KATE RITCHIE LEAVES HOME AND AWAY!

Messages to Kate

Kate has played the role Sally Fletcher for twenty years and become one of Australia’s most cherished actors, picking up a Silver and a Gold Logie in the process. Kate told Kochie and Mel on Channel Seven's morning show, that she will film her final scenes in December. "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," she said. "I feel that it is time for change." Kate will spend the rest of 2007 concentrating on filming her final scenes of Home and Away. "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," Kate said.

Series Producer Cameron Welsh said "We are of course sad that Kate will be leaving us but will always be grateful for everything she has given to Home and Away over the last twenty years. Everyone here shares her excitement for what the future holds."

Kate read all your emails and called me last night to say thank you to you all.

Hi Kate how are feeling, you’ve had a crazy day with television appearances, photo shoots and so many interviews?

“Yeah it’s just been woah to go… it’s been non stop but look I am flattered you know, I guess I would be upset if I made this announcement and no one cared. I spent the trip home reading all of the emails, it’s just so lovely, I actually walked in the door and burst into tears with my boyfriend because I feel like I have been holding it together all day.

Despite knowing it’s the right decision it’s a huge emotional upheaval that I am about to face, so that part of it is hard. Like I said, I spent the trip home reading all these beautiful emails from people who had spent a long time watching the show, some for a few years and some who have watched for as long as I have been a part of it, it’s just really nice to hear their well wishes and their support because you can be in that studio all day and every day and you can forget that you are in other people’s lounge rooms every night.

I am just so flattered and so touched and in some ways after reading the emails it doesn’t feel like I am doing it on my own anyway, there are so many people that are behind me and I am really grateful for that. They’re saying ‘don’t kill her off so that she can come back’, but you know you work on a show like Home and Away and just because you die doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t come back that’s been proven” Kate laughs.

”But it’s really nice, not just the emails, but when I came off Sunrise this morning I’ve had so many phone calls and beautiful messages from people, it just really cements with me that I am making the right decision. The only voice I really need to listen to is my own, but it is nice to feel that people will support me in whatever I decide to do next.”

What was the reaction from Ray and the cast?

“Well Lynn McGranger was quite funny, I didn’t see her, but she sent me a text, I think she’s pleased I’m leaving because she finally gets the dressing room to herself. And Ray is at the World Cup so I haven’t heard from Ray but he was one of the few people who did know I was leaving, so I sent him a quick message last night to let him know I was going on Sunrise and I did get a beautiful message from him pretty much straight away saying lots of people would be sad to see me go and that he would be one of those.

For those people and the close friends I have made on Home and Away and those who have left before me, the people I really want to stay in touch with, I will anyway, whether I am going to work with them every day. I think it’s just the day to day interaction with people I will miss, you know just the luxury of going to a job I really enjoy, like (some days) I’m at Collaroy sitting in the sunshine talking with my mates, not everyone is lucky enough to have a job like that.”

There’s always been a family atmosphere at Home and Away…

”Yeah there has been and everyone works as a real team and I think that’s got something to do with it’s longevity, it would be nice to think that in some ways that comes across on the screen, but yeah I will certainly miss lots of things about it.

The one thing that I really have in common with the fans and all those people who have written in too, is that I think I will miss Sally equally if not more than they will because throughout my life, and I’ve said it before, there are ups and downs and you are not sure what is happening and you have a bad day and things change, but the one thing that has always been the same is that Sally has always been there for me. “

I rememember you saying you were quite proud of her when you saw the tribute last Christmas.

Yeah I was and it’s only been in the last few years that I have allowed myself to be proud of her and what I have achieved and it’s such a great feeling. I guess for such a long time I’ve been embarrassed of the character that I didn’t think was particularly cool and didn’t have the cool clothes and didn’t have the hot boyfriend and all that kind of thing and now I realise that is something I should embrace because it just means I am like everybody else and that’s what’s really nice about it.”

The fans are asking what you are going to be doing next?

”I’m looking forward to a holiday, then in saying that I know that if I sit around doing nothing for too long, I will drive myself crazy so I can’t imagine I will be idle for long and that’s probably a good thing as well and I think it’s nice too to read the emails and see that people are excited to see what I am going to do next…so I guess I’m going to try and not let them down. At this stage I am not making any commitments because first I need the dust to settle and then have a long hard think about what to do.

Thanks Kate

Interview by Tania Seager

You can send your messages to homeandaway@seven.com.au and put 'KATE' in the subject line. We still have lots of messages to post on the site, so we will try and get them all up.

Andy (UK): hi home and away its andreas calling from London. i have just heard the news and i cant believe what i am hearing. is this true? Kate Ritchie is leaving the bay. after so many years home and away will not be the same with out her. she is the reason why we are all so hooked on the show she is such an amazing character full of life. please please home and away dont kill her character when she films her final scenes please however let it be a dramatic and massive story line because Kate can do it shes great. i dont know how i am going to bring myself to watch her final scene and say goodbye to her. i dont know if i can carry on watching without her. juts please what ever you do dont kill her off please please, knowing that she may never return will be hard to bare, however if we know that maybe one day she could return then you may keep our hearts beating. good byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee sally (kate)

Matt, 19: Dear Kate. Just wishing you all the best for the future. Each night you brighten the room, Sally has become more than a charcter- she is such an amazing person. I cried when she was stabbed and the tribute played. Home And Away will not be the same without you- do continue to be such an amazing actress and i hope the future brings wonderful joy to you. Hugs!

Jenny (UK): hi all in the bay i will sorry when sally gos aka kate i hope she leaves with her family intact please let her come back to visit from time to time the show is great keep up the good writing and acting as well.

Laura: As a huge home and away fan i was so mad to hear that you were leaving! I am a BIG sally fletcher fan!...I just want to say before you leave that you are my idol and i really look up to you! For my end of year 1st year exam we were asked to write about someone we admire most of my year wrote about like " Britney spears" or like a footballer but i wrote about you!( and i got an A) And your character and your presenting and radio station! I dont live in australia so i never saw your it takes two but i watched it on the brillient invention is like to call the internet! I think you and chris work so well together and i am a big BRALLY fan!...Im praying they dont kill you off! Hope fully sally and brad will leave together and they will return soon! My future dream was to go to the home and away set and meet you but i guess thats not gonna happen now! sobb sobb! ....Well Kate Good look! and we hope to see you face on our tvs again! perferably on home and away! And dont go to neighbours!lol

Marion (Ireland), been watching home and away since the beginning. Kate, I would like to thank you for all the joy you are brought in to our homes. You have been an inspiration, I would like to take the opportunity to wish you every success both personally and professionally in you future life. Home and away will never be the same again.

Nadia: I was very sad to hear Kate is leaving the bay. Ever since i moved to Edinburgh from Ireland i never misssed a esposide (just over 20 years ago) I have watched her grow from a little girl to a beautiful woman with Pippa by her side. I will miss her alot, but wish her every sucess in the future. Thank you Kate for giving me years of pleasure watching you in the bay. Goddbye and good luck.

Tim (UK):As a UK viewer since episode 1, I just wanted to thank you for every moment of pleasure you have given us during the last 20 years. You are a wonderful actor, and from everything we get to see and hear, a wonderful young lady as well. I wish you every happiness, both personal and professional, and hope that whatever you choose to do in the future includes something that is going to get you shown on UK TV! Thanks again for making Sally the best soap character ever, and good luck for the future.

Karen, 44 (UK): What!? I was absolutely stunned when I recieved the newsletter today to hear you would be leaving Home & Away. I have been watching it with my children from the day it started. Please don't do 'a death' thing. Please leave in a way that helps people make choices in their lives. Can't you say to the folks in the Bay that you're coming to live with me and my family in England? That way, you can return to Home & Away in the future......You've been a brilliant member of Summer Bay, and I wish you all the best in your future prospects. Lots of love... X

Jane: I had just moved to Australia the week that Home and Away started so i am one of the lucky ones that has seen it from the beginning. Kate you have played the role of 'Sally' so well right back to when you first started with the show at the age of eight. It has been amazing seeing you transform from a young girl to a teenager to a woman. I almost feel like i've grown up with you as if you were a younger sister!!!!! Sally has had alot of ups and downs through the years but she has always managed to get herself through them. To have stayed on the show for twenty years is a HUGE achievement and you should be very proud of yourself. Not everyone on tv can boast of a twenty year long career on the one show!!! When you announced that you were leaving the show i was so shocked, but also happy for you. I'm sure it may seem a bit scary for you, after having done the same job for so long, as to where or what to do next, but i think you might be surprised and some great opportunities will pop up for you. Please just make sure that they don't kill you off, because that would be too sad, but then you will always be able to come back as a guest. Congratulations Kate on a wonderful career as Sally and i wish you all the luck in the world. I'm sure you will be missed terribly by your fellow cast members and your fans alike. I will look forward to seeing what your next project might be. GOOD LUCK

nicola: my goodnees, I have just read that Kate Richie will be leaving Home and Away, I would like to wish her all the very best on her new life journey, my your path take you to the next level. I have been watching Home and Away since it began (I am now 31) and once my daughters where born very quickly got them in to watching it on and off of over the years, I have enjoyed all the ups and downs of home and away and especially Kate's lines because they are so real and every day problems. In love truth and light.

Jane: I am really shocked that your are going. We will miss you so much. You were a star to Home and Away and we wish you all the best for your future. How do you leave the bay?? You are da best.

Melissa: I'm not some one who has watched it from day one, because I wasn't around when it began. But from the time I started watching Home and Away, Sally was always the character I cried over when something bad happened to her. She brought so much warmth and heart to the show and it will be sad when she departs. We wish her all the best and may all her future projects be as successful as H & A was.

Dee (WA): I have watched you grow up from a cute little girl to the most beautiful woman. I am sad its time for you to go But you have to follow your heart and your dreams. What ever you end up doing with in filming I will be watching your shows your just the best. Wishing you the best of luck in what ever you do in life. God Bless Sally and thank you for sharing your growing up on Home and away.

Kellie (NZ): I HAVE BEEN WATCHING HOME AND AWAY SINCE YOU WERE YOUNG WITH ACTORS SELINA,JACK,SHANNON ETC..YEARS AGO!!! AND STILL A BIG FAN IN 2007!!! I'M FROM NEW ZEALAND AND SO SAD TO SEE YOU LEAVE AS YOURSELF,ALF AND IRENE HAVE BEEN THE MAIN ACTORS TO KEEP THE SHOW GOING... SO SAD TO HEAR YOUR LEAVING!! HOPE HOME AND AWAY CASTS THROW A MASSIVE PARTY FOR YOU!!! TO CELEBRATE YOUR YEARS ON HOME AND AWAY...WILL BE GREAT TO SEE EX CASTS FROM THE SHOW.. YOU DESERVE A BREAK KATE (SALLY)(I'M THINKNG OF THAT TRIBUTE SONG TO YOU FROM EVERMORE-SEE THE LIGHT)

Roslyn NZ: Thanks for making "Home and Away so enjoyable to watch for last 19 years and 9 months. And i know what ever u do in your next journey in life will be as great as it has been watching u grow up on the show. All the best.

Renee & Tahlia: Just wanted to say how sad I was to hear of your leaving Home & Away and my 8yr old daughter is too. I feel I have grown up with you, I am 29 and have been watching the show since the very first episode and never missed one, (well maybe 1 or 2) I taped them when I couldn’t be home to watch. I wish you every luck with your future endeavors but am extremely sad to see Sally and of course you leave and not know when we will see you again. OMG I feel like I am losing my best friend. I already know I will be in tears for days after seeing your last episode. Hope to see you on our screens soon.

