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The Wiggles set sail for their latest venture

<p>The Wiggles have collaborated with an unusual partner to help Aussie families have the ultimate holiday experience.</p> <p>The children's entertainers have teamed up with Royal Caribbean Cruises for a series of exclusive Wiggles Sailings which will begin their voyage in the summer of 2025-2026, with the Wiggly Friends joining in the fun. </p> <p>Taking centre stage on the cruises are the likes of cast favourites Captain Feathersword, Dorothy the Dinosaur, Henry the Octopus, Wags the Dog and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn.</p> <p>Captain Feathersword spoke exclusively to <a href="https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/the-wiggles-nextlevel-move-revealed/news-story/04d9d6be943dda7b66ea25e008a9aad4" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>news.com.au</em></a> to reveal what families can expect from the unique cruising experience. </p> <p>“Ahoy there, me hearties! Gather ‘round and listen close. The Wiggles have been sailin’ the seas of family fun for over three decades, and now, we’re settin’ course for an even bigger adventure,” he said. </p> <p>“Prepare yourselves for a tidal wave of excitement. Picture this: me, Captain Feathersword at the helm, Dorothy the Dinosaur dancin’ on the deck, Henry the Octopus wavin’ his tentacles in delight, Wags the Dog waggin’ his tail with joy, and Shirley Shawn the Unicorn prancin’ about in all their splendour." </p> <p>“It’s a cast of characters fit for a tale as legendary as the sea itself. So, me hearties, batten down the hatches and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime with The Wiggles and Royal Caribbean. Ahoy and hooray.”</p> <p>Kathryn Lock, senior marketing director at <a href="https://www.royalcaribbean.com/aus/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Caribbean Cruises</a>, said they wanted to take their family adventures to the “next level” and create a truly unique adventure for current fans, first time cruisers and families alike. </p> <p>“The Wiggles have been entertaining Australian families for over 30 years, it’s one of Australia and the world’s most iconic family entertainment brands,” Ms Lock told <em>news.com.au</em>.</p> <p>“This exclusive partnership will enrich our cruise experience for the whole family and give them an impressive array of Wiggly Friends themed entertainment and trusted friends to guide them on their adventures with Royal Caribbean. We’re extremely excited for this partnership and what’s to come.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

Cruising

"Two little miracles": Wiggles star announces pregnancy

<p><em>The Wiggles </em>star Caterina Mete has announced that she is pregnant with twin girls. </p> <p>The journey to pregnancy has been a long one for the Red Wiggle, and she took to Instagram on Tuesday morning to share her experience. </p> <p>“I’m due later in the year, but I wanted to share this news with you now as I’ll be seeing many of you at the upcoming Wiggles shows, and as you can see, my girls are already starting to make an appearance,” the 43-year-old said. </p> <p>“My two little miracles are the result of a long journey through IVF and an anonymous donor from my fertility clinic. I’m so excited for the adventure ahead, and I can’t wait to be a mum.</p> <p>“I look forward to sharing more with you as I continue on this incredible journey.”</p> <p>Fellow Wiggle members flooded her comments with congratulatory messages. </p> <p>“Absolutely delighted by your amazing news! Your Wiggles family is with you on this magical journey," wrote Blue Wiggle Anthony Field. </p> <p>“Big congratulations Caterina! I have no doubt you'll be an incredible mum. Can't wait to share in all the love and joy your little ones will bring to our Wiggles family!” Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins added. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C30kIMivqCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C30kIMivqCB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Caterina Wiggle (@caterina.wiggle)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>“Double happy!!!! Congratulations Caterina on such fantastic news. Love from all of us!!!” wrote Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie. </p> <p>“Congratulations Caterina on your beautiful news! Looks like there will be a couple more red Wiggles to join us all! Can’t wait to meet them!” Red Wiggle Simon Pryce said. </p> <p>“You’re going to bring so much love and happiness to your twin girl’s lives. Looking forward to the beautiful songs we'll sing and dance to with the newest Wiggles!” wrote Purple Wiggle John Pearce. </p> <p>Mete has been performing with the band since 2003 but officially became a Red Wiggle in 2021. </p> <p>Tour dates for the Wiggles in Australia are currently scheduled for March, April and July and Mete will continue performing with the group until her maternity leave begins later in the year.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Family & Pets

“Deeply disappointed”: The Wiggles hit out at council’s “harsh” use of iconic song

