We first got to know Emma Watkins as Emma Wiggle, the yellow skivvy-wearing member of the phenomenally successful children’s group.

These days a whole new generation knows her as Emma Memma, the all-singing-and-dancing character who – along with her sidekick Elvin Melvin – incorporates Auslan sign language into all aspects of performing.

And now there’s an even newer title in Watkins’ impressive resume – doctor.

The beloved entertainer has now completed her PhD, writing a thesis in Auslan communication and dance.

Emma says she grew up with deaf friends and has always known some sign language, but when the pandemic brought public performances to a halt, she decided it was time to step up her skills.

“We actually weren't touring at all, and I was finally able to balance my touring and all my work with The Wiggles and my time at uni a little bit better,” she says.

“So I was delving into this research about integrated sign language for children and dance and choreography and that kind of just took over … it felt like maybe that was the right time to go and focus on this research.”

And if there was a silver lining to the lockdowns for Watkins it was that Auslan lessons – like most lessons – moved online, allowing her to quickly up her signing game.

“Towards 2021 it felt like we really needed to make that leap of making sign language a little bit more visible,” Emma says.

And she says if there was another upside to that turbulent time it was the consistent presence of Auslan interpreters on television during the daily press conferences.

“It's a little sad that it hasn't continued, but it did show that it was possible,” Emma says.

“Part of my research was trying to just discover how can we make this (signing in the media) accessible and easy and something that's part of the everyday practice, rather than it being an add on.”

Inspired by her research, Emma says she also wanted the Emma Memma project to prioritise finding opportunities for deaf artists and performers. Enter, stage right, Elvin Melvin.

Emma Memma’s offsider, Elvin Melvin – aka Elvin Lam – is profoundly deaf and uses Auslan to communicate.

“Elvin and I met on an accessible theatre production that I was doing randomly in the holidays during my time with The Wiggles,” Emma says.

“We found each other and just hit it off.

“And then, after I left The Wiggles, I said to Elvin, ‘I think we need to do this properly’ and Elvin was like, ‘Yeah, I'm on board’.

“But Elvin has been working full-time for the Defence Force for something like 15 years, so we can only get him when he’s on annual leave.

“But we are so lucky that we can have Elvin with us when we tour.

“And so that's really how we've been navigating the last year-and-a-half, essentially – contracting dancers from each state, using local talent, and just learning from people in the deaf community

“And that response has been immense, not just from people that might be already integrated into the deaf community but also from hearing parents that may have a child that's using sign language.

“Maybe our show is the first time that they've ever seen sign language put on for their child specifically.

“So we kind of take that guesswork out so parents or carers or educators don't have to request an interpreter at every show that we perform. We have an interpreter and we have Elvin.”

Emma has also been busy working as the host of ABC show Teenage Boss: Next Level, a role which has seen her spending extended lengths of time in Adelaide.

“I was there for more than four months and I just had a ball,” she says.

“It became something of a second home, and my husband even said, ‘maybe we should move there’ and I said, ‘yes, let’s do it!’.

“Adelaide is a very underrated city. Of course, you all know that and keep it secret.

“So we are so excited to be coming back there for the carols and just to be bringing Emma Memma back to Adelaide outside of a national tour.”

So what Christmas carols are likely to be part of Emma’s set?

“Well Elvin and I are only two years into Emma Memma, so we haven’t had the chance to do a lot of Christmas songs yet,” Emma says.

“But we did do the carols in Melbourne, and we know Little Drummer Boy works really well. I feel like we’re only just getting started.”

This year’s Carols by Candlelight promises to be the most inclusive yet.

In addition to a reserved seating area for patrons with limited mobility and a dedicated area with Auslan interpreters, there will once again be a dedicated sensory area.

Supported by the Office for Autism, the sensory space will be available at the northern area of the site and will support patrons who may need a space to retreat and regulate so they can then re-join the festivities.

This important space will promote inclusion and allow Autistic people and their families to more fully participate in this fun community event.

Carols By Candlelight is at Elder Park on Saturday 14 December. Performers include Emma Memma, Hugh Sheridan, Dami Im, Mark Seymour, Adam Brand, Amber Lawrence and more. Click here (external site) (external site) (external site) for more information.