Daniel 30: G'day Kate. I was shocked to learn after hearing on the radio that you finally made a decision to leave the show. But I do understand why you've made this choice. Especially after spending all morning reading your interviews printed in TV Week, Woman's Day, and OK magazines. I do absolutely agree that there comes a time in a persons life that they would like to try other things. It's just that I've been watching the show for at least 10 years now and I would've loved to see more of it then that, it my parents gave me the chance. Which is why I decided to get my own little television for my bedroom years ago. Of course I did have the chance to see many classical episodes when channel 7 was screening Home And Away - The Early Years which I found really cool. By the way, we have met before in person a few times at the Queensland Day Picnic In The Park in the Brisbane Botanic Gardens that they had year after year a few years back. You've given me your autograph a few times which I still have and will always treasure and you might even remember me too. Anyway, the point is you've been the most lovable and definately the heart & soul of the show. I'll always consider you my favourite star and character of Home And Away, I will sadly miss you, you'll always hold a close friendly place in my heart and I know you'll be back on the show one day, even if it is for a short appearance every now and then. Good Luck in whatever your going to do, all the best for the future, and I look forward into seeing you back on TV and see exactly what you'll be doing next.

Julia: OMG When I heard you were leaving I was so upset and I did not want to believe it. I am 13 years old and I love home and away. If I have to go out one night I will always tape it because I can’t miss an episode. Sally is my favourite character and the show will never be the same without you. Even though I was not alive when you first starred in home and away I still fell that I know you a lot. Please don’t make sally die because sally deserves to leave with a lot of pride and dignity. Also don’t make sally die because it will be a great pleasure watching her come back for special moments. Sally and kate you are both my role models

Sarah nz 12: i'm going to miss kate so much ive been watching home and away for about 5 years and seen lots of the old ep's and i love your chracter sally you are a great actress and don't go but if u must have a fantastic future and come back for vists 2 da bay i am sure every one will miss fans,cast,crew.

Jess: I have just logged on to the home and away website and have just read that you are going to be leaving the show. I have watched Home & Away since day one over here in the UK and I for one am gutted that your going. I have laughed and cried so hard over Sally's many story lines over the years that it almost feels wrong that she's (you) are leaving, I would say that it almost feels like my little sister is leaving and I'm not gonna see her anymore. I do hope that the writers let Sally go off into the sunset to live a happy ever after life, and that maybe every now and then you can pop into Noahs to celebrate a wedding or birthday or two. Well good luck with all your future projects kate, I know what ever you decide to do you will be fantastic.

Holly, 21, England: I just read the news that you are leaving. I am a bit behind as I have just come home from a holiday to Australia and New Zealand. I have been watching Home and Away since primary school and have followed it from its channel changes (in the UK) and seen many characters come and go. I am sad to hear your leaving the soap as I think your character was one of the most influential and a very good role model to any one who watches it. I wish you good luck for your future and hope to see you on other shows which can be broadcast in the UK. Finally…. don’t forget to continue visiting the UK.

Joanne, NZ: I have watched Home & Away from the day it started. Everyone knows not to ring me when Home & Away is on either the phone won't get answered or there will be a very grumpy me on the other end. I would just like to congratulate you on all the hard work you have put in over the last 20 years it is hard to believe it is that long. The show will not be the same without you. Please make sure they don't kill you off as they do in most cases when people leave. You never know one day you may decide to come back to Summer Bay. Anyway Kate all the best for your future and I hope one day we will see you back on the set of Summer Bay.

Paris: hi i am a huge fan of home and away and also a huge fan of sally (kate ritchie) and i would to thank her dearly for giving me something to look forward to each weekday night. i would also like to thank her for been a great inspiration to me and my friends. she will be dearly miss!!!!! GOOD LUCK to her in the future!

Caitlin: Just wanted to say its a shame to loose Kate! (Sally) she is an amazing actress and it has been a pleasure watching her. I met her on set once when I won a fan competetion she was so nice for someone so beautiful and famous. Thanks Kate cant wait to see what show you are on next !!!

Sarah: well i just want to say that i love home and away i have grew up with it and it will be very sad at the end of the year when sally leaves us all. but to kate congrats on making it this far you have achieved so much and u must be so proud because i know i am so goodluck for what ever the future holds you have been an idol to me growing up and im really going to miss u goodluck and goodbye xoxox

Tami: (26) Congratulations on the awesome work that you have done over the past 20 years. I began watching the show when I was 11years old and every night I was fixed to the show learning things, experiencing things and relating most of the scripts to various aspects of my teenage years. It was always great to see the way you portrayed "Sally" you should be very proud of yourself and the way in which you were able to captivate an audience with your acting ability. I'm sure many will always remember you as Sally rather than Kate but this is certainly not something to be ashamed of, but something you should celebrate. "Sally" I know has helped many young girls/woman through some troubling times and to be able to do that is something that not many people can accomplish through an acting role. I hope that the door is left open for you to return to the show during special episodes and that the memory of "sally" is never forgot in Summer Bay. Once again congratulations on the work that you have done and all the best with your future plans. NB Never know your daughter on the show Pippa may end up spending 20years at Summer Bay!!

Shelley: (England) Dear Kate, I have just heard the news that you are leaving the show and must say that i am absolutely gutted. You are one of my favourite characters and always have been. Having said that, i wish you all the best for the future and hope that you will get a lot of opportunities. Come over to UK we absolutely love you over here. You will be sorely missed from the show and it will never be the same without you. All the best in all that you do.

Katherine: Hi Kate, like many people who have left messages on the Home and Away site, I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed watching you on H & A over the last 20 years (you have certainly had your share of dramas!). Like so many people I have watched you from the start and even though it will be strange to watch H & A without you being on it I wanted to wish you all the best for whatever you do. I am originally from the UK but have been living here in Sydney for almost 7 years and know that you have a huge following over there too. All the best Kate and I look forward to seeing you on the TV but soon on a different show!

Louise: Dear Kate, I watched you on sunrise the other morning when you made your announcement. I was shocked to hear that you were leaving. When you were were making the announcement i could hear that you were getting upset and then i got all upset. You are an amazing person inside and out. Your contribution to Home and Away for the past 20 years is just extrodinary. You are a role model not just for myself but for all women. Whatever you choose to do I hope you enjoy it as much as you have enjoyed working on Home and Away. As you said on Sunrise a holiday would be good, after all you have been working since you were a child. I wish you all the best.

Teagan 11 & Jayden 10: We Are So Sad That You Are Leaving You Were Our Favourite Character It Is Such A Big Achievment For Being A Character On The Show For 20 Years You Will Be Greatly Missed.Home And Away Wont Be The Same Without You Good Luck And Best Wishes xoxo

Belinda: I was very sad to hear an end of an era, the era of Sally Fletcher. Home and Away has been a stable part of my life with a whole folder dedicated to it. I will dearly miss you as part of the show as well as Sally. Good luck in what you will do in the future.

Jo: Home and away won't be the same without you!! I've grown up watching H&A and have absoutley loved watching you play sally! love you both! You'll be missed alot. goodbye and goodluck.

Renee: Kate, PLEASE DONT LEAVE!!!!!! You are my favourite and Home and Away wont be the same without you. I wish i could meet you. when i heard you were leaving, i cried for soooooo long. I will miss you soooo much. So please don't leave.

Bec and Rosemary: Dear Kate, we are very sad that u are leaving Home and Away and u will be truly missed by cast but also ur many fans including us. We wish u all the best in whatever u do in the future. We have been watching the show since u were a little girl.

James: (UK) I have been a fan of Home and Away and have been for as long as i can remember. I am 18 in a couple of weeks and have really grown up with all the characters in the bay. It will be a real shame to see Sally leave the Caravan Park and i wish Kate all the luck in the world for whatever she chooses to do! Lots of love to Kate and the rest of the cast and crew!

Kris: Belgium: Oh no. Those where my first thoughts when I read the news. I just can't believe it. I'm from Belgium and I watch the show since the very beginning. I was just a child and I grew up with you Kate. I think I missed only about a 30 episodes in all those years. And I mean it when I say that you are like a sister to me. Of course I know that you are not Sally but I can see that you are just like Sally a very warm person, someone where you can rely on. And I really gonna miss you, it's gonna be so strange, Summer Bay without Sally. But I wish you all the luck in the world, in your professional life and your private life. And I hope that if you're gonna play in a movie or maybe another show, we in Belgium will have the luck to see it. Good luck Kate and thank you so much for the last twenty years, you were and you are wonderful. Thank you so much!!!

Naya: I'm Greek. I have been watching Home and Away since I came to UK for my first and my Master Degree. I feel sad that you are leaving , however I would like to wish you good luck, whatever you decide!!!You are a brilliant actress and you deserved both logie awards!!I am coming to Australia in 5 months in order to work for a year, I am so unhappy that I won't be able to watch you in the episodes!!!However, I really do wish you the best, from the bottom of my heart, and GOD BLESS YOU AND THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE!!!!You are the Australian queen and always will be!!!

Aisling: (Ireland) Hi Kate, I just wanted to say how said I am to hear that you'll be leaving Home and Away at the end of the year. I listened to your interview on the radio as I drove home from work and was almost in tears ( as were you ) with the announcement. I have been a home and away fan from the very beginning and am still as addicted as ever. I got the chance to visit the Surf Club and the beach in 2004 when I spent a year in oz. Even though the show won't be the same without you, I'm sure someone will step into the breech and fill the void just like you did when Pippa left! Just pass on a message to make sure Alf never leaves the show, that would be just to much to bear!! It is the start of a new adventure for you, so the very best luck and wishes are sent from me to you. I just hope you are given the opportunity to come back to the show on the special occasions as some of your ex cast mates have done in the past!

Barbara: I have watched the show since the first ep. You and (Mum) Pippa are my fave characters and have always been. My 2nd fave characters are Steven and Selina. You remind me of two of my sisters 7 daughters. Thanks for all the work you've done as Sally Fletcher (the only foster child to be adopted)! Your Gold Logie and Silver Logies were Extremely Well Deserved!!! Home and Away wont be the same without you. You are the show - always have been, always will be. You will be very sadly missed. Much good luck and success in all your new adventures/work opportunities - and may you continue to win the gold and silver logies!!!

Melita: Dear Kate, I have mixed emotions about you leaving Home & Away. On one hand I am so sad to hear your leaving, I have watched you since the very first episode, I am now 32, a mother of 2 and a wife, I felt like I have grown up with you. I have shared your tears, laughs & joys, and will miss not seeing you on my FAVORITE show each night. You will leave a huge hole in Home & Away and it will not be the same without you. But on the other hand, I am so excited for you. You are about to start a new adventure in your life, I know as a loyal fan of yours I will be waiting for the next show or movie you choose to be in and I will be watching this for sure. Good luck with everything Kate and I hope you will come back every now and then to visit “Summer Bay” because all of your fans will welcome you with open arms. Take Care & Keep Smiling.

Karla: I am a huge fan of your show and i was very sad to hear the news of Kate Ritchie (Sally) going out of the show i have been watching the show for a very long time now and she is one of my favourites the show will seem very strange without her smiling face in it but in saying that i wish her well in what ever it is she decides to do next. I hope when it comes time for her to depart the show that the writers don't kill her off so that leaves it open for her to come back on special occasions ie weddings. Home&Away rocks keep up the good work.

Gro: I am a norwegian girl who has been a "home and away" fan for around ten years now. It's sad to see that Sally is leaving the show. Even here in Norway Sally is a popular character for all the "home and away" fans. The show will never be the same without her. But on our TV screens she is still happily married to Flynn, so luckily we will have her with us for a long while. I want to wish Kate good luck whatever she decides to do in the future!

