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Emma Watkins

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Emma Watkins
Watkins posing and smiling in her yellow costume for The Wiggles
Watkins in 2018
Born
Emma Olivia Watkins

(1989-09-21) 21 September 1989 (age 35)
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia[1]
Other names
  • Emma Wiggle
  • Emma Memma
Occupation(s)Children's entertainer, dancer, television presenter
Years active2010–present
Spouses
  • ​
    ​
    (m. 2016; div. 2018)​
  • Oliver Brian
    ​
    (m. 2022)​

Emma Olivia Watkins (born 21 September 1989)[2] is an Australian children's entertainer, dancer and television presenter. She is best known as the first female member of the children's group the Wiggles, which she was a member of from 2013 to 2021. Due to her popularity in the group, she starred in her own spinoff series as a solo Wiggles performer, titled Emma!. After departing the group, she debuted her own children's entertainment character, Emma Memma, in 2022. She released her first solo children's music album in September 2022, which received an ARIA Award for Best Children's Album in 2023.

Watkins has also appeared in reality television series including The Masked Singer, The Amazing Race Australia and a Christmas special of Lego Masters Australia. She narrated the children's series Reef School, and hosted Teenage Boss: Next Level in 2024.

Early life

[edit]

Watkins started ballet when she was four. She saw the Wiggles perform Irish dancing and later studied other styles of dance, including jazz, hip hop, tap and contemporary. She attended The McDonald College, a performing arts school, won a full scholarship at the Sydney Film School, and completed a certificate specialising in musical theatre at ED5 International in Sydney. Watkins earned a master's degree in Media Arts and Production at the University of Technology Sydney. She has taught dance to children since she was in high school. She has also performed in Bollywood films, learned drums and other percussion instruments, was crowned Miss Granny Smith Apples in 2009, and was learning Auslan, the Australian sign language, by 2012.[1] As of 2021, she was doing her PhD research on sign language and dance.[3]

Career

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2010–2021: The Wiggles

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In 2010, Watkins began performing with the Wiggles, first as Fairy Larissa and then as Wags the Dog, Dorothy the Dinosaur, and as a Wiggly Dancer.[1][4][5] She used her film skills during tours with the group, providing them with video and editing services.[1] In May 2012, the Wiggles announced that Watkins would become the first female Wiggle, replacing founding member Greg Page as the Yellow Wiggle.[4] The original members stated that they chose Watkins because she was the most qualified for the job, and commented that it was "a strategy for marketing the Wiggles into the next generation".[6]

Lisa Tolin of the Associated Press called Watkins a strong role model for girls, and reported that her fans came to concerts dressed like her and that they gave her homemade bows, which had become part of her signature look.[7] Because of her popularity, the company produced a new television series titled Emma!, featuring Watkins as a solo performer, which aired in 2015.[8] Up to 80% of the audience at Wiggles concerts would emulate her costuming and wear yellow; by 2021 it was estimated that 50% of the group's merchandising was specific to the "Emma" brand.[9]

In September 2019, it was announced that Watkins would host weekend afternoon programs on Sydney and Melbourne radio station smoothfm.[10] In October 2020, Watkins appeared in the music video for "Back 2 Back" by Samantha Jade. At the 2020 ARIA Music Awards in November, she joined an ensemble of Australian women singers to perform "I Am Woman" as a tribute to its singer and songwriter, Helen Reddy.[11]

It was reported through corporate filings that Watkins had acquired approximately 8% ownership of the Wiggles' brand as well as a company directorship in June 2018.[9] Watkins announced her departure from the Wiggles in October 2021 and was replaced by Tsehay Hawkins.[12][13]

2022–present: Emma Memma

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In early 2022, Watkins hinted at the introduction of a new children's entertainment character, Emma Memma, through her social media.[14] The new character was designed to incorporate elements of song, dance and sign language.[14] Toronto-based company Headspinner Productions announced their partnership with Watkins in July 2022 to debut the character in a new pre-school television series titled Emma Memma: Sing. Dance. Sign.[15] Watkins was appointed as an executive producer for the series, to be produced through her company Apricot Sea.[15] The series is expected to begin filming in early 2023 for release later in the year.[15] The character and its design were officially revealed in July;[16] music videos were subsequently released through YouTube.[15] In February 2023, Watkins released a book to go with her Emma Memma character, music and upcoming children's television series. The book was titled Hello, Emma Memma.[17][18][19]

