Kate Ritchie to leave Home and Away

27 September 2007 - Kate Ritchie has said she will leave Australian soap Home and Away after 20 years playing Sally Fletcher.

The 29-year-old actress has appeared on the show since the pilot episode aired in 1987 and will get a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the longest-serving performer in an Aussie drama series.

Kate's final scenes will be filmed in December and will go on the air in April 2008.

"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," she said in a statement.

"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."

She also explained that she had discussed the decision to leave with her friends and family before making her plans.

In 2006, Kate was given the TV Week Silver Logie for Most Popular Actress. She was also voted the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television at the awards this year.

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