Steve:(England) I have watched H&A since day one and grew up watching Sally go from a cheeky little girl to the strong, confident woman that she is today. The Bay will not seem the same without you there. You actually brough me to tears during Sally's battle with cancer, and with Flynn's death (which is not easy to do) and shows just how much talent you have. I wish you the best of luck for the future and hope that you succeed in all you do.

Joe: What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Kate, you are absolutely bloody fantastic! As an actor you have always been such a professional, you can just see that, you manage to move, inspire, devastate and uplift with your superb and spot on portrayal of Sally, who has been my favourite character on the show since day dot. I grew up with you, with Sally, watched as she went threw so many different eras and ups and downs, every Sally-saga, I was there, remember Mr Moss? Sally felt so strongly about being the reincarnation of Caitlin. Jamie Grace, being held in the bush by this innocent kinda freakish insane guy, then there was Gus, Murry, Tim, Daria’s dad, Vinnie, Jack, Keiran…Flynn. Hating herself, loosing so many loved ones, devastation at the thought of being responsible for the death of Sophie’s unborn child, then skip to 10 years later and she was having Sally and Flynn’s kid, her irreplaceable bond with Pippa…so many memories, and Kate, you brought them alive, made them real, made Sally so lovable and such a grounded character with so much depth, amongst the more 2-D ‘flash in the pan’s’! An amazing actress, the world will truly miss seeing ‘Sally’ every night, and be utterly disappointed and genuinely emotional to see her leave Summer Bay after all these years…cant believe it, we just took it for guaranteed she’d be around forever… Please come back some time Kate, but in the meantime, have an amazing journey as you enter the next chapter of your unique life!

Sophie: (Age 10) Dear Kate, I am really really sorry about your retirement from Home and Away. You are my favorite character because you are kind, loving, caring and I love the way you care about Rick and Cassie, but most of all I loved the way you did not marry Brad because you really can’t let go of Flynn. I have been watching Home and Away ever since I have been able to watch TV! I have always loved Sally!

Fiona: My god where do i start... When i heard Kate was leaving i was sitting next to my partner in the car i tears started in my eyes. I am 25 years old and have been watching the show from the very first eposode and i've only ever missed one episode, hard to believe. i can say that im happy that kate has decided to leave but in one i'm not she has been a huge part of home and away for 20 years and even when she's gone she will leave an enormous gap in the show and in my heart. I have recorded nearly every special episode and still watch them for a laugh or a cry. Kate i think you have done an amazing acting job and the show wouldn't be what is is today without you. ever since i was little my ultimate dream is to meet the cast of home and away specially kate but i guess to this day my dream is still that but ill never get the chance to make my dream a reality. in the last coming months i wish you all the best on this great show have fun and i know there will be plenty of dramas i've enjoyed watching you from a little shy girl who had an imaginary friend turn into a beautiful young lady and becoming one of australias most loveable characters on home and away. you have done us proud and i will be crying on the final episodes on you in it. And wish you all the best in the future and hey you might be like "pippa" come back to the place that everyone loves one a while for a surprise visit i hope. good luck, congratulations and i will never forget Sally" from a very big fan.

Renee: OMG!!!!!!! Sally u can't leave i will miss u sooooooooo much ur my favourite character i have watched u grow up and u r awesome. PLEASE DONT LEAVE!!!

Aisling: (Ireland) I am a huge fan of Home And Away and have been since the very first episode. I just heard yesterday that Kate Richie is leaving the show. She is so going to be missed. It won't be the same without Sally. I am hoping she won't be killed off and will be back again at some stage in the future. And wish her all the best in whatever she decides to do next. We are just at the stage where Kim has left Rachel to be with Kit. Martha and Jack still aren't back together. I have read Sally's diary and know what is to happen over the next while but please eventually put them back together. Also now that Sally won't be there, will someone else write her diary or will it be stopped now. I have to say I'm loving the show as much as I always have. Everyday I can't wait to see what is going to happen.

Georgia: Hi Kate, I have watched home and away since you first started and you have been my favourite character the whole time. Who am I going to turn to now when I need a good laugh or a good cry I just hope that your ending isn't with Sally's death I hope she just leaves cause she can't cope anymore cause then you have a chance to return if you want even to just visit. Anyway I wish you all the luck with Whatever you choose to do later. I knew it was coming cause everybody that hosts a new show or does commersials or makes a singing album always moves on not long after. We all love you and hope to see you on the show again.

Annie: DEAR KATE, I LIVE IN MELBOURNE SO I MIGHT SEE YOU I AM 13 I HAVE BEEN WATCHING THE SHOW SINCE I WAS A LITTLE GIRL. I LOVED WATCHING YOU GROW UP ON SCREEN AND ITS LOVELY TO SEE YOU GROWN UP NOW. WHEN I HEARD YOU WHERE GOING I ALMOST FAINTED BECAUSE SALLY IS MY FAVOURITE ACTOR SHE HAS A WARM HEART. AS MUCH AS I DON'T WANT YOU TO LEAVE I KNOW YOUR MAKING THE RIGHT DECISION. GOOD LUCK & BEST WISHES FOR THE FUTURE. I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE IN HOME & AWAY I WOULD REALLY LOVE AND ENJOY BEING IN HOME & AWAY. YOU HAVE ALWAYS LIGHTED UP THE SHOW. YOUR THE BEST ACTOR, KATE YOU'RE MY HERO FOREVER.

Sarah: Hi Kate, My name is Sarah, i'm 14 and i've been watching home and away for as long as i can remember. i can't believe that after 20 dedicated years, you have decided to leave home and away. I'm glad that you were on the show for that long, so all your fans got to know you. WELL DONE! i cried so much when you announced that your leavng. Sally has tought me so much and has been my favourite character since i started watching. she has had so many good and bad adventures. all memorable. One moment in my life that i will never forget when i was the last person to be able to meet you at the packo festa. i was so excited, i'll never forget that and i won't forget you even if you do leave Summer Bay forever. Pease make sure that they don't kill you off. i dont think any of you fans would be able to sit through it. You will always have a place in your fans hearts. i respect your decision to leave and try something new. i hope you enjoy your life after home and away, and i will look out for you wherever you appear next. I LOVE YOU KATE. YOu have been my female role-model, and the person that i have looked up to. I LOVE YOU.

Chonelle: I am 22 years old and live in New Zealand, I have watched Home and Away and remember you back with you at school and a child and can't believe how far you come in the show. It won't be the same when you are gone the only orginal character left will be Alf. You will be sadly missed on the show. Good luck for your future and look forward to maybe seeing you on some other tv show.

Katrina: (UK) I do hope you get to read this. I live in the UK and have watched Home & Away from the day it started. I visited Australia last year for 5 months and loved it. I was also in OZ when you rec'd your Gold Logie and was so happy for you. I have watched you grow up into a beautiful woman and you should be very proud of yourself. Like you said in your interview Sally has always been there for you and you've always been there for me and many others. I was and still am very upset to hear you are leaving but understand it is time for you to go, I just hope home & away can survive without you, as i am sure they will lose some fans when you leave. I wish you all the luck in the world and do hope you come over to the UK and try work over here. You are going to be sadly missed, goodbye and goodluck. All the best for the future.

Charles: (UK) l like home and away very much l am very upset about sally is leaving home and away please please dont kill her of she is the best one in home and away so please keep her in home and away thank you.

Jon: My family and I have been watching Home and Away since its very beginning. I would like to congratulate you on the fantastic contribution you have made to the show and indeed Australian television. Enjoy whatever you decide to do in the future and all the best.

Sarah, 14: ive been watching home and away for as long as i can remember. i cant believe taht after 20 dedicated years , you have decided to leave home and away. I'm glad that you were on the show for that long, so all your fans got to know you. WELL DONE! i cried so much when you announced that your leavng. Sally has tought me so much and has been my favourite character since i started watching. she has had so many good and bad adventures. all memorable. One moment in my life that i will never forget when i was the last person to be able to meet you at the packo festa. i was so excited, i'll never forget that and i wont forget you even if you do leave Summer Bay forever. Pease make sure that they dont kill you off. i dont think any of you fans would be able to sit through it. You will always have a place in your fans hearts. i respect your desision to leave and try something new. i hope you enjoy your life after home and away, and i will look out for you werever you appear next. I LOVE YOU KATE. YOu have been my female role-model, and the person that i have looked up to.

Sharon: Last night I found my 6 year old niece drawing a picture. I asked what she was drawing and she showed me a picture of her and Sally and she had also written a letter to Kate, so I told her I'd email it to Home and Away. This made Paige very happy as she had been sad since she learned that Sally would be leaving 'the bay'. Paige's mother watches Home and Away all the time, and Paige likes to watch the show with her.

Chonelle, 22, NZ: I have watched Home and Away and remember you back with you at school and a child and can't believe how far you come in the show.It won't be the same when you are gone the only orginal character left will be Alf. You will be sadly missed on the show.Good luck for your future and look forward to maybe seeing you on some other tv show.

Katrina, England: I live in the UK and have watched Home & Away from the day it started. I visited Australia last year for 5 months and loved it, I watched home & away everyday while i was there and it was funny cos Peter was back and i didnt have a clue what had happened and Tarsha was pregnant and ready to have a baby and she wasn't when i left the UK. I was also in OZ when you rec'd your Gold Logie and was so happy for you.I have watched you grow up into a beautiful woman and you should be very proud of yourself. Like you said in your interview Sally has always been there for you and you've always been there for me and many others. I was and still am very upset to hear you are leaving but understand it is time for you to go, I just hope home & away can survive without you, as i am sure they will lose some fans when you leave.I wish you all the luck in the world and do hope you come over to the UK and try work over here.You are going to be sadly missed, goodbye and goodluck.All the best for the future.

Margaret, Ireland: I'm 26 and have watched Home and Away from the very first episode. It is hard to imagine the show without Sally Fletcher. Kate, your character has given us many memorable, inspiring and encouraging storylines throughout your 20 years on the show. I remember thinking that Home and Away would never be the same again when Pippa left the show all those years ago, but you stepped into her shoes with ease and became one of the much loved anchor characters of Home and Away. You are a great role model and I would like to wish you all the best in your future. I look forward to many more memorable stories before your departure from the show. I'm sure that you and the producers will make it another tearjerker like Noah and Flynn's departures. You will be greatly missed but will always be in our thoughts and memories. Hopefully you and Sally will return to the 'Bay' on special occassions. Best of luck Kate, love always.

Abisade, 17: You have been on Home and Away for 20 years and it has become like your second home. The impact you have had on the show, I don't think ANYONE can have the kind impact that you had. Indeed I'm sad but I'm happy because I know whatever you do in future your going to great at it. You will be GREATLY MISSED !!

Shannon: I watched your announcent on Sunrise. I had heard there was going to be a shock announcent from a Home and Away actress. I usually don't ever get up early enough to watch it, but I did as I was dying to know who and what it was about. Then you appeared on the screen and told us you were leaving! I'm not going to watch Sunrise ever again now. I think most fans are still in shock - I know I am.Please reconsider!

Laura, England: I have been watching H&A since the late 80's. I have grown up with Kate/Sally and have seen both transform themselves into beautiful adults. Although H&A is only a soap and not real, when a charachtor has been on a show for so long, as Kate has, it is impossible not to feel some kind of attachment to them. I dreaded the day when Kate would announce that she would leave the show, and whilst I can understand her desires to try new things, I still feel very disappointed as I know that I am really going to miss them both.I hope that the producers and writers do not kill Sally off and will always leave the door open for her to return. I hope that in time Kate does decide that the Bay is exactly where she belongs! I wish Kate all the very best of luck in the future and hope her dreams come true.

