Just weeks after police took out an apprehended violence order against her husband, Kate Ritchie has been spotted wearing her wedding ring again.
Stepping out near Sydney’s Woolloomooloo Wharf, the actress and radio star, 41, couldn’t hide her stress as she clutched her phone and hid her expression behind her sunglasses, despite her glamorous appearance.
There’s certainly no doubt it’s been a difficult year for Kate with her marriage woes to former rugby league player Stuart Webb, the recent AVO and his embarrassing public arrest for drink driving being made public, as well as the death of her family dog Mac.
Friends say the notoriously private Kate is desperately trying to “keep it together” while juggling a busy work schedule and making sure her little girl, five-year-old Mae feels as little impact as possible.
But they’re worried the big-hearted TV star is putting too much pressure on herself to “make it work”.
“Kate and Stu have been on again and off again for years now,” says a friend.
“She has foot the bill for couple’s counselling to try to sort out his issues, but it never lasts long. She’s desperately tried to make it work, but how long can she carry on like this? Everyone who cares about her is worried.”
WATCH: Kate Ritchie chats about her daughter Mae on The Morning Show. Story continues below…
Earlier this month, Kate and Mae were seen entering a $4.4 million property of one of Kate’s Home And Away friends in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.
It’s believed the pair have been living in a granny flat at the property since moving out of the family home in Randwick.
Now friends hope that Kate’s decision to move out of their marital home will give her the space she needs to consider her future. “Her daughter is her number one priority, so anything Kate does is with her in mind,” adds her friend.