Toyah’s Wonderful World Of Weird: The Puca
An original short story
Written & read by Toyah Willcox Short Story Premieres Good Friday, 18 April 2025
“I have always loved short stories, they can inhabit any world from suburbia to the fantastic. When time is short and long distances need to be travelled, the short story has taken me to places i willingly want to go to. So whether you have five minutes to spare, or you want to escape for a while…join me and my love of the unpredictable. Welcome to Toyah’s Wonderful World of Weird…”
Marc Almond and Toyah to join the Human League for Brighton Beach bash
Get ready for a truly iconic night as On The Beach proudly presents synth-pop legends The Human League, live on Brighton Beach for a one-off headline show under the summer sky on Wednesday 23 July 2025, gates open at 4.30pm and curfew at 10pm.
Celebrated for their timeless anthems like ‘Don’t You Want Me’, ‘Human’ and ‘Together in Electric Dreams’, The Human League will bring their unmistakable sound to the seaside for a spectacular evening of nostalgia, energy and pure 80s magic. With the waves crashing beside you and the sun setting over the sea, this is more than a gig – it’s a moment. Join thousands of music lovers for an unforgettable night with one of Britain’s most influential electronic bands, set against the iconic backdrop of Brighton Beach.
Support acts include Marc Almond of Soft Cell fame, Toyah and new act A Thousand Mad Things.
“I am so excited to play on Brighton Beach on 23 July, alongside The Human League and Marc Almond. This will be a special day in one of the most iconic seaside locations in the UK.” Toyah xx
The Chase: Celebrity Special: Challenge: Saturday 19th April: 7pm Series 6, Episode 2. Bradley Walsh hosts the quiz show as four celebrities take on the Chaser. Singer Toyah Willcox, ex-footballer John Barnes, writer Germaine Greer and heavyweight boxer Audley Harrison pit their wits against one of the country’s finest quiz brains in the hope of winning thousands of pounds for their chosen charities.
Celebrity Fantasy Homes: Really: Monday 21st April: 6am Toyah (Series 2, Episode 2). Celebrities hunt for a new home. Gaby Roslin helps the original punk-pop princess Toyah Willcox search for a second home, in Richmond upon Thames, with a budget of £650,000.
50 Wild Women Of The 80s!: NOW 80s: Wednesday 9th April: 5pm
Brilliant songs, big voices, blazing hair & bags of attitude – the ladies of the 80s had the lot! From Toyah to Tina & Joan Jett to Janet Jackson.
Strictly star Toyah Willcox reveals why she was strip-searched in Sweden
We catch up with singer, actress and TV presenter Toyah Willcox on her top holiday spots and why she was regularly strip-searched on arrival at certain destinations during her early years touring.
Earliest holiday memory?
Playing on the estuary between Rock and Padstow in Cornwall, aged two or three. My siblings and I spent all day in an out of the water and I snacked on everything from candyfloss to cockles.
First trip abroad?
Jersey when I was seven. I fell in love with the island. Among the highlights was visiting Devil’s Hole, a 200ft deep crater, but I was disappointed that we didn’t get to meet the Devil.
Earliest touring memory?
My frustration as a vegetarian on learning that everything food-wise in Germany arrived with bacon, even the cabbage.
How’s touring changed?
On my first UK tour in 1977 I travelled to gigs on a motorbike; now I drive in my car or have a driver.
• Continue reading at the Daily Mail. Browse our Daily Mail archive of Toyah content here.
• Classic Rock/Louder: Toyah and Robert Fripp return to action with spirited cover of Tina Turner’s evergreen sporting anthem The Best: Better than all the rest, etc – Continue…
• Brooklyn Vegan: Watch Toyah & Robert Fripp cover Tina Turner’s “The Best” – Continue…
• inkl: Toyah and Robert Fripp return to action with spirited cover of Tina Turner’s evergreen sporting anthem The Best – Continue…
• Far Out: Robert Fripp and Toyah Willcox cover ‘The Best’ in ‘Sunday Lunch’ return – Continue…
• MSN: Toyah and Robert Fripp return to action with spirited cover of Tina Turner’s evergreen sporting anthem The Best – Continue…
• Brave Words: Robert Fripp and Toyah Perform Tine Turner’s “The Best” In New Sunday Lunch Video – Continue…
Out Now! Toyah’s Sheep Farming In Barnet & The Blue Meaning are now available as stunning picture discs vinyl LPs which come in die-cut jackets with rare and unseen imagery.
Mother’s Day: An original short story written & read by Toyah Willcox (with Special Guest, Eno)
“I have always loved short stories, they can inhabit any world from suburbia to the fantastic. When time is short and long distances need to be travelled, the short story has taken me to places I willingly want to go to. So whether you have five minutes to spare, or you want to escape for a while…join me and my love of the unpredictable. Welcome to Toyah’s Wonderful World of Weird….”
Top Of The Pops: BBC Four: Friday 21st March: 8.35pm Top Of The Pops: BBC Four: Saturday 22nd March: 1.15am 19/03/1981. Peter Powell presents the pop chart programme, first broadcast on 19 March 1981. Featuring Sharon Redd, Bucks Fizz, Colin Blunstone and Dave Stewart, Toyah, The Who, Phil Collins, Shakin Stevens, Visage, Roxy Music and Duran Duran. Plus, a dance performance from Legs & Co.
NB. This originally aired on BBC1 on Thursday 19th March 1981 and was Toyah’s second Top Of The Pops studio appearance/performance (screenshot below, with details from an episode featuring a repeat of Toyah’s very first TOTP studio performance).
Favourite Singers With Nick Heyward: NOW 80s: Saturday 22nd March: 3am
Mr Favourite Shirts is back on NOW 80s – this time he selects his Favourite Singers! Including some who influenced him the most such as David Byrne & XTC’s Andy Partridge.
Toyah’s Wonderful World Of Weird: The Puca