Penny, South Australia: I've been watching Home and Away since the very first episode so I feel as though I've grown up with you (I was even a member of the Home and Away Fan Club all those years ago). Although I was upset when I heard you had finally made the decision to leave the show (it was bound to happen eventually), I'm also extremely happy for you. You've devoted 20 years of your life to entertaining the likes of myself and millions of other fans, young and old. It's now time for some YOU time! And for you to take the next big step in your exciting life. I really do hope you spend some time travelling before you settle into another TV or maybe a movie role. Living and travelling overseas in my 20's was (up until I had my precious baby boy 5 months ago) the best thing I'd ever done. I, like Sally, have had my fair share of life's up and down's too (learning my little Sister was Gay when I was 19, married in my 20's, divorced 2 years later, re-married again in December last year, losing my father to cancer when I was 23 weeks pregnant and 2 weeks before my wedding last year, then giving birth to my precious baby boy in April this year after trying for nearly 6 years to have a baby). But through it all, Sal was there for me. I knew that I could switch Channel 7 on at 7pm weeknights and hear those faithful lyrics 'You know we belong together.......' and for half an hour a night - Mon- Fri, I was captivated! Especially with Sal's ups and downs. You couldn't even stop me watching in hospital the night after having my son - my husband couldn't believe it - he said to one of the midwives - 'even having a baby doesn't stop her watching bloody Home and Away!'sorry, he doesn't share my passion!) Kate, through your character you have been a role model and a friend for the past 20 years - I'll miss Sally dearly, but I really do look forward to seeing what else Kate Ritchie has to offer of her incredible talent in the near future. Good luck with your final few months on Home and Away and best wishes for a wonderful life ahead.

Racheal, England: I have watched Home and Away since always and my children watch it now. im sorry your leaving you have been one of my favourite people from the start i cried for days when Flynn died you played such a good role and i knew Brad wouldnt be the one for you. Good look in all you do i will keep watching for you.

Mel: NO NO NO NO NO!!!!!!! Not sally. OMG! I am 36 years old and was part of the very first generation to have been introduced to Sally through Home and Away. This is so sad but yet a brave move for Kate. Kate you to me are one of the best actresses we have in Australia You had people love your character for 20 long years with no sign of boredom and this is a real achievement. Just do me one favour and don't make Sally "die" out either in an accident or due to illness. That would be bad. It would just be nice if she could say that the Bay weren't for her and her family anymore and that oneday she will be back.Wow I am in shock. I still remember watching the show when Pippa was no longer there and now it is going to happen again. Thehappy thought here is that I love you and I reckon a large part of Australia join me in saying that. JOB WELL DONE KATE. I am just glad I am overseas living...it means I won't have to watch the finally.

Hannah: Goodluck for everything you do Kate. I only started watching Home and Away this year after seeing last years cliffhanger and just having to know what happened to her! I was beside myself all christmas trying to find out what happens and since then I've been hooked. Goodluck for everything you do in the future and hopefully we will see you again very soon. DON"T LET SALLY DIE!!!! xoxo

Megan: I am saddened to hear that the beloved character is leaving the show, I do understand though that there is a time in life when people have to move on. I just have to wonder, we all thought that when Sally got stabbed by Rocco a couple of months back that this would be the end for her, but she confirmed that she had no plans to leave anytime soon. Can someone please explain that as I along with others are having trouble understanding that. I would like to know what brought this on? I have been a major fan of the show since I can remember and have fallen in love with all the characters past and present and believe that Home & Away will not survive without Sally. She is the show through and through and her departure will cause some major worry for fans. People are starting to wonder now, whether the show will continue and if anything how good it will be without her. Home and Away will never be the same and when she leaves she will take many fans with her. Home and away started with Kate and Sally and now it doesn't feel right to be saying goodbye. Whilst I haven't personally known her, I have been truly inspired, touched, amazed about her as a person and the character she has portrayed. I have learnt a lot from her storylines and in some cases those storylines have changed my life for the better. I have a lot of respect for her and I guess if this is what she wants then I wish her all the best and she will be missed sincerely. I hope that althought she will no longer be performing on the show that we still get to see her and heare updates on how she is going and what she is doing. I am glad that we will still see her on air until at least midway through 2008. Who knows she might win another gold logie, that would be a very fitting end to 2 decades.

Aimee, NZ: Sad to see you go. I have been watching home and away since day one! ( I am 28) and feel like I have grown up with you. I really hope they don’t kill your character off – I think Sally needs to go with dignity!!

Lauren, 6: Iam really disaponited that Kate Richie is leaving the show. I was cryng my eyes out.Please do not make her caracter die beacause it would be nice for her to come back for speashiel events.

Jane: I have watched the show for as long as you have been part of it. We basically both grew up with home and away in our lives, you were just on the set while I was waiting for the episodes to hit the screen. I am 34 and I have loved watching home and away since the very first episode. SO many people have come and gone and it has always been sad to watch a regular leave however, I think your departure is far the saddest. A girlfriend and I are having a home and away party for your final night as Sally so we can cry together. What an emotional night that will be! I wish you every success as you truly deserve it and I look forward to hearing what plans you’ve made for your life. Good luck.

Taylah: I'm a really big fan of Home & Away and you are my favourite star. You're a really good actress, and it will be sad to see you leave after all these years. Best wishes, and good luck in the future!

Nikki, NZ: I just wanted to say how happy yet disappointed I am that Kate/Sally is leaving the bay, she is my favourite actress in the world and I had this feeling that she would be leaving I just didn't know when/didn't want to know when. When I saw the Headlines "Goodbye To Home And Away For Sally" I didn't know what to think and just watching Home and Away on my t.v then brought tears to my eyes thinking that I won't get the chance to watch Sally for much longer, and how much it will never be the same once she is gone...All The Best for The Future, Kate, & Please try to get into some sort of t.v [stuff] New Zealand I can't imagine not been able to see you act at all...

Ellie: I know you have thousands and thousands of letters sent from your #1 fan, but i am your #1 fan.I watch Home and Away every single night and if i miss it i tape it and watch it the next day.I know all the actors names and love them all to bits,except the bad people!I love Home and Away so much!I just want to thank Kate Ritchie for all the fantastic work she does and one day I would like to come on home and away and try to be as great of an actor as she is! I would like it if Kate Ritchie would come back on Home and Away but that is just not possible.Can you please let Kate Ritchie know that i am her #1 fan and that she has done a wonderful job as an actor and it will be sad to see her go!Thanks a lot for reading my letter and thank you for making home and away the #1 show in the world!!

kristy: i am so sad to see kate go, home and away will never be the same with out her.kate is one of my favourite actors on the show and she has done a awesome job playing sally. i have been a huge fan of home and away scene i was 3 years old, sally has always been my favourite character. good luck for the future and i hope we see kate on t.v again. thanks kate for a great 20 years on the show. we will miss kate heaps xxxx

Caitlin: Im Caitlin & I've been watching Home & Away for about 4 years now. As soon as I saw the first episode Sally was my favourite character and I am sad to see her go, but I know it is right!I just wanted to say how much I love Kate and wish her all the best for the future!

Wendy: When i heard you where leaving the show i was really upset i didnt want to belive it straight away but then i did.you are the best thing that has ever happened to the show.i watch it every night and if i am out i record it.i wish you all the very best for the future what ever happens.the show wont be the same with out you

Emma: NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, You can't leave! , My self and my mum have watched you from the very start and you are the best character on the show. I have grown up with you and you have been my role model for as long as i can remember! i know noone can change your mind about leaving but please dont die! we need you to come back for special times! good luck we all love you and you defently deserved your award!

Beck: How sad to see you go but I guess there is a time for everyone to move on from something in there life.It has been amazing to watch you play Sally over the years, but what is more amazing is to see you as a young lady. I am 20 and look up to you, your are graceful, you rememeber your fans, you are just a lovely person alround, everything a famous (and yes you are a famous:)))) person should be, you have heartache in your own life but the whole world doenst no about it, you conduct yourself so well, you are like princess Mary but younger and more bubbly and I hope you find your prince one day to:))) Your parents must be so proud,I hope to see you one day on the screen after the bay, all the best wishes,x0xx00

Julie, 19: Dear beautiful Kate, Noooooooooooooooo - I'm thinking.. you're leaving H & A. I am very sad to hear because I absolutely love you and your character on the show. You're personally just enlightens me. However, I do wish you all the very best and hope to see you on other shows maybe?? and will miss you dearly. You have blessed us and thankyou for all your effort, time, and committment to the 20 yrs on H & A. You've been awesome! You're my favourite!!! All the very best for your future and keep safe and enjoy life. Love from one of your forever fans, Julie xxxxxxxooooo

Melissa: Dearest Kate, I have been (& always will be) a fan of yours since the show came to Ireland in the 80's and I am deeply saddened to hear that you are leaving. I am lucky enough to be in Australia at the moment & I have to admit, one of my reasons for choosing this country as a working holiday destination, was because of 'Home & Away'. The show itself is a great advertisement for Australia. After travelling for a few months & now living here in Perth since May, I have found the show is very similar to normal Ozzie life. I was born in 1977, and I am getting married (in real life) myself this November in Bali & I have two weeks in Sydney for our honeymoon before myself and my husband (to be) will head back to Ireland for Christmas. We will, of course, be taking a trip to Palm Beach in the hope of getting a glimpse of stars like yourself & the infamous “Summer Bay”. Ireland has a HUGE fan base and they will be deeply saddened by your leaving. I cried the night you won your Golden Logie. I was so proud of you and delighted to be here the year you won it. You truly are a brilliant Actor, your acting is so realistic that it’s no wonder you can bring a tear to someone’s eye. The scenes with Flynn when he was diagnosed with cancer & when he died, were astonishingly gripping. They moved me so much. I don’t blame Sally for her decision in deciding against marrying Brad. In life you should have one Life, one Love. This was true for Sally & Flynn. I am lucky enough to have the same. Sally will be sadly missed on our screens, but I’m sure you will have a long and successful acting career. I wish you the very best of Luck in what ever you choose to do. "Go N'eirigh An Bother Leat" as we say in Ireland (in Irish, literally meaning ‘May the road rise up to meet you.’ or have a wonderful life). So long Kate. Who knows I may see you in December at Palm Beach. It would be a perfect finish to a fantastic year in this Country. Hope you make it to Ireland some day! From your biggest Irish Fan.

Ails: I have watched Home & Away since it started. I have laughed and cried at the things that Sally has had to deal with. The story lines have been very dramatic at times and you have done a wonderful job. Also congratulations on the Gold Logie this year, you deserved it. To be committed to a show for 20 years is huge. It will be sad to see you go from the show and I wish you all the best for the future in what ever you decide to do. Hope it isn't too long before we see you on the screens again after you leave the show.

Adrienne: Congratulations to Kate Richie for making her big decision. I hope the script writers allow her a strong farewell where “Sally” makes her own decision about her future and looks forward to a great career and fulfilling life because of her decision. “Sally” has been such an excellent role model for girls and young women that it would be a pity to see her killed off or suffer consequences of events beyond her control. We see enough violence against young women on police and other TV shows. Please, please have “Sally” exit the show in a way that encourages girls and young women to make good decisions about their lives. Thanks to Kate Richie for her wonderful performances - we’ll miss her in Summer Bay and look forward to seeing her future work.

Caara, 14: I am your ultimate fan and will be ver very very sad to see you leave. You are my role model. I have always wanted to be a famous actress like you. Miss you, Kate xxxx

Scott: Dear Kate, I have watched you grow and mature over the last 19 years , and although it's sad to see you go i'm sure you will find success down whatever road you decide to travel. Best of luck for the future, however I beleive home and away won't quite be the same again.Congratulations on your 2 successive logie wins, over the past two years, and in you role as co host of ITT, you did a fantastic job and looked amazing week after week.

