The Wiggles’ Tsehay Hawkins says she’s proud to challenge gender stereotypes – as hidden detail in her costume is revealed

She’s the youngest star to join the cast of iconic children’s musical group The Wiggles.

And Tsehay Hawkins, 18, says she is proud to challenge gender stereotypes with her costume choice. 

The current Yellow Wiggle is the first female cast member to wear pants instead of a skirt on stage. 

Speaking to Yahoo Lifestyle, she said the opportunity to challenge stereotypes with her costume choice was ‘cool’. 

‘I think wearing pants, it means girls and boys can relate to it as well. Boys can wear skirts too if they want – we definitely have boys coming to the shows in skirts which is beautiful as well,’ she told the publication.

‘But I think it’s kind of cool to see little ones wearing flared pants. It breaks the stereotype of little girls always having to wear dresses or skirts.’

Tsehay added that breaking stereotypes was not front of mind when choosing what to wear – admitting that she was more of a ‘pants girly’.

‘I don’t think that really came into play when I decided to wear it, but once I did, I realised the impact made,’ she said.

After appearing on Channel Seven variety show Little Big Shots in 2018, Tsehay signed on to be an auxiliary member of The Wiggles in 2021. 

Following former Yellow Wiggle Emma Watkins’ announcement that she was leaving the iconic group, Tsehay donned the coveted Yellow skivvy in 2022, making her the youngest person to join The Wiggles at just 16 years of age.

At the time, Tsehay revealed the advice Emma imparted when she stepped into the iconic role.

‘The night before it was announced, [Emma] just called me up and she was saying, “I’m so happy for you, it’s such an amazing opportunity”,’ she said. 

The current Yellow Wiggle is the first female cast member to wear pants instead of a skirt on stage 

 ‘Just take everything as it comes and basically just say yes. Just be open to new ideas”,’ she added of the advice she was given.’

The Wiggles were formed in 1991 by Blue Wiggle Anthony Field, Red Wiggle Murray Cook, Purple Wiggle Jeff Fatt and Yellow Wiggle Greg Page.

Anthony Field is the only original member still in the band.

After appearing on Channel Seven variety show Little Big Shots in 2018, Tsehay signed on to be an auxiliary member of The Wiggles in 2021