Beloved Yellow Wiggle quits after 11 years
After 11 years with The Wiggles – nine of them in the yellow skivvy – Emma Watkins has announced she will be leaving at the end of the year.
The 32-year-old performer shared the news in a video on Instagram, with the caption simply reading "Thank you 💛".
In the video, Emma says, " After 11 years of performing with The Wiggles, and nine of those as the Yellow Wiggle, the time has come for me to pass the yellow skivvy on."
"Like many people around the world, the pandemic has given me time to reflect on what is important in life. For me, that means spending more time at home, something that I didn't realise I was missing out on..."
"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."
Emma said she is "eternally grateful" to the children's group for the "amazing opportunity" of being the first female Wiggle.
Emma will be replaced by 16-year-old dancer Tsehay Hawkins, who will be joining Anthony, Lachy and Simon as The Wiggles hit the road for a huge Australian tour in 2022.
"I am honoured to be joining The Wiggles at such an exciting time for the group," Tsehay said in a statement.
"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.
"Dancing has always been my passion, and I look forward to being able to share the joy of song and dance with children all over the world!"
Blue Wiggle and founding Wiggles member Anthony Field says the group are sad to hear of Emma's departure.
"We've had an amazing time with Emma over this period and while we're sad to see her go," he said.
"We thank Emma for her wonderful contribution to The Wiggles and wish her all the very best as we look forward to seeing her continued success with her other interests."
Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram @emmawatkinsofficial