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Former Home And Away star Kate Ritchie has slammed the paparazzi for invading her privacy, saying it is having a negative impact on her mental health.
The radio host said she felt an article which appeared in The Daily Mail went too far.
“I struggle with mental health issues at times, which are deeply personal,” Ritchie said on Instagram.
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“This has proven to be a bigger challenge than I imagined.
“So, I have decided to take a break from the show and the team, who I love, to focus on my health.”
Ritchie thanked her community for helping her through this time, noting many other people struggle with similar issues.
Former Home And Away star Kate Ritchie has slammed the paparazzi for invading her privacy. Credit: InstagramShe then criticised the coverage by tabloids, who followed her last week while she ran errands.
At one point in the afternoon, Ritchie could be seen in an emotional state while taking a phone call.
“The images of me taken last week show that I wasn’t OK on that day,” Ritchie said.
“My struggle is not helped by the relentless stalking of me by the paparazzi, in fact they are making it much worse.
“Due to their constant harassment, they significantly add pressure and make my recovery that much more difficult.
“To those profiting from invading my privacy, a simple question — would you treat, say, your sister, mother or daughter the same, if they had similar challenges?
“Please consider and stop and think of the harm you are inflicting, and give me the space and privacy I need.”
While Ritchie is taking a break, Chrissie Swan is filling in on her Nova show alongside regulars Fitzy and Wippa.
Ritchie starred on Home And Away as Sally Fletcher for two decades, from 1988 to 2008, and won multiple Gold Logie awards for her performance.
She briefly reprised the role in 2013 for the show’s anniversary.
Most recently, she starred in The Claremont Murders in 2023 on the Seven Network.
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English (US) ·