Kate Ritchie has returned to the airwaves following a six-month mental health break, telling fans she’s “incredibly grateful” to be re-taking her breakfast seat despite her sudden departure in February. Perth Now reports: The former Home & Away actress was welcomed back with open arms by her Nova colleagues Fitzy & Wippa, Tom Ivey, and Jess Francis on Friday August 8.

After being re-introduced in a cheeky roll call, the 46-year-old appeared refreshed as she coyly shouted “present!” before addressing listeners.

“It is so good to be back, and I didn’t want to really kind of stop down and talk too much about everything,” she began.

“But I just have to say, in all honesty, I have felt such gratitude, I think.”

Earlier this year, the star announced she’d be taking a break to “focus on my health”, thanking those in her corner for assisting throughout the difficult period.