Ritchie films final 'Home and Away' scenes

Home and Away star Kate Ritchie has filmed her final scenes in Summer Bay.

The actress, who has played Sally Fletcher for 20 years, bid an emotional farewell to the cast and crew on Wednesday night.

She began working for the soap when she was eight years old and went on to hold the record for the longest continuous role in an Australian drama series.

Ritchie has signed a contract to work for the radio station Nova next year, but said she would have to adjust to life without her alter-ego. "It's a new beginning for me. I don't know myself without Sally Fletcher," she said.

The 29-year-old revealed that she has experienced a variety of feelings since announcing her departure in September, saying: "I've been trying to gather my thoughts and reflect on a few things. I feel such an intense, deep sadness.

"It's so hard to explain because on the other hand, there is this overwhelming sense of excitement as well. A lot of people are joking about whether I will enjoy retirement, but I really feel like it's the beginning of something."

Ritchie was the guest of honour at a party thrown by the show's cast and crew last night, and will enjoy a small dinner with her family tonight.

She claimed that she would miss playing Sally during an interview before her final day on the show.

> Click here for our interview with Kate Ritchie