With a master toy deal in place and a farewell tour in the rear view, The Wiggles has kicked off its 2013 Taking Off tour that’s backed by a new cast – including the first female Wiggle Emma Watkins – as well as a CD and DVD.

Watkins and fellow newcomers Simon Pryce and Lachy Gillespie joined original Wiggle Anthony Field after Greg Page, Murray Cook and Jeff Fatt announced their retirement from the band in May 2012.

The new Wiggles are making their official debut in the Taking Off world tour, which is currently underway and will run in North America from August until October. The tour is accompanied by a CD of the same name, and the Taking Off! DVD will be released later this summer. The Taking Off CD will include songs from the new television show Ready, Steady, Wiggle!, airing on Sprout and Treehouse TV in the fall.

Over the past two decades, The Wiggles has sold more than 23 million DVDs and videos, seven million CDs and eight million books worldwide. Off-tour, the new group will be supported by a major licensing campaign that includes partners Wicked Cool Toys, NCircle Entertainment and Razor & Tie. Sprout, Sirius and Corus Entertainment continue to be among the brand’s entertainment partners.