[Billy]

Kate Ritchie has decided to quit her role in Home & Away after 20 years playing character Sally Fletcher.

The actress began working for the soap when she was eight years old and has gone on to hold the record for the longest continuous role in an Australian drama series.

Ritchie was also awarded the gong for 'Most Popular Actress' for the TV Week Silver Logie last year and was given the title 'Most Popular Personality on Australian Television' for this year's TV Week Gold Logies.

In 2007 she turned to television presenting and co-hosted reality singing contest It Takes Two, after she competed in the Australian series the previous year.

Ritchie said of the her departure: "I have been blessed with a job that I have loved for the past 20 years and I wouldn't take back one moment of my time on Home And Away, but I feel that it is time for change.

"My decision to leave the show has not been made lightly and despite being sad to say goodbye I am excitedly looking forward to what will be the next chapter of my life."

Channel Seven’s Director of Programming and Production Tim Worner said: "It almost feels like she's moving out of home so from that angle there is some sorrow but we are also genuinely excited for her as well.

"Seven is very proud of all that Kate has achieved in her time with us. We wish her as much success with the next part of her career - she's a great girl and she deserves it."

Ritchie will spend the rest of the year filming her last episodes. She will make her final onscreen Home & Away appearance in Australia in mid-December.



from ds