During this period, Watkins competed on the fourth season of the Australian version of The Masked Singer as "Zombie" placing eighth.[20][21] She also appeared as a celebrity contestant on the 2022 Lego Masters Australia Christmas special.[22][23] Watkins provided the narration for the ABC children's series Reef School in 2022.[24] In June 2023, Watkins released another children's story book titled Emma Memma: How Are You?[25] as well as her first activity book that was called Emma Memma Sticker Activity Book.[26] Later that year, Watkins competed on the seventh season of The Amazing Race Australia with her sister, Hayley Watkins; tying equal first with Darren McMullen and nephew Tristan, and Alli Simpson and mother Angie.[27] In October 2023, she released her third kids story book, which was titled Emma Memma's Alphabet Day.[28] The book includes a fun little story involving Emma Memma as well as a page full of detailed illustrations presenting each letter of the alphabet in Auslan.[29] She also released her second activity book titled Emma Memma Craft Book.[30]

Personal life

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Watkins and fellow Wiggles performer Lachlan Gillespie were married on 9 April 2016 at Hopewood House in Bowral, New South Wales.[31][32] On 3 August 2018, Watkins and Gillespie announced their separation.[33]

In April 2018, Watkins was forced to withdraw from several shows, suffering from pain caused by severe endometriosis. She underwent surgery after being diagnosed with Stage IV endometriosis. Her specialist, Professor Jason Abbott, believes that Watkins's speaking out about her diagnosis helped raise awareness of the condition.[34]

On 5 April 2021, Watkins announced her engagement to Oliver Brian, a musician who worked with the Wiggles. They began dating in December 2019.[35] On 2 May 2022, she and Brian were married.[36]

Publications

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  • Hello, Emma Memma (February 2023)
  • Emma Memma: How Are You? (June 2023)
  • Emma Memma Sticker Activity Book (June 2023)
  • Emma Memma's Alphabet Day (October 2023)
  • Emma Memma Craft Book (October 2023)
  • Emma Memma: The Wheels on the Butterfly Bus (February 2024)

Discography

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See also: The Wiggles discography

Studio albums

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List of solo studio albums, with selected details and chart positions
Title Details Peak chart positions
AUS
[37]
Emma Memma 35
Ballet Time
  • Released: 17 August 2023
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 —
Twirly Tunes
  • Released: 15 March 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 —
"—" denotes items which failed to chart.

Extended plays

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List of solo extended plays, with selected details
Title Details
Days of the Week
  • Released: 18 February 2024
  • Label: Self-released
  • Format: digital download, streaming

Filmography

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Television roles
Year Title Role Notes References
2022 The Masked Singer Zombie Season 4 [20][21]
Reef School Narrator [24]
Lego Masters Australia Christmas special Herself Christmas special [22][23]
2023 The Amazing Race Australia Herself Season 7 [27]
2024 Teenage Boss: Next Level Host Series 3

Awards and nominations

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AIR Awards

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The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Emma Memma Best Independent Children's Album or EP Nominated [38][39]
2024 Ballet Time Best Independent Children's Album or EP Nominated [40]

ARIA Music Awards

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The ARIA Music Awards is an annual awards ceremony that recognises excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of Australian music.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2023 Emma Memma Best Children's Album Won [41]
2024 Twirly Tunes Best Children's Album Pending [42]