<p dir="ltr">The Wiggles have taken aim at the Western Australian city of Bunbury for using their iconic song in a “harsh” way. </p> <p dir="ltr">The childrens’ entertainers found out the local council had been playing their song <em>Hot Potato</em> on an endless loop to deter homeless people from congregating. </p> <p dir="ltr">The song had been playing at the Graham Bricknell Music Shell, a stage in one of the town’s parks, that plays host to bands and events. </p> <p dir="ltr">When not in use for entertainment purposes, homeless people would gather under the shell and pitch tent to seek shelter from the elements. </p> <p dir="ltr">After being alerted to the fact that their song was being used in such a callous way, The Wiggles contacted The City of Bunbury and banned them from using the song.</p> <p dir="ltr">In a statement given to the <a href="https://thewest.com.au/entertainment/the-wiggles-slap-the-city-of-bunbury-with-music-ban-over-homelessness-row--c-12413889" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>West Australian</em>, </a>they said, “The Wiggles’ music is created to bring joy and happiness to children and families around the world, and we are deeply disappointed to hear that it is being used in any other way.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The council had been using the Wiggles’ song for around six months before the band issued their ban. </p> <p dir="ltr">Mayor of Bunbury Jaysen Miguel defended his decision to play the music, saying, “The City of Bunbury has been running music on and off there for the past six months, as happens across Australia and across the world where you can have music in certain areas to deter anti-social behaviours.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“But... there has been a known problem where people are getting in and turning the music up to full bore.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Local homeless cafe provider Intown Centre said the council needed a better response to the homelessness crisis, as Chair David Bailey said, “In the last couple of days, I have been walking around and I have heard it, but I did not think it was the council.”</p> <p dir="ltr">“I thought it was someone with a CD player,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It did strike me as odd. It is harsh . . . (and) there needs to be a better response.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

Wiggles star ties the knot

<p>Wiggles dancer Stephanie Di Coio has officially tied the knot with Dominic Field, a fellow dancer and nephew of blue Wiggle Anthony Field. </p> <p>Di Coio took to Instagram to share snippets from their intimate celebration on Saturday, after kicking off their ceremony at a church. </p> <p>"In case you wanted to see what me living my best life with my best people looks like... this is it!!!!" she wrote over the video posted on Instagram stories. </p> <p>Di Coio reposted a few stories from friends and family with photos and clips congratulating the pair as they walked out hand in hand, after saying their vows. </p> <p>The Wiggles dancer looked stunning in a low-cut silk gown, and had her hair up in a simple bun for the initial ceremony, before letting it down for the reception.</p> <p>The pair then pulled out their best moves on the dancefloor, while surrounded by their friends and family. </p> <p>A day prior to their wedding, the couple shared a sweet selfie of them snuggled up to each other with the caption: "Just one more sleep till we say I do! I love you so much," and a bunch of white hearts. </p> <p>The couple announced their engagement in January 2022.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

“My heart is breaking”: The Wiggles perform for dying young fan

<p dir="ltr">The Wiggles have made a young girl’s dreams come true, as they stood by her and performed just hours before she died. </p> <p dir="ltr">Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie, new Blue Wiggle Lucia Field, and Dorothy the Dinosaur visited young Zahra’s bedside in Westmead Children’s Hospital, just before she passed away last month to perform a sweet rendition of <em>Twinkle Twinkle</em>.</p> <p dir="ltr">Earlier this week, Zahra’s mum posted the sweet video on TikTok, while sharing the story of how Zahra was diagnosed with Leigh syndrome, a rare neurometabolic disorder that affects the central nervous system.</p> <p dir="ltr">“On Zahra’s last day, she got a special visit from her fav Wiggles,” Zahra’s mum wrote in the video shared on her TikTok account. </p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 611px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7254527205701733633&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40keish_el%2Fvideo%2F7254527205701733633&image=https%3A%2F%2Fp16-sign-sg.tiktokcdn.com%2Fobj%2Ftos-alisg-p-0037%2FoACeAheW25teaIoFQJHPEC2YgpcNAKrzDgaksj%3Fx-expires%3D1689325200%26x-signature%3D8aPR7s6As4g3eiheXA%252B7PmnZSBk%253D&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p dir="ltr">In the caption, she added, “This day was so special to us, Zahra was obsessed with the Wiggles and for them to come and see her is a memory we will never forget.”</p> <p dir="ltr">She went on to say that on her last day on earth, her doctors and parents gave her “one full day” off the tube where she got to do “all her favourite things with family and friends”, including the Wiggles.</p> <p dir="ltr">Lucia, who is the daughter of original Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, commented, “Lachy and I were so grateful to have met your beautiful family. May your beautiful little girl be happily resting”.</p> <p dir="ltr">The video has racked up over two million views, with many sharing their condolences for the grieving family. </p> <p dir="ltr">One user said, “I can't handle it. I'm so sorry… my heart breaks for you.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Another emotional viewer wrote, “RIP you little angel, you have earned your wings.”</p> <p dir="ltr">One person wrote that they were praying for Zahra and her family, and her grieving mother responded, “Thank you so much for those prayers. I know they would have kept her with us for as long as she could.”</p> <p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 18pt;"><em>Image credits: TikTok</em><span id="docs-internal-guid-efb41070-7fff-f887-2ec2-5f55686b6eca"></span></p>

