The Wiggles exes Emma Watkins and Lachie Gillespie have ripped the band-aid off their first public appearance since announcing their split and, well… it’s as awkward as expected.
Less than one week ago, the co-working couple announced the end of their two year marriage, shocking fans across the globe.
With a promise to continue their work together with The Wiggles, the world has watched on to see how that would pan out, wondering if the youngest fans out there would be negatively impacted by the split.
WATCH IN THE PLAYER ABOVE: Emma sings to her and Lachy’s cat Basil.
It looks like they’re determined to keep their promise, as the former couple made their first public appearance since announcing their split.
Pictured at Sydney University on Wednesday on official Wiggles business, the pair looked, well, like anyone who is forced to work with an ex: Impossibly awkward.
Shared on The Wiggles Instagram page, the image is the epitome of “grin and bear it.”
Hands clasped in front of them, the pair stand side by side with forced smiles upon their Wiggly dials, in a group photo with university staff members and fellow Wiggle, Anthony Field.
“Consulting with educators from Macquarie University for the new Emma TV series to create some wonderful inclusive cultural experiences,” the pic’s caption read.
This meeting is surely only the tip of the iceberg of official commitments the pair will need to make together as The Wiggles behemoth continues its mission of entertaining children worldwide.
Shortly after the frosty photo nearly broke the internet, Emma took to Instagram to post a video (which you can watch below) with her ex to celebrate International Cat Day.
Perhaps in an effort to prove they are mates post-split, the dancer uploaded a Boomerang-style video of her and Lachy pretending to be cats.
It’s unknown when the video was captured but it could possibly be a throwback.
“Happy International Cat Day!! @lachy_wiggle,” Emma captioned the Instagam shot.
However, after some super-sleuthing we can confirm Lachy DID NOT double tap the post.
Not done with her Cat Day celebrations, Emma also took to her Instagram Stories to show a video of her singing to her and Lachy’s cat Basil, making sure she once again tagged her former partner.
In a joint statement last Friday, the pair explained what their separation would mean moving forward.
“We have, and continue to share, the most beautiful life together, but we wanted to let you know that privately for the last six months we have been navigating through a trial separation, and we have made the decision to separate as a couple,” the stars said.
“Throughout that period, we have performed hundreds of shows together and that is always a continued source of joy for us both.”
“We have embraced this as a very positive change in our relationship. Our incredible friendship has been strengthened throughout this time and what we have discovered is that, more than ever, first and foremost we love and adore performing as Emma and Lachy in The Wiggles and having the privilege of celebrating this happiness with extraordinary families around the world.”
“We have chosen a different path to travel in our personal lives, but please know that we are stronger than ever and we can’t wait to see you at a show soon. We will not be commenting beyond this, and we thank you in advance for respecting our privacy,” they concluded.
Lachie is taking it hard
In reports over the weekend, friends of Lachie told Sunday Confidential that the purple Wiggle has been left feeling blue as the relationship fell apart.
“Lachy is absolutely heartbroken,” it is reported.
The source went on to say: “He was completely besotted by Emma and worshipped her and still does.
“He tried everything to make it work, but in the end, he couldn’t. His heart has been broken.”
Emma and Lachy’s love story had become one of the nation’s most treasured fairy tales after the children’s entertainers fell in love working on the popular super-group.
They dated for two years and then in April 2016, families around the world rejoiced when the pair tied the knot in a stunning ceremony at Hopewood House in Bowral, NSW.
We’re sending our love to both Emma and Lachlan during this tough time.