Australian Women in Music Awards

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The Australian Women in Music Awards is an annual event that celebrates outstanding women in the Australian Music Industry who have made significant and lasting contributions in their chosen field. They commenced in 2018.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2024 Emma Watkins Special Impact Award Won [43][44]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Meet the next generation Wiggles". wiggletime.com. Archived from the original on 25 January 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2015.
  2. ^ Birth date references:
  3. ^ Lawson, Claudia. "Signing and Dancing with Emma Memma". Fjord Review. Archived from the original on 29 November 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2024.
  4. ^ a b Cuneo, Clementine (18 May 2012). "Emma Watkins is Ready, Willing, Able for The Wiggles". Herald Sun. Retrieved 20 May 2012.
  5. ^ Sams, Christine (29 June 2014). "Emma Watkins may be known as the Yellow Wiggle but she also has a hip side". Daily Telegraph.
  6. ^ Shedden, Iain (19 May 2012). "The Wiggles: Split the band, save the brand". The Australian. Archived from the original on 20 May 2012. Retrieved 25 November 2018.
  7. ^ Tolin, Lisa (15 August 2013). "Newest Wiggle Inspires an Army of Wiggling Girls". Valley News. Associated Press. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  8. ^ ABC Kids [@abckids] (31 May 2015). "Not long 'til @Emma_Wiggle teaches us a song about the corroboree frog and the sound it makes in her new show, Emma!" (Tweet). Retrieved 2 September 2015 – via Twitter.
  9. ^ a b Cousins, Lucy E. (1 June 2021). "The Business of Being Emma Wiggle". T Magazine Australia. The New York Times Company. Archived from the original on 25 August 2021. Retrieved 23 October 2021.
  10. ^ Davies, Brynn. "Emma Watkins Joins smoothfm Weekend Line Up". smoothfm.au. Retrieved 7 October 2019.
  11. ^ "Amy Shark, Delta Goodrem, Jessica Mauboy, the McClymonts, Tones and I Lead Tribute to Legendary Helen Reddy". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). 23 November 2020. Retrieved 10 January 2021.
  12. ^ Doyle, Michael (18 October 2021). "Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins quits, to be replaced by 15-year-old Tsehay Hawkins". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2021.
  13. ^ Knox, David (19 October 2021). "Emma Watkins to depart The Wiggles". TV Tonight. Archived from the original on 24 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
  14. ^ a b Jurewicz, Jade (22 May 2022). "Former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins reveals new children's character will use sign language". Perth Now. Seven West Media. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  15. ^ a b c d Townsend, Kelly (13 July 2022). "Headspinner Partners With Former Wiggle Emma Watkins". Kidscreen. Brunico Communications. Archived from the original on 31 July 2022. Retrieved 31 July 2022.
  16. ^ "Former Wiggle Emma Watkins reveals new character, Emma Memma". ABC News. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 August 2022. Archived from the original on 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
  17. ^ "Hello, Emma Memma by Emma Memma". www.penguin.com.au. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  18. ^ Dalgliesh, Nehal (1 December 2022). "Emma Watkins to Release Her First "Emma Memma" Children's Book". CelebrityKind. Retrieved 13 May 2023.
  19. ^ Hello, Emma Memma. ASIN 1761341049.
  20. ^ a b "Former Wiggle Emma Watkins Revealed As Zombie On The Masked Singer". The Music. 16 August 2022.
  21. ^ a b Molk, Steve (15 August 2022). "Recap | Emma Wiggle revealed as Zombie on The Masked Singer Australia". TV Blackbox. Retrieved 6 September 2022.
  22. ^ a b Knox, David (14 September 2022). "Upfronts 2023: Nine". TV Tonight. TV Tonight. Retrieved 14 September 2022.
  23. ^ a b Knox, David (11 November 2022). "Airdate: Lego Masters: Bricksmas Special 2022". TV Tonight. TV Tonight. Retrieved 11 November 2022.
  24. ^ a b Perry, Kevin (1 November 2022). "First Look: Tony Armstrong, Emma Watkins and Uncle Jack Charlies features in new ABC family adventure Reef School". TV Blackbox. Archived from the original on 1 November 2022. Retrieved 13 January 2023.
  25. ^ "Emma Memma: How Are You?". Dymocks.
  26. ^ "Emma Memma Sticker Activity Book". Dymocks.
  27. ^ a b "The Amazing Race Australia Celebrity Edition: Meet The 11 Teams". 10Play. 9 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  28. ^ "Emma Memma's Alphabet Day by Emma Memma". www.penguin.com.au. Retrieved 17 January 2024.
  29. ^ Memma, Emma (10 October 2023). Emma Memma's Alphabet Day (1st ed.). Puffin. ISBN 978-1-76134-378-0.
  30. ^ Memma, Emma (10 October 2023). Emma Memma Craft Book: Create fun craft, includes a green plane cardboard insert (1st ed.). Puffin. ISBN 978-1-76134-182-3.
  31. ^ Ward, Mary (5 May 2015). "Purple Wiggle to marry Yellow Wiggle after weekend proposal". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  32. ^ Domjen, Briana (9 April 2016). "Purple Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie and Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins tie the knot in royal-inspired wedding". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 11 April 2016.
  33. ^ Rota, Genevieve (3 August 2018). "The Wiggles' Emma and Lachy split after two years of marriage". The Sydney Morning Herald. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 3 August 2018.
  34. ^ Hassall, Greg (3 December 2018). "The show goes on for The Wiggles". ABC News. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 23 December 2018.
  35. ^ "The Wiggles star Emma Watkins announces engagement to bandmate Oliver Brian". PerthNow. 5 April 2021. Archived from the original on 7 April 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  36. ^ "Emma Watkins stuns in new wedding photos: 'Radiant'". Yahoo. 2 May 2022. Archived from the original on 2 May 2022. Retrieved 2 May 2022.
  37. ^ "ARIA Top 50 Albums Chart". Australian Recording Industry Association. 12 September 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  38. ^ "Nominees Announced for the Australian Independent Music Awards 2023". Music Feeds. 31 May 2023. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  39. ^ "King Stingray and Genesis Owusu Win Big at 2023 AIR Awards". Music Feeds. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 5 August 2023.
  40. ^ "2024 AIR Awards Nominees: Genesis Owusu, Cub Sport, RVG, Teen Jesus & More". The Music. 14 May 2024. Retrieved 16 May 2024.
  41. ^ "Nominees Announced for 2023 ARIA Awards". Music Feeds. 21 September 2023. Retrieved 23 September 2023.
  42. ^ "ARIA Awards 2024 nominations — everything you need to know". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 29 September 2024.
  43. ^ "2024 Finalists". Australian Women in Music. 24 July 2023. Retrieved 4 August 2024.
  44. ^ "Australian Women in Music Awards shine a light on women in the Australian music industry". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 October 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
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