Caring

Purple Wiggle Lachy Gillespie's beautiful wedding

<p>The Purple Wiggle – AKA Lachy Gillespie – has married fiancee, Dana Stephensen.</p> <p>The beautiful ceremony included their twin daughters, Lottie and Lulu, as well as Stephensen’s son, Jasper.</p> <p>"Our little world - our colours," The Wiggles star captioned a photo of their big day on Instagram.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClLgLyzrl4S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/ClLgLyzrl4S/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Lachy_Wiggle (@lachy_wiggle)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple sparked wedding rumours after sharing a series of professional photos on social media accounts which showed Dana in a full-length white dress and Gillespie in a suit, as they posed outdoors.</p> <p>"Always, always, always. Ever, ever, ever," the ballerina captioned the post.</p> <p>The comment section was flooded with well-wishes and congratulations for the newly weds. The wedding photos were taken by Bayleigh Vedelago.</p> <p>Gillespie and Stephensen welcomed twin daughters Lulu and Lottie in September 2020 and announced their engagement in April that year.</p> <p>Gillespie and Stephensen met when The Australian Ballet began recording a DVD with The Wiggles.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Relationships

"So proud": Blue Wiggle's daughter joins the cast

<p>The daughter of Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has shared she has joined the children's entertainment group as a dancer. </p> <p>Lucia Field, 17, made the announcement on her TikTok account, as she shared a throwback picture of her and her famous dad with Dorothy the Dinosaur. </p> <p>She wrote, "I never would've believed you if 16 years ago you told me I'd be here."</p> <p>She then shared a photo of her in a blue skivvy dancing in front of the giant Wiggles logo. </p> <p>The video, which was posted on the offical Wiggles account, was flooded with comments of people cheering on the new dance member. </p> <div class="embed" style="font-size: 16px; box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"><iframe class="embedly-embed" style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border-width: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; width: 610px; max-width: 100%; outline: none !important;" title="tiktok embed" src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2Fembed%2Fv2%2F7132666717473344769&display_name=tiktok&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40thewiggles%2Fvideo%2F7132666717473344769%3Fis_copy_url%3D1%26is_from_webapp%3Dv1%26lang%3Den&key=59e3ae3acaa649a5a98672932445e203&type=text%2Fhtml&schema=tiktok" width="340" height="700" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>Anthony also commented, saying he was "so proud" of his daughter.</p> <p>Lucia graduated from high school in December last year, with her excited father sharing a photo to Instagram of them together at her formal.</p> <p>In addition to Lucia, Anthony is father to daughter Marie, 16, and son Antonio, 14, whom he shares with his wife of 18 years, Michaela Patisteas.</p> <p>Anthony joined The Wiggles in 1979 alongside retired members Murray Cook, Greg Page and Jeff Fatt.</p> <p>The trio were replaced by 'Yellow Wiggle' Emma Watkins, who left the group in October last year, 'Purple Wiggle' Lachlan Gillespie and 'Red Wiggle' Simon Pryce.</p> <p><em>Image credits: TikTok</em></p>

Family & Pets

Emma Watkins shares gorgeous wedding snaps

<p>Former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins has tied the knot in a beautiful country ceremony. She married partner Oliver Brian in a small afternoon garden party, taking place in the Victorian countryside.</p> <p>The popular children’s entertainer, who quit The Wiggles last year to focus on her personal life, has shared a series of beautiful photos from the celebrations to her Instagram account, with the ceremony being “pride and prejudice inspired”.</p> <p>Watkins took over from founding member Greg Page as the new Yellow Wiggle in 2012. It shocked fans when she announced in October last year that she was stepping aside. At the time, she explained that forced downtime during the Covid pandemic caused her to re-evaluate “what was important in life”.</p> <p>Emma announced her engagement to boyfriend and Wiggles bandmate Oliver Watkins in April this year. She’d earlier confirmed her romance with Brian, who plays the banjo for the group, in December 2019, saying “Yes, I’m in love and I feel very excited to tell you.”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

