When The Wiggles’ Emma Watkins and Lachlan Gillespie announced their separation in August, it was an announcement they were hoping to put off until next year.
But news of their split was leaked to media and they were forced to address their relationship publicly, confirming their break-up on Instagram, two years after marrying.
While they still maintain they “are stronger than ever” and continue to be friends – something they’ve repeatedly assured fans – Watkins has now shared how her struggles with endometriosis played a big part in their decision to separate.
Speaking exclusively to Australian Story about the break-up, this isn’t the first time 28-year-old Watkins has spoken about the painful condition, which causes tissue similar to the lining of the uterus to grow outside of the womb, and can leave women with excruciating periods, reduced fertility, and bowel and urine pain.
Although Watkins said she began to suffer from frequent heavy periods, exhaustion and even collapsed on several occasions on tour, when she finally sought medical help, she was diagnosed with stage four endometriosis. Her specialist also recommended immediate surgery, which she successfully underwent in April 2018.
Looking back on this time, the Watkins told Australian Story she believes this was when her relationship with 32-year-old Gillespie began to deteriorate.
“I started to feel like the wheels were falling off,” she said.
“And I couldn’t figure out if it was just my health or if it was my relationships.”
Watkins said she became aware that “romantically, it just wasn’t going the way that our friendship was going”.
In the end, they mutually decided to separate, but remain as friends – something Gillespie has confirmed.
Recently speaking to Herald Sun’s Page 13, he said they’re still the “best of friends”.
“We always have been, that’s how it started,” he said.
“To be able to realise as a couple that we were going different ways and to stay as close as we are is a real testament, I think, to both of us,” he added.
“I love her more now than anything.”
So it seems like ‘break up registries’ are a thing… and we don’t know how we think about this.
Top Comments
Call me an optimist, but I think these two have a ‘second act’ in them..
I am genuinely perplexed as to why this is getting so much coverage. Two people who work together have separated amicably. So...? Why is this considered newsworthy?
It's not like there's nothing else going on in the world too. Very strange.
I really have no idea. I find it hard to believe anyone gives a shit about the Wiggles outside of their kooky songs and colourful outfits!
Add to that, the only people who may potentially give a shit (or even know who these people are) are parents whose kids are in the age bracket of liking this version of the Wiggles. The majority of Australia don't actually fall into that demographic.
They are not just two people who work together; they are a celebrity couple.
And when they married, this was given plenty of coverage.