'Purple Wiggle' has heart surgery in Australia

SYDNEY: Australian children's entertainers The Wiggles embarked on their US tour one man short after the "Purple Wiggle" Jeff Fatt was rushed to hospital for emergency heart surgery, the group said Saturday.

Fatt, one of the founding members of the world-renowned song-and-dance quartet, was fitted with a pacemaker this week after blacking out at the wheel of his car and driving off the road.

He was diagnosed with arrhythmia an irregular heartbeat and doctors recommended immediate surgery.

"Jeff will be taking a short break from touring to have a minor heart procedure. He will be in hospital for a couple of days and hopes to rejoin The Wiggles on tour in the USA," the band said in a statement.

Just a few weeks shy of his 58th birthday, Fatt is a fitness enthusiast who regularly cycles and surfs to stay in shape for his on-stage acrobatics.

He is famed for falling asleep during shows one of the bands biggest hits is called "Wake up Jeff" and The Wiggles said he was expected back on stage shortly.

"We wish Jeff a speedy recovery and look forward to his return back on stage to get some much deserved rest by sleeping on the job like he normally does!" the band said.

The Wiggles are celebrating their 20th year in show business. They are a global children's phenomenon, selling tens of millions of CDs and DVDs worldwide.

They kick off their US tour on Sunday and play 22 shows over five weeks.

Copyright AFP (Agence France-Presse), 2011