Former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie's surprise new gig

Nova FM radio host and former Home and Away star Kate Ritchie may be set to leave her national drive show for a new gig after taking time off to focus on her health.

The 44-year-old announced last year that she would be taking a break from the Kate, Tim & Joel Show, writing on Instagram that 2022 was "incredibly emotionally challenging" and she needed to take time off.

Now, The Australian is reporting that Kate may be moving from the drive show to join Fitzy & Wippa on the network's breakfast show.

The newspaper reveals that insiders are claiming Kate is "refreshed" and "on the verge of a comeback" but not with Kate, Tim & Joel.

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Ricky-Lee Coulter has been filling in for Kate in recent months, but it seems as though the singer may have found herself a more permanent gig if Kate does take up a role with Fitzy & Wippa.

It comes as Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli's co-host Sarah McGilvray has been absent for the last two weeks.

In January, Kate updated her followers, sharing she'd be "away for a few more weeks" and has yet to confirm when that will be.

At the end of 2022, Kate also took to Instagram to reveal why she was taking time off, writing, "The last year has been incredibly emotionally challenging, as well as a relentless schedule, stress, and a lack of sleep. I came to realise that this had led to an unhealthy reliance on alcohol.

"So I decided to use this time to do something positive by getting the help I need from professionals who specialise in this area. As everyone would understand, this is a very big step for me to take. I want to sincerely thank everybody who is supporting me."

Fitzy commented on the post, "You’ve got this Kate, always here if you need to chat," while Wippa added that he was "proud" of her.

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Today's David Campbell wrote, "You are strong. Asking for help is strength. Getting help is true courage. Everything else is noise. Stay strong."

Leisel Jones added, "There’s so much strength to be found in vulnerability. Luckily you are a very strong woman and I have no doubt this time of healing will reveal and even better version of you! We love you."

Home and Away's Lynne McGranger commented, "Sending healing vibes Kate."

Yahoo Lifestyle has approached Nova for comment.

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