Emma Watkins the Yellow Wiggle has announced she'll be leaving the beloved children's group after over a decade performing with them.
Watkins was the first ever female Wiggle, but will step down at the end of this year when she'll be replaced by a new Yellow Wiggle, Tsehay Hawkins.
"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," Watkins, 32, said in a statement.
"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 being away eight months of the year on tour, but something that I have really cherished over the last 18 months."
Watkins said she had "loved" being the first ever female Wiggle and was "eternally grateful" for the opportunity.
"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," she continued.
"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."
Meanwhile 16-year-old Tsehay Hawkins is gearing up to don the Yellow skivvy along with three other new cast members.
"I am honoured to be joining The Wiggles at such an exciting time for the group," Hawkins 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.
"I'm now incredibly excited to be joining them in the yellow skivvy and to have the chance to go out on the road in the new arena tour, I can't wait to meet all the Wiggly fans."
