In 2020, Emma Watkins, formally known as Emma Wiggle, addressed her ongoing battle with endometriosis in an emotional Instagram post, and she’s utilised her platform to spread a message of positivity.
The children’s TV star took to social media to mark a milestone in her journey with the illness, which took a turn two years ago when she had to undergo surgery.
It was clear her words resonated with her following and beyond – and you don’t have to look far to see why.
She shared a picture of herself dancing in the street, Emma wrote: “I realised that it is 2 years since my Endometriosis surgery and I would like to thank all the women who have connected and shared their stories and advice with me over these last 2 years.”
She continued to thank some of the special health professionals who helped her along the way, before adding: “My health has improved but it is constant management.”
“I’m so happy to be back dancing and performing albeit connecting through the digital world now. But what a fun way to share our wiggly adventures still with you through social media.”
Emma Watkins opened up about her struggle with endometriosis in a candid Instagram post in April.
(Instagram / @emma_wiggle)Emma’s words clearly resonated with her 146,000 strong following, with many taking to the comments section to share their thoughts with former the Wiggle.
“Thank you for sharing your story. No one understands unless they have been there. Your courage is inspiring,” wrote one person.
Another woman was also touched by Emma’s story, writing: “So happy to hear you are managing your endometriosis. I’ve been dealing with it for 15 years now. It is so wonderful when you find good medical support and emotional, mental health support. Makes all the difference with this awful disease.”
Another rather familiar person also showed their support for Emma – her former husband and fellow Wiggle Lachlan Gillespie commented several of his trademark purple hearts.
Emma’s post struck a chord with her following.
(Instagram / @emma_wiggle)These days, Emma seems to be in a good place.
She and her new beau Oliver Brian went public last year after falling in love on the set of The Wiggles.
Speaking to Stellar magazine last year, Emma said she was “in love” with the banjo player and the pair had been friends for four years before he asked her out on a dinner date.
Emma has built a strong fan-base during her time as a Wiggle.
(Instagram /@emma_wiggle)Emma has also been open in the past about her experience with endometriosis.
Last year, she spoke to Now to Love about her health struggles.
“I think in retrospect, I just wasn’t really that aware and I was in pain for a long time but just put it off,” she said.
“But if you don’t feel right and you know yourself intuitively and in your own body, if something isn’t that right it’s best to get it checked and get it checked more than once.”
WATCH: Emma Wiggle confirms she wears a wig on-stage:
She also urged other women who were struggling with similar symptoms to take action.
“Go and see someone, that’s all you can do, there’s no other way to help you except to try and eat as well as you can and be on top of your health and go and talk to people,” she explained.