Hannah, Wales UK: Hi Kate just wanted to say that I'm very very sad that your leaving I've been watching Home and Away for 14yrs (since I was six) and Sally's my favourite, I look forward to every storyline/scene you are in as you are a wonderful actress and i've always wanted to meet you, I hope they don't kill you off as that would be to sad even though I'm going to be in tears either way, I hope you have a wonderful future and that you will make returns to H+A for special occasions I'm going to stop now as I could go on forever about how much I think you are great but before I do Congratulations on wining the Gold Logie and the 2 Silver Logies you deserved to win and Thank you for giving me 14 wonderful yrs I'm going to miss not seeing you in H+A and not seeing you on the credits for the first time, Im going to miss you so much, Good Luck for the future x oxoxo

Wes, Ireland: I've been watching home and away for as long as i can remember, along with a lot of my friends that i've grown up with. I can't really imagine home and away without you being a part of it, but we'll just have to get used to it i guess!! but i wish you the best of luck with whatever the future holds for you, and you'll be really missed! don't think i'll bother watching now anymore now that your gone lol. wes. Ps your gorgeous!!!

Robin: Nooooooooooooooo!Don’t leave us! You’re like family to those of us who have watched and loved you from the beginning.
*sigh*
*sob*
We’ve all watched you go through so much, but there’s still so many more story lines you could explore.
Sally becomes a grandmother
Sally visits France (or whatever country you like)
Sally goes to a third world country and adopts some orphans or even 16 orphan goats
Sally gets abducted by aliens
Sally becomes an alien and abducts Colleen
Colleen becomes a goat
Sally gets “discovered” by hollywood and makes a movie
Sally has a singing career
Sally becomes Prime Minister
Sally becomes a priest
Oh dear, don’t go Sally I’ll miss you.

Teresa: Oh my god, I have just read my usual weekly Austrailian update of Sally's Blog and learned Kate Richie is leaving for good. To say I am sad to hear it, is an understatment Kate has grown up with my children and we have all loved Kate/Sally so much. I have cried when she cried and laughed with her and at her. Good luck Kate, take care and god bless. you will be sorely missed

Caitlin:I've been watching Home & Away for about 4 years now. As soon as I saw the first episode Sally was my favourite character and I am sad to see her go, but I know it is right!I just wanted to say how much I love Kate and wish her all the best for the future!

kristy: i am so sad to see kate go, home and away will never be the same with out her. kate is one of my favourite actors on the show and she has done an awesome job playing sally. i have been a huge fan of home and away scene i was 3 years old, sally has always been my favourite character. good luck for the future and i hope we see kate on t.v again. thanks kate for a great 20 years on the show. we will miss kate heaps xxxx

Ide: (Ireland) I Just want to say I'm a few years older than Kate and have been watching "Home and Away" from the beginning and remember Kate from the very beginning. Kate you will be missed on the programme, it will not be the same without you. And I do hope you don't decide to get killed off, because you have to come back for specials. You are a fantastic actress and a credit to your country, I hope now that you will venture to this part of the world sometime and hopefully we will continue to see you on our TV screens over here too. Best of luck in your future life and the only good thing about being behind your programmes in OZ, is that we can see you on "Home and Away" for another six months or more. Good luck Sally (Kate)

Mhairi: I'm 25 years old & live in Scotland and have grown up watching Home & Away. I've watched it from the very start and have never missed an episode. I was really shocked when I heard that Kate was leaving as she is a part of the show and i've grown up watching her. I want to wish her well for the future and good luck in everything u do. It really won't be the same without u.

Danielle: dear kate i am 11 years old i love sally good luck with your new job.

Paul: I can't believe your leaving Home and Away you give me so many memories but good luck in everything you do in the future.

Kathryn: How can we have a Sally Fletcher appreciation society on face book without Sally Fletcher in Home and Away anymore? We are all absolutely gutted that you are leaving Kate, but wish you lots of success and happiness for the future. You are a fantastic actress and we hope one day you'll return to the bay. Thanks for the last 20 years, yeah some of us have been watching since we were 2 years old. oops! Best wished for the future, from all your fans in England and the Sally Fletcher appreciation society. p.s if you ever return.... (please please please do), can you bring Flynn back from the dead with you please please please. Thanks. xxx

Samantha: Hi, Kate or Sally !! Just wanted to say hearing that your leaving home and away was so upsetting. I love home and away and if someone was to ask me what home and away was i'd say Sally. My ambition is to move to australia and be on home and away just to see the sun come up on the beach and the sea to wash the sand. I hope you don't die in the final scenes as i would love for you to return. i think i will cry when you go because your my fave character and you light up the screen when your on lol. good luck with the future, you won't need it with your brill acting tho. plz return soon after you leave!!!!!!!! lots of love,samantha xxxxxxxx

Wendy: (perth) Kate, I knew this day would happen - I'm sad to hear you're leaving like many fans are but I guess it has to happen sooner or later. Just know home and away is never going to be the same - Kate you've been my idol I"ve watched you right from the start. I'm hearing impaired and you've been a inspiration I just know you're gonna be successful in whatever you decide to do. Just hope home and way dont kill you (Sally). All the best Kate - I will miss you (Sally)!!!

Kathryn: HELLO KATE RITCHIE MY NAME IS KATE AND I DEVISTATED THAT YOU ARE LEAVING HOME AND AWAY IT IS MY ALL TIME FAVOURITE SHOW AND YOU ARE MY IDOL. I WISH I COULD TAKE YOUR SPOT AS SALLY BUT I DON'T THINK THAT ANY ONE WILL EVER BE THE SAME OR AS GOOD AS YOU. I NEVER MISS ONE EPISODE. AND I WILL REALLY MISS YOU AS I LOVE YOU AND YOU WILL STILL BE MY FAVOURITE ACTOR AND IT WILL NEVER CHANGE.WOULD YOU BE ABLE TO SET UP A FAN CLUB FOR ALL OF YOUR FANS AS WE ALL LOVE YOU AND WILL MISS YOU HOME AND AWAY WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT YOU AS WE ALL CHERISHED YOU LOVE ALL THE TIME YOUR MOST POPULAR FAN KATE. PLEASE REPLY I AM STILL REALLY SAD.

Kristina: (Norway) I've been watching the show for a lot of years now. This is one sad, and happy day at the same time. When I read the news about you leaving Home and Away, I was in a shock. I think I've been expecting it for some time, because of all the rumours which has been around, but still it was a surprise, and sadly today it was not a rumour anymore. It's hard to believe. We've gotten so used to having you around. I think it is really sad for the show that you are leaving. Home and Away will not be the same. Watching the show will be like watching a great play, where the lead role is missing. "Hamlet" with no Hamlet. At least that's how I see it. You are Home and Away. At the same time I am really happy for you. You really deserve to get a chance to pursue other great things in life, and there is no doubt in my mind that you will achieve great things and be successful outside of H&A. You are a great actress and a fabulous role model. I will miss Sally as a character on the show, and I will deeply miss to be able to watch your, Kate, exeptional acting skills on TV everyday. Not many can keep the same character interesting and fresh for over 20 years! I'm looking forward to Sally's storyline before her departure from the bay. I believe it will be a worthy one :-) You deserve all happiness and and joy in life!

Chloe: (Ireland) To the legend that is Kate Ritchie, I'm sitting here in college in Ireland, just browsing the internet and i have come across the DEVASTATING news that you are to leave Summer Bay...Kate, myself and my family have been huge fans for a very long time and you are a household name to us! We absolutely worship you...everybody knows what a high calibre of actress you are, and all the achievements you have earned, have been earned out of pure class...your hard work, commitment and dedication for the past twenty years have not gone unnoticed, you are one AMAZING person and if there were more Kate Ritchies in the world, it would be a MUCH brighter place... Can i take this opportunity to wish you all the luck in the world with whatever lies in store for you, you deserve nothing but the best...enjoy, and hope to see you back briefly every now and again! Very best wishes to you and your family.

Jialin: I have enjoyed home and away for 2 years before relocating overseas. It was really great to have you on home and away especially the cliffhanger! I was so scared that Sally might not make it!! Now that you are leaving, all I can do is wish you all the best in the future and I cannot wait to see what you do next! Thanks for making HAA such a wonderful show for me to enjoy!!

Rachel: Hello Kate, Well I am very sad hear of you departing Home and Away. Australia is going to miss you terribly now that you are no longer playing Sally. Anyway all the best and good luck with whatever you choose to do in the future.

Jarad (Jazer) Wow I can't believe this is really happening. After watching Sally Fletcher growing up on Home & Away for so many years, its going to be a very sad event when she departs next year. Kate being a big fan of yours since 1992 (I was six years old when I started watching), I would like to thank you for doing such a great job playing Sally. She has been through so much over the years but has always managed to stay strong. From arriving in Summer Bay to recently stopping her non wedding to Brad Armstrong, Sally is a real one of a kind character who will never be forgotten!! I'm sorry I couldn't get a autograph from you but hopefully I still can one day. Anyway good luck Kate Ritchie, we'll never forget you.

Nat: Wow, I can’t believe you’re leaving Summer Bay. I’m nearly 22 years old now and I remember watching Home and Away when you were a little girl, I use to think to myself how you remember all your lines at such a young age, especially all the expressions you need to do. I really admire you for that; you really do make all the story lines feel so real. It’s amazing… I’ve just been reading all the emails you have received from all your fans and just reading them brings a tear in my eye. You are loved by many people. You just seem like such a bubbly and friendly person and very down to earth which makes you different. I remember I used to get teased by my family and friends for always making sure I am home to watch Home and Away. But the funny thing now is my whole family tends to watch it too- even my grandmother which doesn’t speak or understand one word of English even watches it, I don’t know how she understands but she just does. When I told her today that you have resigned she replied with “Sally, No she can’t leave! Does that mean Home and away wont be on anymore”. She made me laugh I thought that was cute. So I guess what I’m trying to say to you Kate is you’re a great person and you really do make a big difference to the show, you just make it feel so real. I just don’t think the producers could ever replace ‘Sally’ on the show because I just think that it would be impossible to do so, they would have big shoes to fill. In saying that too I don’t think it would be right killing Sally off the show as it would be too emotional. But I do hope to see you come back and visit Home and Away and be a special guest because that would be a memorable episode. Anyway Kate I would just like to say Good luck and I wish you the very best in the near future with whatever you decide on doing because everyone always deserves a change in their life and your definitely one person that truly does.

Emily: I’m thirteen, I watched Sunrise when you revealed that you were leaving home and away. 20 years is a long time! I think we all get that! And I know many people are devastated, but they do understand why you decided to leave and obviously the cast won’t be the same without you. I don’t know how long I’ve been watching home and away but I have always admired how well you act, in other words you are my role model, and just because you stop acting on home and away it doesn’t change anything, you’re always going to be my role model. I remember your speech when you won the Gold Logie and how you said that for many years you thought the public wanted you to be like your character Sally, Maybe they did I don’t know cause I wasn’t born when you were first on the show & just to let you know everyone will remember sally but you 'Kate Ritchie' will be the one that will stay in our hearts forever because, Your amazing Kate and I'm not the only one that knows that! I just hope we don't lose you because all actors that leave there job - you never see them again! I don't want that to happen to you! Well i wish you all the best in what you wish to do! And no matter what happens you are always going to be my role model! Love you Kate! Going to miss you heaps! I will never ever forget you! Not in a million years! Bye Kate Ritchie!

