It’s a sad day for children’s entertainment, with three of the original Wiggles announcing they will retire at the end of the year.

After 21 years, Jeff Fatt, Greg Page and Murray Cook have announced they will be handing over their brightly coloured skivvies after paving the way for a new generation of Wiggles.

"The touring and performing over the past 21 years has meant that we've spent a long time away from our own families and friends. We miss them and we want to spend more time at home," Cook said of their departure.

Anthony Field, the original blue Wiggle however is, "too in love with The Wiggles", to give it up just yet and will stay on with the new members of the group.

Back up dancers Lachlan Gillespie and Simon Price will take over, and Emma Watkins has become the first female Australian member of the group.

"I've been a huge fan of The Wiggles since I was a little girl, so it's a huge privilege to be invited to wear one of the skivvies and perform for a whole new generation of children," 22 year old Watkins said.

After her role as Fairy Larissa, other key roles and as a Wiggly Dancer, Watkins has earned the right to wear the yellow skivvy.

The original four Wiggles will embark on one final ‘celebration’ tour before the end of the year to say goodbye to their little (and older) fans.

…wonder how Sam Moran is taking the news?

Check out the announcement from the original Wiggles below:

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