Nova radio personalities Michael ‘Wippa’ Wipfli and Ryan ‘Fitzy’ Fitzgerald have signaled that their long-running breakfast show, a fixture since its launch in January 2011, may soon conclude. The potential end of an era was revealed by Fitzy himself on their show, suggesting that their contracts with Nova might not see renewal by year’s end. “I don’t think they are being renewed. I’m gonna miss it, but we gotta hang up the mic at some stage,” Fitzy candidly admitted during a discussion about the program’s future.

This admission comes amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding the role of their co-host, actress Kate Ritchie, who joined the program in March 2023. Kate has been absent from the show since late January, having taken time off to address personal issues. Despite her extended hiatus, the program continues to be promoted as ‘Fitzy & Wippa with Kate Ritchie’ across Nova’s platforms.

Speculation regarding the ‘Home and Away’ star’s potential permanent departure intensified last month during a segment discussing their annual Singles Party. While Fitzy and Wippa detailed plans for the Sydney event, including a promotional announcement stating, “It’s back, Fitzy, Wippa and Kate Ritchie’s Singles Party returns! One night, one room, 100 chances to find the one,” there was a notable lack of mention regarding Kate’s attendance. Wippa engaged with Kate’s fill-in presenter, Chrissie Swan, about the yacht event on Sydney Harbour, highlighting its past successes: “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. This is the power of the Singles Party and it is back again for 2025, bigger and better!” Fitzy also discussed the event’s diversity without addressing Kate’s participation, further fueling questions about her return.

The absence of Kate Ritchie, 46, stems from a troubling public incident in a Sydney park that led to her sudden departure in January. She has since been reported to be receiving ongoing support at a rehabilitation facility. At the time, she was photographed visibly distressed shortly after picking up her daughter Mae from school. While Nova’s co-hosts initially promised a quick return after just one day off, this timeline was soon abandoned. Further indicators of a quiet exit include Kate’s updated Instagram bio, which no longer references Nova, simply identifying her as ‘actor, radio and broadcaster.’ Nova has remained silent on a potential comeback date for Ritchie and has not commented on whether she continued to receive pay during her absence, leaving the future of her involvement, and potentially the show itself, in doubt.

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