Former Yellow Wiggle hints at new character

<p>It's been three months since Emma Watkins announced she was leaving The Wiggles and said goodbye to her well-loved character along with her iconic yellow bow.</p><p>However fans might not have to wait too much longer to see Emma perform again - with the dancer making a series of cryptic Instagram posts hinting she will be launching a character named 'Emma Memma'.</p><p>"Roses are red, and can be pink too. I can't wait to share Emma Memma with you…," Watkins captioned a bare tile she posted online this week following it up with a change in her profile name to @emmamemmaemma.</p><p>The children's entertainer also flooding her feed with the colour orange suggesting a big change from her signature yellow.</p><p>Over the past four weeks Watkins has been posting orange and pink tiles onto her Instagram profile with a series of orange emojis.</p><p>Although she hasn't yet given too much detail on who 'Emma Memma' is, she did caption a follow-up post with: "She loves to tell stories, in sign, dance and song. So join Emma Memma. Yes, do come along…"</p><p>She told another fan: "I've got some very excited things I am working on"</p><p>Watkins also confirmed the orange colour across her profile is a definite hint to her next project - meaning the iconic yellow has officially been replaced.</p><p>Emma unexpectedly announced she was leaving The Wiggles after ten years with the group in October 2021 saying she wanted to pursue other projects.</p><p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

The best reactions to The Wiggles’ Hottest 100 win

<p dir="ltr">Each year, national broadcaster Triple J counts down the Hottest 100 songs of the previous year, as voted by the Australian public.</p> <p dir="ltr">This year, an unlikely candidate was tipped to take out the top spot: The Wiggles.</p> <p dir="ltr">At the beginning of 2021, the children’s musical act covered a song by indie artist Tame Impala in Triple J’s Like A Version studio, which saw the original Wiggles unite with the newer group members.</p> <p dir="ltr">The cover of the song, titled <em>Elephant</em>, racked up millions of views on Youtube, delighting fans of all ages as they combined the song with their famous Fruit Salad hit.</p> <p dir="ltr">As the cover won the coveted number one spot, social media went into meltdown at the iconic win.</p> <p dir="ltr">While some music sceptics were annoyed at the win, most were thrilled with the recognition.</p> <p dir="ltr">Thousands flocked to Twitter to share their thoughts on the win, with many calling it a remarkable win for the Australian music scene: particularly for the generation who grew up with The Wiggles and turned into avid Triple J listeners.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The Wiggles winning the 2021 Hottest 100 is the kind of thing that you gets more remarkable as you look at it written down.</p> — Rudi Edsall (@RudiEdsall) <a href="https://twitter.com/RudiEdsall/status/1484814710868361218?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Never underestimate this country’s love for the Wiggles <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hottest100</a></p> — Jacqui Dodd (@doddsie161) <a href="https://twitter.com/doddsie161/status/1484814376943366151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">They tapped into that sweet venn diagram intersection of people who listened to fruit salad in 2000 as a toddler and tame impala last year as 20-year olds. Diabolically genius.</p> — Ruby Redshoes (@Ruby__Redshoes) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ruby__Redshoes/status/1484818453035122692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">I don’t want to call voter fraud on The Wiggles’ <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hottest100</a> win, but when one of your band members can get you eight votes at once using each arm it seems dodgy. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wiggles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wiggles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheWigglesForHottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheWigglesForHottest100</a></p> — adam rozenbachs (@arozenbachs) <a href="https://twitter.com/arozenbachs/status/1484829361673216005?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr"><span>The Queensland Police Twitter account even got involved, with others pointing out how The Wiggles’ win is also a win for Australian band The Cockroaches, whose guitarist Murray Cook is also known as the Red Wiggle.</span></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Investigations have commenced into how The Wiggles created such a banger. 🎵 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Wiggles4Hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Wiggles4Hottest100</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#hottest100</a></p> — Queensland Police (@QldPolice) <a href="https://twitter.com/QldPolice/status/1484719126438629376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">The Cockroaches were really playing the long game for a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hottest100</a> win. Change your name, target pre-schoolers and wait for them to grow</p> — Imogen Hines (@Imi_cycles) <a href="https://twitter.com/Imi_cycles/status/1484817251971002369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Only in 2022 could The Wiggles top the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hottest100</a> and it not feel like a strange thing.</p> — Sam Robinson (@samsquareeyes) <a href="https://twitter.com/samsquareeyes/status/1484815440023269379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Can we all acknowledge that thousands of millennials just worked together to get the wiggles to win the hottest 100, beating some of the biggest Artists in the world. This is payback for the real ppl who raised us! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hottest100?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hottest100</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wiggles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wiggles</a></p> — Patrickoliosis (@Patrick96380290) <a href="https://twitter.com/Patrick96380290/status/1484814925591871490?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2022</a></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">You can <span>check out The Wiggles’ winning cover of </span><em>Elephant</em><span> below.</span></p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/a13WnqsRc5g" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credits: Instagram @thewiggles</em></p>

