Wiggles exit opens Emma Watkins to new world of joy and health

Emma Watkins’ ongoing health battles were well-documented during her time as the yellow Wiggle but after stepping away from the iconic group she has found something better in her new life.

Emma Watkins has noticed a change in her body since stepping out of the Wiggles spotlight and into the quiet, country life in Bowral with husband Oliver, happily surrounded by her pet dogs and the occasional wombat.

The stark contrast to constant travel and a life on the road for 80 per cent of the year as the Yellow Wiggle has helped keep her endometriosis at bay, and that’s pretty life-changing for the 33-year-old, who has long been an advocate for the condition, vocal about her infertility struggles it causes.

“In terms of your body just having a moment to rest and reflect – and that changes your body,” she tells Sunday Confidential ahead of the release of her new book, Hello, Emma Memma.

It’s been inspired by her new Bowral life that has seen her rebrand herself as Emma Memma, and she has just written her first book, which will be published by Puffin on February 28.

The picture book is an introduction to her new character and others, like a wombat she’s named Waffles.

Emma Watkins has been enjoying a quieter life in Bowral. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

This is the first book of 10 that will be published over the next two years.

It’s literally a new chapter for Watkins, who is also busily trying to finish a PhD into her other passion, which is fuelled by growing up with two deaf brothers – promoting Australian Sign Language.

Emma Watkins has written her first children book. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

All Emma Memma storybooks will be accompanied by an Auslan video translation.

“I think I’m now really, really looking forward to … being able to introduce other characters and sign language illustrations, which is something that we’re really passionate about,” she said.

A past life... Emma Watkins as the yellow Wiggle. Picture: Nicki Connolly

And she said she has found she is connecting to fans on many different levels.

“Mums will write to me and say my daughter is watching you or my son is just loving the dancing … and then next minute, it’s all about their fertility journey – people are doing it because they are so supportive,” she said.

“They’re mostly like: ‘Don’t worry, you can have a baby’. And it’s just the most beautiful attitude.

“Everyone is just so encouraging, which is just beautiful.”