Kate Ritchie tells Matildas World Cup star Alanna Kennedy why she's been thinking of her when she's in the shower - as the pair's link is revealed

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Radio star Kate Ritchie met one of Australia's Women's World Cup heroes Alanna Kennedy on Tuesday morning - and confessed to her exactly why she's been thinking about her in the shower.

The former Home and Away star turned Nova radio presenter, 44, had revealed to workmates that she was overjoyed that Kennedy had started following her on Instagram during the World Cup.

On Tuesday morning, the radio show decided to surprise Ritchie with a chat with the Matildas star - who revealed she was a fan of Ritchie too.

'For everyone out there, we've surprised Kate Ritchie with Alanna Kennedy,' announced co-host Fitzy after a mysterious caller had been put through.

'Oh my god, it's really you!' said Ritchie. 'Hello, Alanna.'

Kate Ritchie had a surprise chat with Matilda Alanna Kennedy on the Fitzy & Wippa show

Alanna Kennedy, like Ritchie, grew up in Campbelltown in Sydney's southwest

'Hi babe. Campbelltown represent,' replied Kennedy.

Ritchie grew up in south-western Sydney and attended Campbelltown North Public School as a child - and the Matildas defender is also from the area.

'It makes me so happy that you're from Campbelltown,' explained Ritchie. 

'And then, is this really weird? If I tell you I was thinking about you in the shower this morning? No, because I was thinking about the fact that we were both from Campbelltown.'

Ritchie's co-hosts went on to explain how stoked she was when Kennedy and then later Emily van Egmond started following her on Instagram.

Fitzy then asked Kennedy if she could persuade more Matildas to start following Ritchie. 

'Yeah, her name is flooding our group chat too,' joked Kennedy. 'No, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I don't want to lie. I haven't said anything but I think everyone knows who you are. Of course.'

Ritchie then explained that she was just glad that Kennedy knew who she was.

'Oh, absolutely. I was so stoked to hear. I actually didn't know you were from Campbelltown,' said Kennedy.

Kennedy will spend another week in Australia before returning to her club in England

'And so when I found out of course I was I and also by the way, I don't slide into anyone's DMs.'

Kennedy performed well in the World Cup but missed the last two games after suffering delayed concussion symptoms stemming from the Matildas' dramatic quarterfinal win over France.

She will spend another week in Australia before she returns to her club Manchester City in the UK.