Music

Blue Wiggle's stunning gesture for late veteran's family

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Blue Wiggle Anthony Field has donated all his latest album's royalties to the family of a war veteran who passed away from cancer at age 30.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Afghanistan veteran Brendan Nikolajew </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/tragic-update-from-wife-of-terminally-ill-veteran" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">died</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> on July 29 this year after fighting testicular cancer on-and-off for the past three years.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A few weeks prior, the Blue Wiggle </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/veteran-with-terminal-cancer-speechless-after-blue-wiggle-s-kind-act" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">promised</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;"> to donate the royalties from the group’s latest album, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lullabies With Love</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, and has lived up to his word. After giving Mr Nikolajew all of his songwriting credits, the royalties will now go to his wife Leah, and their two young children.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I took my name off all the songwriting and put Brendan’s name instead, and gave him all the royalties and credits,” the musician </span><a rel="noopener" href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-16/blue-wiggle-donates-aria-nominated-album-to-veterans-family/100620444" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: 400;">said</span></a><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said Mr Nikolajew found the situation to be quite amusing.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“We had a good laugh about this, because it’s nominated for an ARIA award, so if we win the ARIA that ARIA is going straight to Leah and the family, and we’ll get Brendan’s name engraved on it,” Field explained.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“It would be fantastic — I mean, he’s got so many medals from his service and now he might end up with an ARIA too.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He was hoping to still be around for the ARIAs. He was going to take his daughter and son.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Field, a fellow Army veteran, became acquainted with Mr Nikolajew two and half years ago, and described him as “one in a million”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s one of those people you are very lucky to meet in your life,” the 58-year-old said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I learnt so much from that young man. He taught me how to live and boy, did he teach me how to die.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Just before Mr Nikolajew passed away, Field said the pair spoke about the loss of his niece.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Brendan lost his niece in the lead-up to his death and we had a good talk about it,” Field recalled.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I said to Brendan, ‘What’s going to happen when you pass over?’</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He said, ‘I’m going straight to my little niece’ — that’s the sort of man he was and I know he would be there now, looking after her.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Nikolajew’s status as an ARIA award winner is yet to be determined, with the winners to be announced on November 24.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: @anthony_wiggle / @brendans.cancer.fight (Instagram)</span></em></p>

Music

Beloved Yellow Wiggle quits after 11 years

<p><span>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.</span></p> <p>The 32-year-old performer shared the news in a video on Instagram, with the caption simply reading "Thank you <span>💛".</span><span></span></p> <p><span>In the video, Emma </span>says, " After 11 years of performing with The Wiggles, <span>and nine of those as the Yellow Wiggle, the time has come for me to pass the yellow skivvy on."</span></p> <p><span>"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..."</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVLnADWh-DA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/tv/CVLnADWh-DA/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Emma Watkins (@emmawatkinsofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>"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."</span></p> <p><span>Emma said she is "eternally grateful" to the children's group for the "amazing opportunity" of being the first female Wiggle. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>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 </span>Australian tour in 2022. </p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVLmTb-hVrS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CVLmTb-hVrS/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by TSEHAY HAWKINS † (@tsehay.hawkins)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span>"I am honoured to be joining The Wiggles at such an exciting time for the group," Tsehay said in a statement.</span></p> <p><em><span>"</span></em><span>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.</span></p> <p><span>"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!"<br /></span></p> <p><span>Blue Wiggle and founding Wiggles member Anthony Field says the group are sad to hear of Emma's departure. </span></p> <p><span>"We've had an amazing time with Emma over this period and while we're sad to see her go," he said. </span><span></span></p> <p><span>"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."</span></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images / Instagram @emmawatkinsofficial</em></p>

