The Wiggles star hospitalised for heart surgery

Popular children's group The Wiggles have been forced to embark on their tour without founding member Jeff Fatt after he was admitted to hospital for emergency heart surgery.

The Australian entertainer, who plays the purple Wiggle, passed out behind the wheel of his car on Thursday (30Jun11) and was subsequently diagnosed with arrhythmia - an irregular heartbeat. Doctors recommended immediate surgery and he underwent an operation to fit a pacemaker at a hospital in Sydney, Australia on Friday (01Jul11).

The 57 year old will now miss the start of The Wiggles' tour, which kicks off in Florida on Sunday (03Jul11).

A statement from the band reads, "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. We wish Jeff a speedy recovery and look forward to his return back on stage..."