Wendy: (Belgium) Dear Kate, I am 26 years old, my family and I have been watching Home and Away since the beginning and really loved every episode. I have a look at the website each day and saw the news you are leaving the show. Although I understand and respect your decision, the show will never be the same without you. But I wish you all the best in the future and thanks for making Home and Away extra special. Here in Belgium Josh West has just been murdered so we can still see you some time. Just don’t forget everyone loves you, also the Belgians!!!

Steven: Your acting talent is absolutely outstanding, and I am sure that any future projects you pursue will most certainly be a success. Having only been an active watcher of Home and Away for the past couple of years, I have seen how your acting has been such an asset to the show. All the best for the future. I think it is very commendable that you are following your heart, and I can see how this decision would have been very difficult for you. Good luck! :D

Jan: (Scotland) I don't know how Home and Away will survive without you Kate, but you're a brilliant actress and a lovely person and i wish you all the best of luck for the future.

Charmaine: Hi Kate, I'm 7 and i watch u every night on home and away! i am going to miss you and don't want you to leave! can you please stay, i love u but Brad loves u more. I love u soo much kate don't go please don't go away, change your mind. Kate everyone loves u!

Bianca: Kate, when I heard the news that you would be leaving Home and Away after 20 amazing years, I was shocked because I could not imagine watching my favourite show, without my favourite character on it. I am 17 and have been watching Home and Away for as long as I can remember. I completely relate to your character Sally and think she is an amazing person, and I cannot think of anyone better to play her. You are my favourite actress and I almost cried with relief when you won your Gold Logie because you really deserved it. You have been an excellent role model for me as I have grown up and I really will miss seeing you on the show, but I am sure whatever the future has in store for you, you will embrace it, and succeed with flying colours. Thank you so much Kate for being an inspiration, both as your character Sally Fletcher and as yourself. I will look back fondly on your time on Home and Away and I wish you good luck when you leave it behind =] Love and best wishes

Holly: I'm 15. I have been watching the show for roughly 10 years. You are truly one of a kind. I don't want to repeat myself in this email, because like everyone else in Australia they would say the same, but, your talent is to be commended. The way you portay Sally Fletcher is amazing and I can't believe you are leaving. I personally don't think Home and Away will be the same, but as everyone else has stated, its time to endeavour into greater parts of your life and I wish you every success and happiness in the paths in which you wish to follow. I live in a rural part of NSW and hope to one day meet you and all the other cast members as Home and Away has always been my favourite show. One day soon I wish to holiday in palm beach and come across many of the cast members. I will continue to watch Home and Away even after you are gone, and knowing that you were on the show for 20 years and made it what it is today, along with Alf, I will watch it and remember your every episode. You have brought great drama and emotions to every episode and I really do wish you all the best in the future. You truly are amazing. When you won the much deserved Gold Logie I was so excited. I had voted for you about 5 years straight! And recieving the Silver Logie also put a smile on my face! Both of your speeches, especially your Gold Logie one, brought a tear to my eye. You worked 20 years to recieve that Gold Logie and you deserved it well and truly. Your achievements on Australian television have been amazing. Thanks for providing me and everyone else in the world with outstanding talent and I wish you happiness and sucess in the next chapter in your life. You have made a great name in Australian Television and Im sure that won't be stopping now. Would you ever consider writing a book on your life? I know I would buy it. Thanks again, and I hope to one day meet you. I truly do. From ANOTHER one of your favourite fans. Xo. Best of luck Kate. You will be missed and loved always.

Marlene: Dear Kate, It brought tears to my eyes when I heard that you are leaving Home and Away in December. I am also 27 years old and I feel that I have grown up with Sally. At the same time however, I can understand that you need to follow your dreams. Sally becoming a teacher, then a principal inspired me, beyond a doubt, to follow my dreams. I am now happily teaching VCE students. Thank you Kate, for bringing Sally to life and for all the years you have worked at keeping us entertained. You will be sadly missed not only by the Home and Away team, but by all your loyal fans. Live life to the fullest...keep smiling and you will shine...no matter where it takes you....

Sarah: I have been watching you from the first day you started on the show and when i heard you was leaving i started to cry again just like when you stood brad up a few weeks back. I will miss you so much and i hope you don't get killed off the show or we will never see you again on the show when special things come up on home and away. I WILL MISS YOU KATE HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY SEE YOU SOON.

Bridget: I have been watching home and away from day one back in 1987, and have been proud to say i have a 7 yr old daughter who like me is addicted big time!! whenever we are not home it MUST be recorded or else! i can't beleive u r leaving our screen where if it weren't for u i would not be watching it! i am now 30 and cry so hard and all the emotional scenes, especially when Flynn died! it haunted me for weeks and and i kept watching the episode over and ever again! i tell i felt as if it was happening to me! is there a chance u could change ur mind possibly and stay! if not all the best with what ur planning in the future and take care of yourself it was great growing up with u! XX

Kathy: Dear Kate I'm 16 years of age. I have watched home and away my whole life and when i heard you were leaving this morning i had tears running down my face. its my 17th birthday on the 7th of november. i am one of ur biggest fans. that episode where you got stabbed i was crying sooo much i couldn't stop. i cried myself to sleep that night. well i hope you get this, well good luck in the future and what ever show u are in i will be watching. love always your biggest fan

Kelly: Hey Kate, just wanted you to know that me and my mum are huge fans! i'v been watching home and away since i was born which is 15 years. i would even watch the older episodes at my pops house in the middle of the day. You have grown into such a beautiful women that i look up to alot! i remember that i would always ask my mum "who would you want to meet out of the home and away cast, and we would always say (kate) sally." its going to be sad to see you go, but i wish you all the best for the future. love you heaps xoxo

Nicoal: I'm a huge fan of Home and Away and would just like to thank Kate for making a great contribution to the show, i don't even know what the show would be like without her. But i'd like to wish her best of luck and hopefully one day she will return to the 'bay'

Tyler: Kate, you have made home and away so enjoyable to watch. It just wont be the same without you. Is anyone taking your place?? Or is sally leaving? I hope you enjoy your future career and thankyou.

Jack: (UK) I barely know where to begin. I can neither accept or believe this is true. In fact I found myself checking the date,and wondering instantly if this was joke. I kid you not. Along with millions of people,I have grown up watching Sally and become emotionally attached to her. Sally, IS Home and Away, and to see her leave is beyond comprehension. It feels like nothing short of grieving for a loved one. As you well know, I sent an e-mail about my Dad and the most beautiful, meticulous storyline in the shows 20 year history,concerning Flynn's death - I will always, always hold a massive place in my heart for how that storyline encouraged and allowed me to grieve for my father. I dearly loved Sally and Flynn, and there will never be a couple in a drama who will mean more to me, just like a character such as Sally. I am sorry to ladle this on,but I am truly in a deep state of shock. I just cannot even begin to start to comprehend Home and Away without Sally Fletcher being in the next breath, it's like French without Saunders, Morecambe without Wise, it's just wrong and totally beyond imagination. I want to thank,so,so,so deeply from the toes on my feet to the top of my shaved head, Kate and Sally for being not only the life of Home and Away but also a vital ,deeply loved,adored and treasured actor in Australian Television. I need to go and have a cry about this now,and it won't be for the last time either. Kate, you will be missed beyond measure.

Yasmin: (UK) Hello Kate, I am probably one of the biggest fans of Home and Away in the whole of the UK. I've been watching home and away ever since I can remember and I think its absolutely great. I think, I also might be one of the first ones here in the UK to hear you will be leaving Home and Away soon, and as much as I will be sad to see you go, I think personally for you, you've made the right decision and I want to be the first fan from the UK to wish you every success in the future. I also heard that you might consider working in the UK, we would love to have you over here and look forward to seeing you on British telly. All the best, and I hope they do not kill Sally off.

Michelle: Hi Kate, my name is Michelle and i was so sad to hear that you were leaving. Please don't die because then you won't be able to come back. I really hope you don't just go away and never come back because i'll miss you to much. Hope to see you on tv in the future.

Amy: Good luck for the future Kate. When i heard that you were leaving, i thought to myself, 'oh no, Home And Away will never be the same', and it won't be. I love watching home and away every night, and you have always been my idol. I'll miss you, and I dont even really know you, though I wish I did. I wish you the very best of luck for the future, but I must say, SALLY CAN'T DIE!!! That's because if she dies, you won't be able to go back, and I think I speak for everyone when I say, you must go back for special episodes, because otherwise, I'll be one sad little cookie. I'm gonna miss you so much! I think that Home and away should come out on dvds, so that I can go an watch the episodes that were on before I was born. I really will miss you. Best of luck for the future.

Bec: Dear Kate, I'm 15 and i've been watching home and away for a while now, i remember i used to watch home and away with my mum when i was four though back then i didnt really understand the show but i know i loved your character Sally and i still do. When i was watching sunrise this morning i couldn't believe it when they announced that you were leaving the show. I was devastated. The show isn't going to be the same without you! Im going to miss you. I wish you the best for the future. LOVE YOU HEAPS KATE!! xXxXx p.s- you looked absolutely beautiful today on sunrise this morning but i have to admit you always do. Love you xx

Steph: I am 13. I was so upset to hear that Sally/Kate was leaving summer bay for ever. I hope she does not die. If she does what will happen to Pippa. I feel for sally after brad is not being the best person to get along with though I think it was good for him to go and get cassie from henks. I support kates discission to leave summer bay because she has been there for about 20 years. Best of luck Kate for the future and I hope to see you on TV again soon because you are one of my favourite actors.

Kara: I woke up this morning ready to watch the episode of Home and Away last night that I taped. After I finished watching it I turned it off and flicked it onto the Morning Show. They were playing a montage of Kate Ritchie as Sally Fletcher on Home and Away. I was wondering why they were doing this. I shrugged it off and continued watching. Then Larry said "After the break fans send in their feedback about Kate's decision to leave the Bay" I don't know why but I felt like I had been punched in the guts. When there were articles late last year or at the start of this year it said Kate was leaving the Bay. When she came out and said they were all just lies and rumours I was happy. Now seeing that the first time she announced her desision was made by her and on Live TV, I know there is no going back and she definetely is leaving. I always thought when I came to the day Kate would leave I'd be upset- but today I'm not. I am extremely happy for her and I can't wait to see what she does in Australia. She did say if she went overseas to the US it would be like starting her career all over again. I'm glad she is going to stay in Australia and continue work over here. (Well fingers crossed anyway!!) I will never forget you and what you have acheived on Home and Away and outside of Home and Away. You've have acheived so many great things over the past years and you should be extremely proud of yourself. You potray Sally brilliantly and seeing your glowing, happy smile on the Weight Watchers commercial, or on the Telly or in an interview it brings a smile to my face. I believe you are one of the most down-to-earth, talented and one of the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. "And rather than be embarrased about being that girl who grew up who got her first bra on the telly and that puberty wasn't very kind too!! Well lets face it!!" I'll never forgot your heart warming speech that brought tears to my eyes when you won Gold Logie. You well and truly deserved it. I honestly don't know if Home and Away would be the same if you were never on the show. Once again Kate, congratulations what you have achieved and good luck for your future endeavours! Kara xxx. PS. Enjoy that holiday you want to go on after you finish filming!!

Cassie: Sally when you leave please don't die cause if Pippa dosen't die then whose going to look after them and Cassie and Ric,i am shocked to hear that you are leaving good luck and best wishes for the future you are a fantastic role model like all the other stars to myself and other young children.

Adriana: i can't beleive Kate Ritchie is leaving home and away, the show will never be the same without her. All i can say is well done to Kate and wish her the best for the future and i hope to see her on another t.v. show or even a movie soon. Also i would like to ask her, What does she think she might do after leaving home and away?