Music

The Wiggles’ Anthony Fields drops bombshell revelation

<p><span>Anthony Field has been the Blue <em>Wiggle</em> for over 30 years, but a bombshell revelation may have us all watching his performances with a closer eye.</span><br /><br /><span>The star children’s performer admitted he has been miming the whole time.</span><br /><br /><span><em>The Wiggles</em> was co-founded in 1991, and Field remains the lost standing member of the original group.</span><br /><br /><span>However, despite his decades of experience, the star revealed he doesn’t sing like his co-stars Lachlan Gillespie, Simon Pryce and Emma Watkins.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843503/wiggle-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/8bccf6ef391a4b529f117ff5c3105f81" /><br /><span>“I never sing. For years, I’ve mimed,” he told Nova’s <em>Fitzy & Wippa.</em></span><br /><br /><span>“Believe it or not, I mimed Simon’s (baritone-style) voice for years.</span><br /><br /><span>“I have this low voice and people would ask me to sing in public and they’d be very disappointed.”</span><br /><br /><span>Field, who is also known for his guitar skills, joked his admission was like the <em>Milli Vanilli</em> 1989 scandal when the RnB duo was caught lip-syncing after a technical glitch during a live show.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843504/wiggle-2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/f01272e7122c49fba28df5b3475f6ac6" /><br /><br /><span>Field came on the show after the announcement that four new members - Tsehay Hawkins, Evie Ferris, John Pearce, and Kelly Hamilton - would be joining the group.</span><br /><br /><span>The expanded line-up was announced on Sunday for a new YouTube exclusive - <em>Fruit Salad TV.</em></span><br /><br /><span>“<em>Fruit Salad TV</em> seeks to inspire a diverse audience with its gender balanced and diverse cast,” the group said.</span><br /><br /><span><em>“The Wiggles</em> aim to motivate the child viewer to sing, dance and be active participants in the story of the day.”</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS2qb0INHez/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CS2qb0INHez/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by The Wiggles (@thewiggles)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><br /><span>The new members will don the same coloured skivvies as the other members of the band.</span><br /><br /><span>Kelly will wear yellow, John is in purple, Tsehay dresses in red and Evie is in blue.</span></p>

Music

Politician slams diverse new Wiggles line-up

<p>Coalition senator Matt Canavan has launched a targeted attack on <em>The Wiggles</em> after it revealed their new racially diverse characters.</p> <p>Along with the existing ensemble of Anthony, Simon, Emma and Lachy, the children’s entertainment group has added four new members, in a bid to make it more culturally inclusive.</p> <p>15-year-old Tsehay Hawkins, 15, is from Ethiopia and will wear red, while Evie Ferris is a 24-year-old Indigenous woman who will be the blue Wiggle.</p> <p>Kelly Hamilton, 45, is Asian-Australian and will wear yellow, and John Pearce, 28, from the pop group Justice Crew, is Filipino and will wear purple.</p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843342/wiggles.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c8e42b26a7174dc9a4b9c150b6a24b80" /></p> <p>Founding blue Wiggle Anthony Field revealed to <em>NCA NewsWire</em> he came up with the idea, saying: “morally, we have to do this”.</p> <p>“I looked around the world and I thought: ‘We have to reflect our audience’.</p> <p>“Our audience is not just one culture; we want children to see a mirror of themselves. I hope people, mums and dads as well, will feel included.”</p> <p>The new characters will be feature on a new YouTube series called <em>Fruit Salad TV.</em></p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Today we’re announcing our new YouTube exclusive, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FruitSaladTV?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FruitSaladTV</a>! For the first time ever, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheWiggles?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheWiggles</a> have expanded their line up to eight Wiggles, which is sure to double the fun! 💛💛💙💙❤❤💜💜<br /><br />Fruit Salad TV premieres on our YouTube on Saturday September 4th! 🙌 <a href="https://t.co/PS6kvUYjid">pic.twitter.com/PS6kvUYjid</a></p> — The Wiggles (@TheWiggles) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheWiggles/status/1429216749484838914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2021</a></blockquote> <p>However, QLD Nationals senator Matt Canavan couldn’t help but voice his distaste for the new line-up.</p> <p>The conservative is not shy about raising his voice against progressive social issues, and he hasn’t stopped at the new Wiggles cast.</p> <p>Senator Canavan told <em>The Australian</em> that the recent announcement will destroy <em>The Wiggles.</em></p> <p>“<em>The Wiggles</em> are free to do what they like. It was nice while it lasted. But you go woke, you go broke,” Senator Canavan told the newspaper.</p> <p><em>The Wiggles</em> outfit is one of the most successful in Australian entertainment history, and rakes in at least $30 million annually thanks to their major global following.</p>

