Aussies Plan Special Farewell For Retiring Yellow Wiggle

AUSTRALIA - The yellow Wiggle Greg Page, 34, has announced he has to retire from his duties with The Wiggles due to a chronic illness. Page had been experiencing fatigue and fainting spells, and had to leave The Wiggles while on tour in mid August of this year to seek medical advice.

He was later diagnosed with orthostatic intolerance. In short, his heart, while still healthy, does not pump enough blood throughout his body at times, leaving him off balance, excessively tired, and prone to fainting. Due to the heavy touring schedule and the very physical demands of being a part of The Wiggles, Page had no choice but to retire to concentrate on his health.

In a press conference held in Perth, Australia, the remaining members of The Wiggles, Anthony Field, Jeff Fatt, and Murray Cook, faced the press with the yellow Wiggle's long-time understudy Sam Moran. In a video taped message, Page told the world of his illness and his decision to leave the group he helped form over fifteen years ago.

In the video statement, which can be found on the Wiggles' website, Page said, "I'll miss being a part of The Wiggles very much, but this is the right decision because it will allow me to focus on managing my health." He then introduced Moran as his permanent replacement and handed over his yellow skivvy.

Page's exit means the end of an era for the Wiggles, but the beginning of a new adventure for them with Sam Moran. Though Moran has been with The Wiggles as an understudy and dancer for ten years, he is now in the spotlight as Greg's replacement. The sudden announcement has left many Wiggles fans looking for a way to honor Page's fifteen years with the group.

"When Greg walked off stage for the last time in June 2006, nobody knew it would be his last appearance as a Wiggle in Australia," says WEAR YELLOW TO THE WIGGLES spokesperson Nicky Elliott. "Nobody had the chance to say goodbye."