Latest news with #KateRitchie
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
‘Disappointed': Ryan ‘Fitzy' Fitzgerald called out on-air over fan interaction
A national radio star was awkwardly caught off guard on Nova's Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie today after a listener called him out live on-air. Ryan Fitzgerald, better known as Fitzy, was exposed by a listener this morning after she called up during a segment about celebrities refusing to take pictures with fans. It turns out Fitzy had previously rejected her when she politely asked if she could snap a picture with him years ago. 'Did a celebrity refuse a photo when he was talking about now being a dad and how different it is? And people come up to him all the time, and obviously they want a photo … Joanne... who said no to the photo?' quizzed Wippa. Joanne then shared her story, recalling when she had met Fitzy at a party and had decided to pluck up the courage to ask him for a picture. But sadly, the interaction didn't go quite as well as she had hoped. 'Oh well I was a fan of his for ages... this tall, handsome man, and we were at a party, and I asked him if I could have a photo, and he said, No! 'What! Who was it?' insisted Wippa, to which Joanne bluntly replied: 'Your friend, Fitzy!' Shocked that his name was mentioned, a confused Fitzy questioned whether Joanne was joking at first. 'Give me a break. I'm always accommodating Joanne, are you serious?' insisted the radio star. 'I'm serious...' she laughed. 'You were probably a bit hungover at the time as we all were...' 'This was ages ago, we were both at the same function place in Terry the party finished we were all the foyer Williams said yes to a photo with us but you made up for it in the end.' Fitzy then interjected: 'How did I make up for it? Because I'm really disappointed in myself!' Joanne insisted it was all water under the bridge in the end as she eventually ended up getting a picture with the radio star on another day. 'Because I got a photo with you both when Wippa used to have his running club at Hyde Park!' she said.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
The shock secret soapie flings you DID NOT know about - including 'hours of passion' between Heath Ledger and Kate Ritchie
The Aussie TV industry may be small, but it's had its fair share of romantic interludes over the years. Yes, Neighbours' Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan got their airtime in the pages, as did her sister Dannii Minogue and the late Julian McMahon after sparks flew in Home and Away. But what about the rest? Turns out, there is an underground archive of soap stars that slipped into the sheets together and slipped off the tabloid radar without anyone noticing. From Neighbours actors that got too neighbourly to Home and Away stars that couldn't leave their feelings in Summer Bay, the TV circuit proves to be a hotbed of hedonism. 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. Heath Ledger and Kate Ritchie (Home and Away) It seems Heath Ledger and Kate Ritchie's on-screen romance spilled into reality after the Gold Logie winner made a telling comment about her time acting alongside the late star. Heath, who played bad boy Scott Irwin, and Kate, who played Sally Fletcher, were love interests on the show, both being around 17 at the time. In 2018, Kate sat down for an interview to celebrate 30 years of the hit soap and shed light on her relationship with the Hollywood star. 'Heath was very good looking, very charming,' she said in the trailer. 'There were a few hours of teenage passion.' While the pair never confirmed a relationship or tryst of any kind, Kate did go on to say that she was 'the envy of all the girls on set' as she got to lock lips with hunky Heath multiple times on the show. Tragically, Heath was found dead at a New York City apartment on January 22, 2008, after an accidental overdose, following months of physical and emotional exhaustion. Axle Whitehead and Samara Weaving (Home and Away) Life imitated art for Axle Whitehead and Samara Weaving, who announced their relationship while their fictional romance blossomed on screens. Axle, who played Liam Murphy, and Samara, who played Indi Walker, reportedly dated briefly in July 2012. However, the alliance was over quicker than it started, with both the stars spotted cuddling up with other people in August that year. Axle was snapped with a beautiful brunette at a Surry Hills bar and Samara was seen getting close to her new man in Sydney's inner west, according to Nine Honey. The split appeared sugary sweet, with Axle claiming that they remained good friends with a lot of respect for each other. Samara soon turned her sights to Hollywood, starring in blockbusters Ready or Not, Babylon and Borderline. Axle, on the other hand, spends his time playing music gigs at small venues across Sydney and selling his used music equipment on Instagram. Lincoln Lewis and Indiana Evans (Home and Away) Did you know that Lincoln Lewis and Indiana Evans were an item? These Home and Away lovebirds also enjoyed a brief stint of dating, but called a time out on their romance in 2008 after just a few months together. However, their short-lived romance became the talk of the town in 2009 after Lincoln confessed that he had filmed a sex tape the year prior and showed it to his castmates. At the time, The Daily Telegraph reported that the clip featured a 'teenage TV starlet'. Daily Mail is not suggesting that Indiana was involved in the alleged scandal. 