Music

Wiggles star Emma Watkins offloads adorable Sydney home

<p><span>The Yellow <em>Wiggles</em> star, Emma Watkins has officially offloaded her adorable and quaint East Ryde home pre-auction.</span><br /><br /><span>Watkins grew up in the northwest North Shore area, but gave up her three-bedroom, 1960s home to be closer to her parents.</span><br /><br /><span>She gave a major facelift to the property while she owned it for two years.</span><br /><br /><span>When the home went on the market, potential buyers could see the stylish updates on the interiors, including the kitchen and bathroom.</span><br /><br /><span>Watkins bought the home after she split from her former partner, Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie.</span><br /><br /><span>The pair had owned a Wollstonecraft apartment which they sold for $2.05 million, which resulted in Gillespie making the move to Naremburn and Watkins choosing to settle into the Pittwater Rd house.</span><br /><br /><span>The property sits on a 1,328sqm block, and is perfect for duplex development or a rebuild.</span><br /><br /><span>Watkins turns 32 next month and it seems she will be relocating with her fiancé Oliver Brian, who is also part of The <em>Wiggles</em> team as a musician.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843205/emma-watkins-1.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/c5d3488523304a2c9324aaf914726c95" /></p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em><br /><br /><span>It is heavily reported that the <em>Wiggles</em> star will make the move up to the Southern Highlands in NSW, as her parents moved to Kangaloon in 2017.</span><br /><br /><span>They bought an 1880s stone church from the Uniting Church for $820,000.</span></p>

Real Estate

The Yellow Wiggle’s home hits the market

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In a continued year of excitement for Emma Watkins, the Yellow Wiggle is packing up and heading somewhere new.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Three months after the announcement of her engagement to Wiggles bandmate Brian Oliver, the 31-year-old has put her Sydney up for sale.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The three-bedroom home in East Ryde has been listed with a $1.6 million price guide, after Watkins purchased it for $1.3 million two years ago.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I was lucky enough to grow up in Ryde and I love the area and community,” she told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Domain</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My parents have moved away from Sydney and now I have been looking at places to be closer to them.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I’m sad to be leaving this beautiful home and area for the moment, but the new owners can look forward to making really special memories here.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Sitting on a 1328 sqm block, the home features stylish interiors, a northeast-facing balcony, and a large backyard.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The property is scheduled to go to auction on August 7.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Images: The Agency</span></em></p>

Real Estate

Veteran with terminal cancer speechless after Blue Wiggle’s kind act

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">A Queensland army veteran has been left lost for words after finding out about how one of Australia’s biggest music stars plans to set his young family up for life.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Wiggles member Anthony Field has pledged to donate the royalties from the group’s new album, </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lullabies With Love</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">, to Brendan Nikolajew’s wife and children.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Nikolajew is in palliative care as he combats late-stage terminal cancer at home in Moreton Bay.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I never thought that I’d be receiving support and admiration from such a legend,” Nikolajew said of Field’s kind act on Instagram on Tuesday.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Anthony has given so much and it’s too humbling.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For this to be put into words is the hardest part … Just a massive thanks to everyone involved!”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 30-year-old war veteran, who served in Afghanistan, has been battling cancer for more than three years after a small lump was found on one of his testicles.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After treatment of the lump, his cancer returned in November last year and was found in other areas of his body.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Despite undergoing immediate chemotherapy treatment, he was recently given the terminal diagnosis and is making himself as comfortable as possible at home.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His friend, Matthew James, spoke to 7NEWS in July, describing Nikolajew as “a positive guy”.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s the guy in the group who would try to pick you up if you were feeling down,” James said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s definitely the most genuine bloke you could meet.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“For the past three or so years he’s been really going through it, it’s never really sunk in.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“He’s always been a positive guy. It’s kind of really starting to hit home. It’s a really rough time.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Field, the blue Wiggle who started the beloved children’s group in the 1990s, also served in the military.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">His gesture will be set to benefit Nikolajew’s wife Leah, their four-year-old daughter Georgie, and their two-year-old son Roman.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">More than $12000 has also been raised through a GoFundMe for the family.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9SMwzhuxc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CQ9SMwzhuxc/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Brendan Nikolajew (@brendans.cancer.fight)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“These two and my wife, are the reasons I fight/fought so hard, so long and gave whatever it took,” Nikolajew said on Instagram recently.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I also lived my bloody life, which I’m proud of.”</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Brendan Nikolajew / Instagram</span></em></p>

