TO the men behind the Wiggles, it's business.

A brutal battle over money is believed to be behind the unexpected return of original yellow Wiggle Greg Page and the exit of his replacement, Sam Moran.



A founding Wiggle, Page announced his comeback from illness yesterday, as details of the financial deal with the man who replaced him five years ago emerged.

A fixture on the BRW Rich List, earning an estimated $28.2 million last year, the Wiggles welcomed back Page, joining Anthony Field, Jeff Fatt and Murray Cook.

Moran, who assumed Page's role in November 2006, had "graciously offered to step aside on hearing of Greg's ability to return", management said in a statement.

But his departure may not be as happy as the kiddie favourites claim, with Moran often "ostracised" within the group and the US recession taking a bite out of DVD and CD sales.

While it is estimated Page received a $20 million-plus payout when he left (including royalties for music rights), Moran was on a contract rumoured to be $200,000 a year.

Despite 10 years' service - including five as a back-up performer, then lead singer - Moran was referred to as the "salaried Wiggle" and mocked over his deal.

Insiders believe the plan to bring back Page was kept from Moran.

"The tour finished and there was no farewell, no closure, no chance for Sam to say goodbye," a Wiggles source said.

Wiggles manager Paul Field said Moran, who released a solo adult album in 2010, would pursue other musical projects.

"We thank Sam for his wonderful contribution to the group for the past five years ... we're so grateful for all he has done," Field said.

Moran was photographed handing his skivvy to Page for an image posted on the fan site, but was not involved in a media call at their Bella Vista studio.

He did not return calls yesterday.

Page will begin work on new Wiggles productions including CD, DVD and television content, plus local and international tours, beginning with Australia in March and later this year the UK and US.

He described his return as an extraordinary moment in his history with the group.



"This takes me full circle. I'm excited to be back with my friends and to be entertaining our incredible fans again," he said.

Originally published as Tough exit for yellow Wiggle