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.
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'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.
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