Caring

Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins' big news

<p class="p1">Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins has found love again.</p> <p class="p1">Three years after her marriage to Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie ended, the popular Wiggle has announced her engagement to Oliver Brian, who plays in The Wiggles band.</p> <p class="p1">Taking to Instagram, the 31-year-old posted a photo of her beaming besides her fiancé as she shows off her stunning engagement ring.</p> <p class="p1">The photo is captioned: "When life gets more sparkly."</p> <p class="p1">Lachlan Gillespie was one of the first to show his support, writing "love you guys" with several Purple Heart emojis.</p> <p class="p1">Blue Wiggle Anthony also wished the couple well, writing: “Sensational news! Congratulations!!!”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNR28XpnZMh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CNR28XpnZMh/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Emma Watkins (@emmawatkinsofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p class="p1">Speaking to Stellar magazine in 2019, Watkins said she had known Brian for four years before they began dating, describing him as "very opposite to me."</p> <p class="p1">“He’s a very calm and thoughtful person and I’ve always been interested in his mind and his take on life, and his morals,” she said.</p> <p class="p1">“He loves talking about the environment and food production.</p> <p class="p1">“It’s not very ‘Wiggly’, but it’s been nice for me to talk about things not just concerning ourselves, but people everywhere around the world.”</p> <p class="p1">Others to take to Instagram to wish the Yellow Wiggle well included singer Samantha Jade, TV presenter Melissa Doyle, and socialite and fashion blogger Kate Waterhouse.</p> <p class="p1">“Aww, congratulations beautiful people,” Samantha Jade wrote.</p>

News

Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins shares rare photo with sister

<p>Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins has a sister we had no idea about!</p> <p>The children's entertainer, 31, shared a photo with her sister Hayley Watkins on a field with a simple caption, "#sisters."</p> <p>Her followers quickly flocked to the comments, pleased to see the star debut her relationship with her sibling, with some pointing out the resemblance.</p> <p>"Ahh, they look so alike! I had no idea she had a sister," one user wrote, with another commenting, "She looks just like Emma but blonde!"</p> <p>The photo marks the first time Hayley has featured on Emma's personal Instagram account.</p> <p>Hayley is also in the entertainment industry. She's previously featured in<span> </span><em>Home and Away, Underbelly and<span> </span></em>the<span> <em>Australian Story</em> episode<em>, '</em>The Show Must Go On'.</span></p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDWSzwnfhN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CLDWSzwnfhN/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by Emma Watkins (@emmawatkinsofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Emma recently opened up to 9Honey Celebrity about joining The Wiggles nine years ago.</p> <p>"I think for me it does feel surreal in the way I used to watch The Wiggles, and The Wiggles were so much a part of my childhood. That was my kind of my first entry into music and theatre," Emma said.</p> <p>"For us to be able to continue the music and the education for children, not only in Australia but around the world, is something that I feel very proud to be a part of, and I am so glad it has continued and ever-evolving and ever-changing."</p>

Family & Pets

"We love you": Red Wiggle welcomes uniquely-named son

<div class="post_body_wrapper"> <div class="post_body"> <div class="body_text redactor-styles redactor-in"> <p>Red Wiggle Simon Pryce couldn't contain his joy as he welcomed his first child with wife Lauren Hannaford.</p> <p>He shared the joyous news on Instagram, saying that they've welcomed a son called Asher William Pryce.</p> <p>“I am so overcome with emotion and overwhelming feelings of love that it’s impossible to put in to words everything I am feeling right now,” he said.</p> <p>“@lozhannaford and I are so fortunate, happy and blessed to have you in our lives.</p> <p>“In an instant, I can’t imagine my life without you being here.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ1ybQiDATB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="13"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CJ1ybQiDATB/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank">A post shared by LAUREN HANNAFORD (@lozhannaford)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>His wife took to Instagram to explain the meaning behind the name.</p> <p>“Asher means Happy & Blessed... And that is exactly what we are to have you, our gorgeous boy,” she said.</p> <p>“We love you endlessly and beyond comprehension already!!</p> <p>“We miss you so much when you are sleeping... but at the same time just want to sit and watch you for hours while you do it.”</p> <p>The happy couple announced they were expecting in September.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="post-action-bar-component-wrapper"> <div class="post-actions-component"> <div class="upper-row"><span class="like-bar-component"></span> <div class="right-box-container"> <div class="post-editor-container"></div> </div> </div> </div> </div>

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The Wiggles set sail for their latest venture

"Two little miracles": Wiggles star announces pregnancy