'You do stupid things when you are young,' he told the publication in 2010. 'But you learn from your mistakes, that's part of growing up — this mistake, and what I have learnt, will contribute a lot to making me a better person in the future.' Stefan Dennis and Gayle Blakeney (Neighbours) Before Stefan Dennis and Gail Easdale lived happily ever after, there was a Gayle of another kind on the scene - and the screen. Gayle Blakeney, who played Christina Alessi on the show, dated the longtime Neighbours star between 1990 and 1992. And while their characters wed on the show, the pair didn't make it to the altar in real-life, instead parting amicably and Stefan moving on to another Neighbours castmate... Stefan Dennis and Natalie Imbruglia (Neighbours) It seems Stefan was quite the fan of the Neighbours watering hole, for pretty quickly he was embroiled in a secret romance with another one of his co-stars Natalie Imbruglia. Natalie, who went on to enjoy a successful music career with hits such as Torn and Big Mistake, first appeared on the beloved soapie in 1992 as Beth Brennan. Stefan revealed that the pair struck up a relationship after sparks flew on set, leading to his reputation among the cast as a ladies' man. 'Because of my relationship with Gayle and later, in a well-kept secret, I was also going out with Natalie Imbruglia, there was a rumour that I was making my way through the female cast,' he told Stellar in 2022. The revelation was a shock, not only because it slid under the tabloids' radar, but because Stefan was 17 years her senior. Beau Brady and Bec Hewitt (Home and Away) Bec Hewitt (Cartwright at the time) and Beau Brady's relationship was widely covered at the time, but the early noughties romance may have slipped your minds since it came crumbling down twenty years ago. The couple, taking their on-screen relationship off-screen, dated for four years and were hailed as Australia's soapie sweethearts. Beau even proposed, with the couple enjoying a few months engaged before Bec called off it off in 2004 and broke hearts across the country. In the ultimate plot twist, Bec moved into WAG territory the following year, dating tennis star Lleyton Hewitt for six weeks before getting engaged in 2005 and then married. The pair have now been playing the tennis game that is marriage for 20 years. Speaking with Woman's Day magazine in 2010, Beau broke his silence on their split and also made some shock claims about the fallout of their relationship. 'I'm only speculating, but in the end I'm still not really sure why Bec broke it off. Maybe it was because I didn't own a Ferrari!' he told the mag. Beau also claimed that Bec started texting and calling Lleyton while they were together and that she disappeared for more than a week before dumping him. 'I thought there was nothing to it because - let's face it - I'm a much better looking dude than Lleyton,' he added. Sigh... There's nothing worse than when your former tennis partner starts calling fouls.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kate Ritchie fails to show up to annual Singles Party as she all but confirms her departure from Nova radio gig
Kate Ritchie has all but confirmed her departure from her Nova radio gig by failing to show up to the station's annual Singles Party on Tuesday night. The 46-year-old was absent from the event which was hosted by her co-hosts Ryan 'Fitzy' Fitzgerald and Michael 'Wippa' Wipfli. Kate did not feature in a video posted to the radio station's Instagram page recapping the event. She has not been mentioned in the lead up to the event although her name was still featured on station promos. 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. 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. Last month, Fitzy and Wippa shared some details about their Singles Party but made no 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. Wippa 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. '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!' Fitzy 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.' The radio network first shared the news of the event on June 1st, alongside a promo image featuring Fitzy, Wippa and Kate, who had 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. 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
06-06-2025
- 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
05-06-2025
- 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.
