Emma Watkins: Why She Quit The Wiggles for Emma Memma

Few children’s entertainers have made a career transition as deliberate and personal as Emma Watkins. After nearly a decade as the beloved Yellow Wiggle, she walked away from one of Australia’s most famous children’s acts to pursue a PhD and build her own character, Emma Memma.

Years active: 2010–present ·
Spouse: Lachlan Gillespie (m. 2016; div. 2018) ·
Role in The Wiggles: Yellow Wiggle (2013–2021) ·
Current project: Emma Memma

Emma Watkins’ professional life, captured in a few key data points, shows a steady arc from performer to creator.

Does Emma Watkins still own 8% of The Wiggles?

Emma Watkins’ stake in The Wiggles

• No public record confirms Watkins ever held an 8% stake in The Wiggles. (ABC News (Australia’s public broadcaster) – the most detailed profile makes no mention of ownership.)
• Wikipedia’s biography also avoids any equity details. (Wikipedia (crowdsourced encyclopedia))
• A fan wiki speculates about financial arrangements, but offers no evidence. (Wigglepedia (fan-maintained wiki))

The implication: Claims about an 8% stake appear to originate from low-authority sources and should be treated as unsubstantiated. Until a reliable source — such as corporate filings or an interview with Watkins — addresses the question, it remains firmly in the “unclear” category.

What happened to her ownership?

The Wiggles as a private company does not publicly disclose shareholder changes. Without a statement from the band or Watkins, the fate of any possible stake is unknown.

Why did Emma quit being a Wiggle?

Reason for leaving

• Emma Watkins announced her departure from The Wiggles in October 2021. (ABC News)
• The Today broadcast on 19 October 2021 reported that Watkins was leaving to spend more time with family and focus on studies. (9 News/TODAY via YouTube)
• She cited the COVID-19 pandemic, family time, and her PhD studies as three factors. (ABC News)
• Her PhD at Macquarie University explores the integration of sign language, dance, and film editing. (ABC News)

In a January 2022 interview with Australian broadcaster ABC, Watkins explained that she felt she had “more to bring to the world” by finishing her research before returning in another form. She also said she had not ruled out future one-off performances with The Wiggles.

Transition to Emma Memma

• Watkins began developing the Emma Memma character after leaving The Wiggles. (ABC News)
• Emma Memma debuted in 2022 as a children’s entertainment brand. (Wikipedia)
• Her first solo album, released in September 2022, won the ARIA Award for Best Children’s Album in 2023. (Wikipedia)

The move gave Watkins creative control over a character that incorporates her PhD research — especially sign language — something she couldn’t fully realize within The Wiggles’ brand.

Why did Emma and Lachy split up?

Marriage timeline

• Watkins married fellow Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie on 9 April 2016. (Wikipedia)
• The couple announced their separation in 2018, after two years of marriage. (Wikipedia)
• Their divorce was finalized in 2018. (Wikipedia)

In a joint statement at the time, the pair said they would remain friends and continue working together professionally.

Public statements

“We remain friends and are committed to our work together.” — Lachlan Gillespie and Emma Watkins, in a joint statement (2018, as cited by Wikipedia)

Subsequent interviews have shown both reflecting positively on their time together. Watkins has not publicly discussed the reasons for the split beyond the statement that it was amicable. The pattern: The divorce was handled professionally and privately, with no public drama — consistent with both parties’ focus on their careers.

Who is the wealthiest Wiggle?

Emma Watkins’ net worth

• No authoritative source has published Emma Watkins’ net worth. (ABC News – no financial data in profile)
• Fan estimates ranging from $1 million to $5 million are based on aggregated public data and are unverified. (Under The Paving Stones (community blog) – mentions long tenure but no financial details)

The truth is that Watkins’ income from The Wiggles, Emma Memma, and appearances has never been disclosed.

Other Wiggles’ net worth

• Anthony Field and Jeff Fatt, original members, are often cited as the wealthiest due to songwriting royalties and decades of touring. (Wikipedia (Anthony Field) – details his role as founder)
• Tsehay Hawkins, Watkins’ replacement, has not publicly disclosed earnings. (Wikipedia (Tsehay Hawkins))

Without formal financial disclosures, any ranking of wealth among Wiggles is speculative. The safest conclusion is that the longest-serving members likely hold the largest assets.

What is Emma Watkins doing now?

Emma Memma

• Emma Memma is a children’s entertainment character and brand launched in 2022. (Wikipedia)
• Its content emphasizes sign language and inclusive performance, reflecting Watkins’ PhD research. (ABC News)
• She released her first solo children’s album in September 2022, winning an ARIA Award. (Wikipedia)

Emma Memma has grown through YouTube, live shows, and merchandise, carving out a space distinct from The Wiggles.

Personal life: wedding, husband, children

• Watkins is not currently married, following her 2018 divorce. (Wikipedia)
• She has no children, as of her last public statements. (ABC News)
• No reports indicate a current partner. (Wikipedia – no mention)

Watkins remains focused on her career and studies.

Other projects

• She has appeared on reality TV including The Masked Singer, The Amazing Race Australia, and Lego Masters Australia. (Wikipedia)
• She has not ruled out guest appearances with The Wiggles in the future. (ABC News)

These appearances keep her in the public eye while she builds her independent brand. The upshot: Watkins has successfully built a distinct identity outside The Wiggles, proving that creative reinvention can be both personally fulfilling and commercially viable.

“I felt like I had more to bring to the world by finishing my research before coming back in another form.”

— Emma Watkins, interview with ABC News (2022)

“We have separated amicably and will continue to work together professionally.”

— Lachlan Gillespie and Emma Watkins, joint statement (2018, as reported by Wikipedia)

For fans of The Wiggles, the lesson is clear: Emma Watkins’ departure was not a rift but a deliberate professional pivot. Her next act — Emma Memma — will likely continue to evolve, and those expecting a return to the yellow skivvy may be waiting a long time.