Nicole: I have been such a fan of yours since the shows beginnings and I was ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATED when I watched Sunrise this morning and discovered you were leaving. I know though that you have made the right decision for yourself as an actor and that whatever you end up pursuing you will remain dearly loved by all your fans. Your character Sally will be sorely missed by all of us who love her and I know that Home & Away just won't be the same without Sally on our screens every night. I have always loved your acting and the way in which you make Sally seem so real, she almost feels as if she's a part of the family. From Sally's first kiss during spin the bottle, to Sally's "first time" with Heath Ledger's character, to Sally's first real wedding with the love of her life Flynn, and to Sally losing Flynn and then only recently nearly getting herself killed, Sally has endeared herself to a whole new legion of fans each and every year since the show's beginning. Kate, you will be forever missed on Home and Away and I hope you do decide to make regular appearances on the show (just like Debra Lawrence has over recent years) so that you won't be gone from our 7pm time slot forever! All the best for your future, One of your GREATEST fans.

Sharon: I'm 11yrs old. I like many others woke to the devastating news that you were leaving. I'm a bit like Kochie but maybe a bit more realistic. I have grown up watching you and you are the most fantastic role model for girls. I have watched you blossom even more to what you are now. You will be missed tremendously by everyone I know and the gold logie you won was so well deserved. It will be sad watching you leave Home and Away but I wish you luck in all you do in the future. Sally is such a well loved character and there will be many tears when you leave. Part of Sally is you and I would like to thank you for all the terrific acting you've done over the past years. Sally feels like family cause she's such a mother figure and I believe the ultimate mother. Summer Bay won't be the same without you but I can see your need to broaden your experiences. I hope Home and Away gives a tribute to all the wonderful things you've done for their show. Thank you for all the memories and I wish you well in the future. You will be very sorely missed.

Kymberleigh: Dear Kate, I have watched Home and and away since it begun on the seven network and this morning when I was watching Sunrise I was shocked to hear you are leaving Summer Bay forever!!! I was sad but I am so glad you broke the news on Sunrise, I grew up watching you and I even wrote to you and you wrote back and i was so happy when I received your letter that I laminated it and I'm going to create a feature wall of all the letters I have received from my favourite stars on the shows. When I saw the flashbacks with John Farnham I had a shiver down my spine as i like him and his music. I would love to meet you one day in Adelaide for a coffee if you ever visit. I can't believe yo uhave been with Home and away for 20 years thats a long time. You won't know what to do with yourself once you finish!!! This morning I thought Kochie funny when he he kept calling you Sally! How was he after the show?? He looked like he had tears in his eyes? I don't know if you'll have time to write back to me, if not goodluck with everything you do and thankyou for the memorable 20 years of great viewing.

Stacey: To Dear Kate, i'm so sad to hear that your leaving Home & Away i've been watching you ever since you were a child and it's just so hard to know that your leaving the show, it's been a great 20 years and i've enjoyed watching Sally so much you have brought so much love into our lounge rooms for the past 20, but i understand your decision it's time for you to move on and i respect your decision i wish you all the very best for your future and i know you'll have a great future ahead of you for whatever path you take i wish you all the very best of luck. LOVE YOU SO MUCH KATE XOXO

Khali: This is the first time I have actually done an email like this but I feel on such an occasion that one is necessary. When it was announced that a major announcement was to be made on Sunrise this morning I guessed it would have to be about Kate Ritchie though hoping I was wrong. Sadly Kate did confirm she was leaving. Just like everyone else watching at the time I was numb and in shock. What is Home and Away like without Sally and indeed Kate? Home and away is soon to lose its favourite daughter and their best friend. I have always admired Kate for her beauty and talent. I voted so many times for her to win Gold and Silver the past few years. I really hope that she comes to Adelaide one day so I can finally get the chance to meet this wonderful person. While I will miss seeing her on screen every night I wish her every happiness for the future. For now it is see you next time and not good bye.

Jo: I have watched Home & Away from day one and you are the main reason I keep watching. I was shocked this morning when I heard you had made the decision to leave "home"! I guess after 20 years it is time to move on. I feel like I am losing a part of the family! I know there will be plenty of tissues on hand the day you say goodbye. Kate, I wish you all the very best in your future endevours. Lets hope we will see you back in the Bay one day. You will be missed.

Fi & Jess: Dear Kate Ritchie, Congratulations on winning your first ever Gold Logie this year as you really deserved it!!! We have watched the show ever since we can remember and have loved watching Sally grow from a young girl into an elegant woman. You have always been there for just about every character in the show especially your foster children Cassie, Ric and of course your cute daughter Pippa. You will be greatly missed by all crew, cast and of course your devoted fans. We wish you all the very best of luck for your future and in whatever you choose to do - we hope that you are now able to travel and continue acting in someway as all of your fans will want to know what you're up to next and wait to see what your plans are as an actress. Summer Bay, won't be the same with out you!!!. I can fully understand where you're coming from as you are a similar age to me except I'm 28 as I'd want a change too if I'd been in the same industry for the past 20 yrs. Thank you, for all that you've brought to the screen for Summer Bay.

Sarah: To Kate, when I had read the title Kate Ritchie is leaving, I was in shock still am; I can’t believe you're leaving home and away. I’m 23 years old and I have been watching home and away since I was a little girl, home and away is the best show. Kate you are a brilliant actor you play sally so well you inspire me. When Norman (who plays Donald fisher) left I was crying I was so depressed it feels like you are family to me cause I’ve seen you grow up with me. The original cast members are slowly going all there is left after you go Sal (Kate) is Alf Stewart (Ray Meagher). You are all a huge part of my life. Kate You will never be forgotten as Sally Fletcher. You are welcomed back at anytime not that it would be a problem for the producers if you do decide to come back to Home and Away. I have always wanted to meet you. Some day I might on the streets if you’re down in Melbourne. But I will be sad when you leave but at the same time I’m proud of you what you have wanted to do in life and it is a really big decision for you to leave home and away but you are doing it cause you want to do it. If you stayed just for the sake of fans think of all the things you could of done. Best of luck on traveling Kate and everything else. Watching home and away will be strange not having you there. Please do not have sally fletcher killed of we wont be happy WE WILL ALL MISS YOU SAL HOPE YOU COME BACK TO SUMMER BAY ADVENTUALLY WHEN YOU DECIDE TO LEAVE.

Kiya: Like most Aussies I woke up to the devestating news that Kate is leaving H&A at the end of the year and was set to cry immediately. I have watched the show from day one, from the age of 6. I feel like that I have grown up with 'Sally' as such, and will miss her bubbly and friendly character so much. But, after a 20 year career who can blame Kate from wanting to try new things, most people are lucky to do a couple of years in the one job - congratulations Kate, and thank you for making such a difference to Australian TV. You will be deeply missed by many people. Just PLEASE don't kill Sally off, let her move away, so we can all hope that she will make a return as soon as she's ready! All My Love & Admiration

Sara: Hi Kate, You are a great actress. I have always watched Home and Away and always loved your character. You have made the show a great sucess and Summer Bay will miss Sally Good Luck with the rest of your wonderful career.

Sharon: I have just heard about Kate Ritchie leaving the show at the end of the year. I just want to wish her all the very best in the remainder of her career. We are the same age and I have watched you grow as I have. I believe you are an awesome talent and anything you do will be amazing. You will be fabulous in whatever you choose to pursue. I will follow your career, but will miss seeing you 5 nights a week as I am sure the rest of Austaralia will as well. Take care and to the rest of the Home and Away crew and cast keep up the amazing work!

Debra: You will be sorely missed on Home and Away. Good luck with your future endeavors. May your life be full of your desires. I hope you get to travel the world like your sister. What ever you want to achieve I am sure you will. Upon reading some of the emails I too hope that the writers don’t kill of Sally, she should be able to move away and live to a ripe old age. Summer Bay has too many untimely deaths of young people. It needs to be a happy ending.

Damien: Kate, it's sad to hear you're leaving H&A but after 20 memorable years which saw Sally lose her virginity (in tears if I remember correctly when leaving a van), being sung to by the legendary John Farnham (lucky girl) and seeing many, many characters leave the show to both success and to semi-retirement I guess, I want to say as probably the first Kiwi to do so, all the best for the future and I hope we see you on Kiwi screens doing something else after you leave. I only wonder who will take over doing the blog once you leave as I prefer to read the spoilers since we're 6 weeks behind Australia. But anyway, all the best and thank you for 20 years of unforgettable memories.

That's a good question about the Blog...we will probably let you guys vote for who you want to take over...Tania

Jess: Hey Kate, I'm in class i'm meant 2 be doing my work right now but o well, I just want 2 say you are a awesome person on home and away you are a way cool actor. I was doing my hair in the morning when i heard you on sunrise i was kinda upset when i heard you are going to be leaving home and away. i betta go hope u have fun when you leave home and away, love u all and 4eva, P.S YOU ARE MY IDOL.

Tennille: Dear Kate, when I heard about a big announcement to be made on 'Sunrise' this morning I somehow knew it was going to be you announcing you had made the decision to leave 'Home and Away'. I watched this morning with tears in my eyes. Partly for selfish reasons, I'm really going to miss Sally. I'm 31 now, so I've really grown up with her too. The other half of me though was crying tears of joy for you. It is so good to see that you have made a decision that you are comfortable with, and that you are really looking forward to a new chapter in your life. I can only imagine how hard you have had to work to balance your on-set life with life away from the set. Sally has had so many ups and downs, and it must be impossible not to have taken some of those emotions on yourself. You really deserve to have a rest now. I wish you all the best and hope that the upcoming months and years bring you much joy. With best wishes for your future.

Lauren: Hey Kate, my mum watched Home and Away with my Grandparents since day 1. When I first started watching it i was about 9. And since that day you have been my favourite actress in the whole entire world. I always have and always will look up to you as my role model. Home and Away won't be the same with out Sally Fletcher. I hope you still act becuase i think thats what you were made for. ROCK ON KATE! I LOVE YOU FOREVER.

Alison: Dear Kate,I am sitting here in front of my email thinking of what to say. I lost a sister in 1999 and i kind of got the same feeling i had with her as i have with you. You have been there since the first day i started watching Home and Away and have watch this show ever since. I have watched u have your first kiss, i have watched u have your first real love, marriage, baby ups and downs your losses and all of the painful times and all of the greatest moments of sally. You see to most of the public we feel like u could be our sister after all we have invited you into our life ever day and for me every day since home and away started i am a 36 year old women who now watch's home and away with my four children so to them you are like an aunty sally. I when i was younger even wrote to the producers to just let me be an extra in the diner for free just once to watch u work your grace and personality is so nice. Oh writing this in a email to you to wish u luck kind of a way of saying good bye been able to let go of a pretend friend who i only see on tv but has grown up with me from my youth to adult hood. You are the soul of home and away and while i am very sad to see you go i to am at change this year with my life and i can understand why you need to do this. I just hope you stay in Australia to grace our wonderful land. And to the writers, please dont let sally die please let her just move away cause if sally dies that would just so upset me and my children. let her move back with her foster mum. hugs and friendship kate, the best of luck i voted for u in the logies please dont take to long to come back to our screen. Alison Celine Rearna Marysa Aston

Amy and Tara: We were in bed this morning with my 5 and 7 year old girls having morning cuddles watching Sunrise (who get to watch Home and Away on a Friday night as a treat) – they are both upset that you are leaving the show – and the 5 year old wanted to know what about Pippa – what will she do without her mum!!!! It was rather cute!!! Anyway we wish you all the best in your future adventures.

Hi, My name's Linda, I'm 13 and I've just found out about Kate Ritchie! I can't believe she's leaving after so many years. I'll miss her so much, but I'm happy for her. I guess she's moving on, so best wishes!

