Kate Ritchie taking a break from radio gig
<p>Kate Ritchie has announced she will be stepping back from her drive time radio show. </p>
<p>The 43-year-old presenter said she will be off the air for the remainder of the year, but will return alongside co-hosts Joel Creasey and Tim Blackwell in early 2023. </p>
<p>Kate was busted for drinking and driving in August, and explained that after an "incredibly hectic" year, she needed some time off. </p>
<p>"This past year has been incredibly hectic and full-on for both me and my family," she said.</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"But still I am so proud that our Nova show, with Tim and Joel and the team, is just powering along, and going from strength to strength."</p>
<p>She added, "We love our audience and they seem to put up with us."</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"I have spoken with the bosses at Nova, and they have graciously agreed that this is a good time to take the break, as we approach the end of the year."</p>
<p>"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."</p>
<p>"It's time to recharge the batteries and come back fresh next year. And although it's only for a short time, I will miss you all. I'll see you in the New Year."</p>
<p>Peter Charlton, the chief executive of Nova Entertainment, said of her decision, "Kate is a talented broadcaster and a respected member of the Kate, Tim & Joel and Nova Network team."</p>
<p>"We are very supportive of Kate's decision to take some time for herself and her family. We look forward to welcoming her back in the New Year."</p>
<p>Rumours about Ritchie's future at Nova began swirling in August, after she was charged with drink-driving in Sydney's eastern suburbs.</p>
<p>She was stopped by police for a random breath test in her car at 2:45pm, tested positive by the roadside and was taken to Maroubra Police Station.</p>
<p>There she underwent a secondary breath analysis which returned a positive reading of 0.06 - just over the legal limit.</p>
<p>A NSW Police spokesman said at the time, "She was issued with an infringement notice for the offence of Drive with Low Range Prescribed Concentration of Alcohol and issued a Licence Suspension Notice."</p>
<p><em>Image credits: Instagram</em></p>
