Blue Wiggle reflects on trainwreck Today Show interview

Anthony Field says he was “shocked” when an interview with Richard Wilkins on Channel 9’s Today Show went off the rails.

Anthony Field has opened up about the worst TV moment of his career.

The Blue Wiggle has just released a brilliant memoir called Out of the Blue in which he discusses his upbringing, the creation and behind the scenes workings of the iconic children’s group, and his battle with depression.

He also writes about his infamous trainwreck interview on The Today Show back in 2012, which is a rare blip in a career jam packed with stunning achievements and incredible highlights.

“It wasn’t a great moment,” Anthony said to news.com.au in an interview to promote his book. “I didn’t handle that very well.”

What happened in the interview?

If you’re not across your Wiggles history, here’s a quick refresher.

In early 2012, Sam Moran’s contract with the Wiggles was coming to an end.

He’d been performing as the Yellow Wiggle for five years, donning the skivvy after Greg Page retired from the group due to health issues.

The Wiggles decided not to renew Sam’s contract, with Anthony now telling news.com.au it was mostly a financial decision.

“When Greg wanted out of the business (in 2006) … we had to pay him what he was worth, and to do that we went into a lot of debt,” Anthony said.

There are rumours Greg received a $20 million payout.

The two Yellow Wiggles: Sam Moran with Greg Page.

Anthony explained that in 2012 the Wiggles “were about to go under because we were in so much debt”, and as a result it was decided they couldn’t afford to renew Sam’s contract.

“It was just a matter of a salary cap,” he told news.com.au. “We just couldn’t afford it.”

Rather than rush into signing a new Yellow Wiggle straight away, it was decided that Greg, whose health had improved, would return to the group for a short period until a replacement was found.

But the Wiggles PR machine mismanaged the announcement.

They failed to explain Greg was returning temporarily, giving some the impression that Sam has been axed purely because Greg wanted back in full-time.

The drama came to a head in an awkward interview with Richard Wilkins on The Today Show in 2012 which was supposed to be an upbeat chat about Greg’s return.

“What about Sam?” the TV presenter asked Anthony.

“What do you mean?” Anthony replied, laughing nervously.

“Well, Sam until yesterday was the Yellow Wiggle,” the Nine star said.

“Yeah, well, Sam did a fantastic job … Yeah, so, what Sam does now … his contract is coming to an end … uh, do we go stay with Sam? Do we come back with Greg? You know, the energy felt right, that’s all,” Anthony said on the program.

Anthony Field on the Today Show in 2012.

Reflecting on the interview all these years later, Antony told news.com.au, “I think I was shocked.”

“I needed some happy pills,” he laughed.

You can watch the Today Show interview and Anthony’s reaction in the video at the top of this article.

What else is in the book?

Out of the Blue is a sensational read, and not only for Wiggles fans.

Anthony shares some fascinating showbiz stories, including why he turned down an offer to appear on The Masked Singer, what the song Hot Potato was originally called, and how silly the Wiggles were to reject an offer from billionaire Mark Cuban.

Anthony also bravely details his lifelong mental health struggles, having been diagnosed with depression, anxiety and ADHD.

“I’ve been really good for about three or four years now, just really on a gentle and lovely plane,” Anthony, who is on medication, told news.com.au. “But if I don’t watch myself, I can go back down.”

Anthony with his daughter, Lucia. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Anthony’s book, Out of the Blue.

The performer admitted he had a brief scare earlier this year.

“Sometimes you miss the craziness of when you go up and down,” he said. “And unfortunately about six months ago I took myself off the medication because I was missing that feeling.

“Then of course I started crying and all this sort of stuff.

“I went and saw the doc and he said, ‘Anthony, you’re on these for the rest of your life, mate. You know, you can’t do that.’

“I learned my lesson … till the next time,” he laughed.

Out of the Blue is out now

Originally published as Blue Wiggle reflects on trainwreck Today Show interview