The Big Wiggles announcement

Earlier this year The Wiggles announced that 2012 would be their final year of touring together as Anthony Murray, Jeff and Greg.  And now having spent 2012 travelling through Asia, USA, Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom and New Zealand, they're  finally coming home for their Celebration tour.

There is no doubt that children all over Australia are prepping for the final show. Not to mention their dedicated parents.

Original Wiggles members Murray, Jeff and Greg will be passing on their red, purple and yellow skivvies to Simon Pryce, Lachlan Gillespie and Emma Watkins – although the original members are staying on in backstage and creative roles. 

Anthony Field told news.com.au:

"When we do the last shows in Australia, that's when it will hit home.

"That's when the hankies will come out backstage, or maybe even on stage." Field added: "Next year will be a challenge - it will be exciting and fun and hard work, but it doesn't take anything away from the guys. They are really good mates."

Elsewhere, Murray expressed enthusiasm about the future of The Wiggles, saying, “We’ve been entertaining children around the world for 21 years and it’s important that we plan for the future so that The Wiggles can keep wiggling in the years to come.”

As well as being the end of en era, this changeover represents a step into the future, as this is the first time a female cast member will be acting as a Wiggle – aside from Kylie Minogue’s stint as an honorary Pink Wiggle in 2009.  Red-haired 22-year-old Watkins should be able to provide extra Wiggle appeal for the many little girls who are fans of the show. 

Would you go see the last Wiggles concert?  How much a part of your life are the Wiggles?