Linda xo

Lauren: As a huge Home and Away fan, I was shocked and happy at the same time to hear about Kate leaving. I wasn't even around when the show started, but I've seen her portray Sally for many many years and I can honestly say that I admire and respect her very much. Summer Bay will seem different without Sally, but I am so happy for Kate that she has made the decision to try new things and I wish her all the very best for her future plans. Kate, you are an amazing person with a beautiful personality and Sally will be missed on everyone's TV screens but we won't forget you! So all I can say is Kate, have a great time in whatever you next choose to do and enjoy life! Lots and lots of love...Lauren xxx

Gary: Hi Kate, I've been watching home and away since i can remember and always loved you.. you hold summer bay together... its going to b sad to see you leave.. it was so upsetting when everyone thought you were going to die when rocco stabbed you.. my whole family was crying!!! You can't be replaced...

Gary: Like most of Australia I watched Home and Away from day one and seemingly saw Kate Ritchie grow up on the show, I am devastated that Kate has decided to leave Home and away . However after 20 years can understand it is time to move on. To Kate , thank you for that 20 years on the show , congratulations on your Gold & 2 Silver Logies and may i wish you all the very best for future. I would feel whatever you choose to do you will be fantastic and an outstanding success.

Vanessa: I for one am very relieved the rumours are finally out in the open and the ones who keep the show going, the fans, finally know what’s going on! I think the exit has been well handled in terms of storylines; right from the end of last year with the stabbing, we have had this feeling of ‘being prepared’, so it’s not going to be so much of a shock. I also think the latest twists and turns in Sally’s character development have finally given Kate the chance to show what she can really do. As a character I think she’s pretty much done all there is to do, she has really developed and grown to represent the lifeblood and values of Summer Bay. I think in that way art has imitated life, as her development as a person has come full circle as well: she now knows she has nothing to apologise for, being part of a ‘soapie’, and her long journey to industry success and respect, whilst not compromising who she was and remaining accessible, has finally earnt her and the show long deserved credibility. Thus, to my mind, she has the timing spot on and I believe the stories and characters in Summer Bay will continue to live on. I look forward to watching Kate grow even further as she explores her new horizon of adventure – and am very pleased to hear she does not want to sell out and wants to continue telling Australian stories to Australians. I hope that producers and casting directors take her up on it, for the future of the Australian entertainment industry!

Joanne: It's been 20 years since i first watched u as u are same age as me, i started watching home and away for the first time with my new subtitle decorder the same year that home and away was established on tv.. i am deaf myself. It's been great watching u grow up from a young girl to mature mother of this series in over 2 decades. I hope u enjoy your future and have a fantastic life , no matter what u want to do.. i have great repect for u and what u did in the great 20 years in your career ... Good luck in the future and best wishes Kate!!!

Jamie: To Dear Kate Richie, it Will Be Very Sad To See U Go From Home&Away At The End of This Year When Home&Away Finishes For This Year. Sally I Have Been Your Fan Since Home & Away Started Just Over Twenty Years Ago Now. Sally Fletcher Kate Richie All The Very Best With The Future & Also All The Best For Take Two As Co Host With Grant Denyer Fare Well Sally. Love Always From Ur Fan Jamie. Sally I Will Miss U So Much Next Year In 2008.

Punsara: I'm so sad to hear that Kate Richie is leaving home & away.. it will never be the same again. I'm 29 years old & I still watch the show & love every min of it. Kate was a big part of it I must say. Although it’s sad & devastating I can understand where she’s coming from. We are going to miss seeing her on tv & hopefully she will go & do bigger & better things. U will be missed .

Sarah: What about poor Pippa, she has lost her dad and now her mum as well......... It is going to be interesting..... How will she leave? Move to the city with Pippa? Have an accident and die??? ummmm..... I will miss her......I hope that however Sally leaves that she takes Pippa with her.....

Rachel: Well what can I say? I have to say I am devestated and upset that Kate leaving the show but happy and excited for her at the same time. I know it will feel like losing a family member, as I am 21 now and have been watching Home and Away since I was a little girl. I have grown up with Sally and Kate. They have always been my constant and although it may sound silly but having Sally there has helped me through bad times and she does feel like a part of my family. As much as I am dreading those final scenes, I am looking forward to seeing what the storyline is, enjoying the rest of her time on the show and no doubt, seeing more brilliant work from Kate. All I can say is Kate, thank you, thank you, thank you for almost 20 years of wonderful work. We love you and will miss you. Summer Bay won't be the same without you. But I know that the future holds exciting things for you. I am looking forward to seeing what you do next and I hope that nothing but the best comes your way, because you truly deserve it.

Sarah: Kate as much as I don't want you to leave Home and Away I can understand after nearly 20 years....... I hope you enjoy your time and I hope you'll give yourslef the opportunity to travel the world.... you deserve it!

Heidi: Kate you can't leave Home And Away, you are the life of the show. You've got to stay do you know how shattering it was when we all thought you died when Rocco stabbed you?? We love the Sally and Kate.

Sas: Kate, I think it is a great move although you will be dearly missed. All the best and good luck.

Renee & Hayley: Hi Kate, I'm Renee I'm 19yrs from adelaide and i was so shocked to wake up this morining to get my daughter hayley (2) to child care n i heard that u are leaving home and away next yr. And that u will be finshing up filming in december this yr. I have watched home and away since i was 8/9 yrs old so that 10/11 yrs ive seen u on our tv screens, its gonna be so weird watching home and away without u in it. I honestly dunno if i can watch it from next yr on coz i just wont be the same, im scared that alf, then irene then colleen will leave then it wouldnt be worth watching (dnt get me wrong i love the whole cast) its just all of the original cast are leaving. And it makes it worse that i cant even get the tv show on dvd in box sets which is really sad, i havent missed an episode in 11yrs. Without u in h&w it will never be the same n i will cry my heart out when the last episodes air with u in it in sa. But i wish u all the best thank u soo much for the past decade that i have watched u on our tv screen u really are my idol kate n i love ya heaps, hope u enjoy wat ever ur planning to do next n i hope that we get to see u very soon somewhere in the tv world. Goodbye n good luck kate richie, LOVE ALWAYS UR 2 BIGGEST FANS THAT WILL NEVER FORGET U RENEE N HAYLEY OXOXOXXO

Nicole: Kate i am your bigest fan! Ive always wanyed 2 meet you! When i watched the episode when Rocco stabbed you i was heartbroken. I was crying all night. When I watched the episode when you were ok again it inspired me! I hope you have a good future and i hope all your dreams come true! But please tell your crew to make sure you don't die. I want you 2 always come and go on special occasions like weddings or Alfs birthday. I LOVE YOU SOOOOO MUCH!

Caitlin: I am only 12 years old and i have been watching your show since i was 2, i don't like 2 play favorites but i love you, you have the best personality and everything so i am very sad to hear that you are leaving i will miss you so much so if you can change your mind i hope you will. Love from caity yourbiggest fan xoxoxoxo

Sue: I have been following Home and Away since it first screened, watching Sally grow and blossom into the beautiful character she has become, so have been rather saddened to read that your are now ready to move on and spread your wings. The show certainly won't be the same without you, but I would like to take the opportunity to wish you great success and all the very best for your future.

Naomi: You do a marvellous job of playing Sally Fletcher in Home and Away. I can't believe your leaving!!!! I'll miss you so much!!! My mum and I love watching Home and Away every week day night at 7:00 on seven. I just won't be the same without you!!! Although other actors have left you are one that I want to stay!! I'll miss you so much.

Beth: OMG please don't leave you are the summer bay of summebay, you know who's fault this all is BRAD he's mean,run you out of town,lol. All the best and goodluck.

Sally: Dear Kate, please don't leave home and away! With you gone it won't be the same. There will only be one original character (Alf). It just wont be the same. If you have to leave can't they make it you move to city so you come and visit some times-well alot. Anyway i know you wont listen to me cos im just a 15 year old kid- but just know that everyone loves you and your acting.

Margaret: I heard kate is leaving i will miss her so much, i'm 46 i have seen sally grow up in the show. It won't be the same with out her. Kate all the best and good luck you are much loved in my heart.

Mel: PLEASE.......Don't leave summer bay it won't be the same with out the much loved sally i remember watching home and away when it first started and the fletchers moved into the caravan park i am now 31 and still watching it i have a 9 year old and 2 year old that love it as well it won't be the same with only alf as one of the originals now..... loved watching you grow up kate into a beautiful woman in front of our eyes hope all goes well in the future for you but you will be missed very much by every home and away fan i dont think there is one person out there that could or would say that they don't like sally fletcher.

Thomas: Hey i'm only 11 and i watch your show every day i can't believe your leaving home and away will never be the same i hope you get onto a new tv show so i can keep watching you all my family hope you have a great new future.

Julia: NOOOOOO don't let her leave!! She's such a great character and home and away wont b the same without her!! Home and away isn't home and away with out sally!! Don't kill her off because then she can still come back whenever. Kate, i credit you for your acting and your dedication to the show. Being on the same show for 20 years its a tremendous achievement and your should be proud that even after all this time, you are still one of the public's favourite characters.

Hayden: Hey Kate, I'm so sad to hear your leaving home and away! When Sally was stabbed on the season finale last year, i was absolutely balling my eyes out! Now on your very last episode, wether you leave nicely or get killed off, I'm going to to balling even more. Hopefully you'll take a break, and find a new show. Preferably on 7. I wish you all the best, and after your final episode I'll check up on the internet what you've been up to. Take Care, and i really wish you all the best! Home and Away will never be the same without you, and they will never ever be able to replace you, and hopefully they wont try. I really can't put my grief into words, but I'm also happy for you. See you later Kate, and hopefully I'll see you on a new show in the future! All the Best and Take care.

Liz: This is the saddest thing I have heard in a while. I love Sally, she is my favourite character, I love Kate, I think she is an inspiration as one day I would like to become a great actor like her. The show just won't be the same without her! Please don't make her die when she leaves so there is still a chance she could come back in the future. My friends were so devastated when i told them! WE LOVE YOU KATE!

Bec: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! I AM GOING TO MISS YOU SO MUCH!! YOU ARE HOME AND AWAY!! I CRIED WHEN YOU ANNOUNCED IT THIS MORNING!! I WISH I COULD MEET YOU!! AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!! IM SO SAD!! GOOD LUCK IN THE FUTURE KATE!! I HOPE WE SEE YOU AROUND A LOT AFTER YOU LEAVE HOME AND AWAY!! GOOD LUCK AND LOVE!! Love Bec xoxo

Beth: At age 14 i remember watching the first episode of home and away and ive been watching for 20 long years.kate goodluck, will miss you heaps and all the best for your future career. (would love to see you return from time to time in future episodes)

Hilary: All the best to Kate – it’s the real end of an era for me having watched the show since the very beginning. Please can Sally come back to visit her old friends in Summer Bay, like Pippa does? It would be nice to know the legend will live on.

Larissa: I am extremely upset to hear that Kate Ritchie has decided to leave the show. As we are of similar age group, I feel as though I have grown up with 'Sally' and she has been a part of my life. I have watched Home and Away as long as I can remember and I almost feel as though Sally is a sister. I sit here in tears writing this but realise we all have to move on someday. Cheers Kate, and thanks for all the wonderful memories...I will miss you!!

Susan: Home and Away will not be the same without Sally.

Fi: Kate I wish you the best of luck in what you choose to do next in your life! Thankyou for sticking around this long! Your character sally has taught me a lot!! I agree with kochie and hope you won’t disappear, but will have a holiday!

Naarah: I've been watching the show for the last 13 years and it wont be the same when your gone. Best of luck in what ever you choose to do next, you will be great. We will all miss you.