Kate Ritchie was born on 14 August 1978 in Goulburn, rural New South Wales.

Through her role on Home and Away, television viewers have watched Kate grow up in Summer Bay. She filmed the pilot of the show in 1987 as a nine-year-old, and has been in the series ever since in the role of Sally Fletcher. Although only young, Kate could be called a veteran of television, having been involved with Home and Away for over 18 years.

Before Home and Away, Kate had a role in the mini-series Cyclone Tracy, and is currently appearing onIt Takes Two.

During her time on Home and Away, Kate combined her long-term role as Sally with her education, completing the Higher School Certificate in 1997. Kate studied through a program called 'Pathways' that allowed her to study for the HSC over three years, so she could continue her role on Home and Away. She was very pleased with her overall result.

On finishing her studies, Kate says, "It was hard to combine both school and working on Home and Away, but it was something I felt I had to do for my own self-worth. I am glad I persevered, as it has allowed me to keep my options open for life after Home and Away. I was so relieved when my schooling was all over and I could finally use all my energy on Home and Away".

Kate is enjoying her character's development and says, "Regardless of the fact a lot of people will forever see Sally as a kid, she is now a young woman dealing with adult issues".

After finishing University, having started out studying Archaeology and then doing a Diploma of Education, Kate's character Sally is now a history teacher at Summer Bay, where she was once a student herself. It seems as though life has come full circle.

Sally is dependable and in Kate's words, "If she were your daughter you wouldn't have a great deal to worry about".

Kate joins veteran actor Ray Meagher in the Guinness Book of Records for being the longest serving actor on an Australian drama series.

When Kate manages to find the time she likes to catch up on the latest movies and eat out with friends, and she does love to cook!

Her family consists of her parents, two younger sisters and a younger brother. She currently lives in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney.

Kate enjoyed the challenge of a new role in the telemovie 'Step-father of the bride' and partnering Troy Casser-Daley in the singing show 'It Takes Two.' She then became a host of the show with Grant Denyer.

Kate has announced that she will be filming her last scenes for Home and Away in December. She is looking forward to a holiday and new challenges.

Kate was born under the zodiac sign of Leo, the Lion.