Harding weighs up his options

A dejected Tim Harding admitted he was taking a "step back" and "weighing up" his options as to whether he would continue with his Hi-5 membership.

The news follows the recent decision by fellow original member Kathleen de Leon Jones to sever ties with Hi-5 to pursue other endeavours.

Harding, who cited a need to fully recover from injuries sustained in a recent motorbike crash as one reason for re-assessing his position in the group, also harbours a desire for change.

"You get so used to a certain way of life and I suppose you forget what's out there," the 29-year-old said.

Still hobbling as he recovers from the motorcycle accident last month, Harding was clearly downcast about his future with Hi-5.

"Channel 9 really want me to stay but, you know, well, I'm still thinking about things and I'm just taking the time to recover really," he said.

He described his accident, which occurred while "mucking around at Eastern Creek" in June, as "horrendous".

The crash left him with a fracture in his back and seven broken toes. Harding was confined to a wheelchair for several weeks and credits the "strength and support" of his girlfriend Natasha - who he met while touring the UK last year - for his recovery.

"I've had time to think about things. I don't know what's going to happen in the future with Hi-5," he said.

The things that could sway Harding to remain in the group are the screams of Hi-5's little fans and the part he plays in making them shriek with excitement.

"It's just such a great feeling hearing all those kids. I'd really miss them," he said.

The smooth transition Kathleen de Leon Jones has made to her "new life" after the birth of her daughter has inspired Harding to make a change.

"Yeah, there's a lot of opportunities Hi-5 have given all of us," he said.

Harding has been "switched on" for almost a decade with his dancing and singing duties as part of Hi-5.

"I auditioned for the pilot when I was 20. It's been nine years, it's a long time," he said.

As for the immediate future, he is focusing on walking properly and is also "dying for a surf".

Despite his injuries, his girlfriend convinced him to get back behind the handle bars and he has written two articles for a motorcycling magazine, a role he would like to continue into his future, he said.

Harding's potential departure has cast doubt on the future of the group, which still contains original members Charli Delaney, Nathan Foley and Kellie Hoggart, along with new addition Sun Park.

It is the latest shock to hit the world of children's entertainment after the sudden retirement of Yellow Wiggle Greg Page.