After nine years as the beloved Yellow Wiggle, Emma Watkins has decided to leave the musical group to pursue other passions.
As the first female Wiggle, Watkin’s departure from the role is bittersweet.
Watkins announced via Facebook that she will be parting ways with the iconic Aussie musical group to focus on her family and other career paths. However, her leave opens a golden door of opportunity to young rising star Tsehay Hawkins, who will replace Watkins at the end of the year.
Watkins post to social media read:
“After 11 years of performing with The Wiggles, and nine of those years as the Yellow Wiggle, the time has come for me to pass the yellow skivvy on,” she said.
“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.”
As the first female to don the coloured skivvy, Emma expressed how much she valued her time in the iconic children’s entertainment group. She increased the group’s inclusivity to those with disabilities by incorporating her sign language skills into her role.
“I am eternally grateful to The Wiggles for giving me this amazing opportunity to be the first female Wiggle, a role that I have loved and has given me so much joy”
The news follows the announcement of a 30th-anniversary tour from the original lineup. Founding members Greg Page (Yellow Wiggle, Anthony Field (Blue Wiggle), Murray Cook (Red Wiggle) and Jeff Fatt (Purple Wiggle) will be hitting the road early next year for a run of 18+ arena shows.
The Wiggles' 30 year evolution continues… with three very big announcements! #TheWiggles pic.twitter.com/qOlihDQUhT
— The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) October 18, 2021
They will be supported by a fantastic lineup of Aussie bands such as Polish Club and DZ Deathrays.
“It will be The Wiggles as you remember and love them, but we’ll all have a bit more grey hair… and there’s a bar,” said OG red Wiggle, Murray Cook.
“We’ll be playing all your favourite songs, and put on a show you won’t forget.”
See below for dates and tickets!
The OG Wiggles Over-18 Arena Tour 2022
Saturday, 12th February | Darwin Entertainment Centre, NT
Saturday, 19th February | Derwent Entertainment Centre, TAS
Saturday, 12th March | Rod Laver Arena, VIC
Saturday, 9th April | RAC Arena Perth. WA
Saturday, 23rd April | Qudos Bank Arena, NSW
Saturday, 30th April | Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD
Saturday, 7th May | Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA
Tickets on-sale Friday, 22nd October at thewiggles.com.au
