To make sure you never miss out on your favourite NEW stories, we're happy to send you some reminders

Click 'OK' then 'Allow' to enable notifications

Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins Has Announced She's Quitting The Wiggles

Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins Has Announced She's Quitting The Wiggles

The first female Wiggle is hanging up the skivvy after 11 years working with them.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Emma Watkins has sensationally announced she's quitting The Wiggles.

The Yellow Wiggle has been in the iconic Aussie children's band since 2012 when original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page stepped down.

Before that, the 32-year-old had worked with The Wiggles as a dancer for two years, where she performed as Fairy Larissa, Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, and as a Wiggly Dancer.

However after 11 years working with the band, she says it's time for her to move onto a new chapter of her life.

"Like many people around the world, the pandemic has given me time to reflect on what is important in life," she said.

The Wiggles

"For me, that means spending more time at home, something that I didn't realise I was missing out on being away eight months of the year on tour, but something that I have really cherished over the last 18 months.

"I am also really looking forward to devoting more time and energy on completing my PhD that incorporates my ongoing passion for sign language, dance and film editing, and to having more time to work with the Deaf community.

"I am eternally grateful to The Wiggles for giving me the amazing opportunity to be the first female Wiggle, a role that I have loved and one that has brought me so much joy and an abundance of 'bowtiful' memories that I will treasure forever.

"As The Wiggles continue to evolve and someone new now steps into the yellow skivvy, I look forward to seeing children and families embrace them, just as I was when I began.

"I wish The Wiggles much continued success as they continue to delight children all over the world."

Tsehay Hawkins will replace Emma after being brought into The Wiggles lineup for the expanded version of the band earlier this year.

The award-winning dancer was among four new faces who were lucky to be dressed in one of the four legendary skivvies.

She joined alongside Evie, Kelly, John, who will be on the band's Fruit Salad TV show.

Tsehay will now get to tour with The Wiggles main lineup when their national trip across Australia kicks off next year.

"I am honoured to be joining The Wiggles at such an exciting time for the group," she said. "I grew up watching The Wiggles and I've already loved working with Anthony, Emma, Simon, Lachy, Evie, Kelly, John and all the Wiggly characters filming their latest TV series Fruit Salad TV."

Featured Image Credit: The Wiggles

Topics: Australia