 96.9's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie on Wednesday morning, where he retold the story of a boating mishap that saw him embarrass himself in front of a beach filled with people. The dad-of-two took his son Hudson, lovingly referred to as Huddy, fishing on his tinny down the South Coast over Easter weekend when he hit some unexpected waves. This resulted in the motor turning at an extreme angle and causing the boat to do donuts, flinging Guy into the ocean. 'I tried to jump on a couple of times but then I'm worried that the motor and the propeller is going to hit me and cut me,' he shared, all while the boat was sailing in circles. 'So I'm trying to stay out of the way of the motor cutting me, doing these little swimming away, then swimming in, trying to get on.' Eventually, Guy managed to board the donuting boat and hit the kill switch when he suddenly realised that his embarrassing error had not gone unnoticed. 'I've looked back and I'm probably only 20 metres from the beach on a packed Easter and people are pissing themselves,' he said, and the studio erupted in laughter. Host Wippa then joked that he would pay to see Guy's hilarious boating incident. 'If Guy Sebastian started an OnlyFans page for content that hasn't been released and that was filmed, I'd pay $4.95 for that, that would be fantastic to see,' he told listeners as the others laughed. Guy, laughing along, quipped back that he'd keep an open mind about future possibilities on the platform. 'I'm not ruling it out...' he joked. 'It's a very up and down industry. 'You never know what you'll resort to in the bottom of the valley!' he added. It comes after Guy revealed a major management shake-up on the cusp of dropping his new single. The Battle Scars hitmaker has parted ways with his long-time manager Jennifer Fontaine, in favour of his own in-house management team. Fontaine had guided Sebastian's career since his acrimonious split with former manager Titus Day back in 2017. Speaking to News Corp, the former Australian Idol star said the pair remain friends and that an internal management team was always on the agenda for Sebastian. 'The thing with Jen is she knew I always wanted to have my own internal team and I wanted to be at the table on everything. It wasn't such a huge shock,' Sebastian said. 'She was there at a pretty vulnerable time for me and however this rolls out, I wanted us to remain great friends afterwards.' Sebastian and Fontaine released a joint statement about the decoupling to industry insiders back in February. 'To say we have kicked goals is a total understatement,' Fontaine wrote.
