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Radio: Toyah Presents ‘Steve… A Strange Life’

February 2nd, 2025

Toyah Willcox presents a heartfelt tribute to the flamboyant and iconic Steve Strange, born Steven John Harrington in Newbridge, Wales.

From his early days in the vibrant Northern Soul scene to becoming the frontman of Visage, Steve Strange’s life was a tapestry of artistic brilliance and bold individuality.

Here we delve into his meteoric rise as the lead singer of Visage, best known for their massive hit “Fade to Grey.”

His unique voice and eclectic style helped define the New Romantic movement, and he became a symbol of the era with his extravagant and exciting outfits.

Toyah hears from fashion designer Darla Jane Gilroy, who sheds light on his influence on fashion. Fellow Visage members Billy Currie and Dave Formula share their experiences working with Steve and creating iconic music. Chris Sullivan, Steve’s friend and fellow club host, recounts their adventures in the influential Blitz Club that became a haven for the New Romantics.

Spandau Ballet’s Steve Norman and former Radio 1 DJ Andy Peebles offer their reflections on Steve’s impact on the music scene and their personal memories of him. Rare interviews from the archives of Steve himself bring his story to life, capturing his vibrant personality and enduring legacy.

Toyah, who also gives her own reflections on the Steve Strange she knew, also remembers Boy George’s poignant eulogy at Steve’s funeral, celebrating his unique spirit and the lasting impression he left on all who knew him.

In Steve, A Strange Life, we honour the legacy of a true original, ten years after his untimely passing.

• Continue reading at BBC Radio Wales.

Edinburgh Reporter: Must See Theatre This February

February 2nd, 2025

From Oliver and the Artful Dodger to Mary Poppins, Roxie Hart, drag queen Lola and not forgetting punk princess Toyah Willcox, there’s a host of musical stars just waiting to entertain you in February.

It’s the Playhouse, however, that has the show I’m looking forward to most this month, Now That’s What I Call A Musical (25 February-1 March). I’m keen to see it not because I’m expecting the most earth-shattering jukebox musical ever, it’ll likely be a the usual feel-good evening of nostalgia, but because the Edinburgh shows are the only ones on the tour to feature my own teenage heroine, punk princess Toyah Willcox, as a special guest.

Celebrating 40 years of the iconic compilation albums and starring EastEnders’ star, Nina Wadia, and 2013 X Factor winner, Sam Bailey, the musical comedy tells the story of Gemma and April, two school friends busy with very important business… planning their lives based on Number One Magazine quizzes and dreaming of snogging Rick Astley.

• Continue reading at The Edinburgh Reporter. Further details on Toyah in the Edinburgh performances of Now That’s What I call A Musical at toyahwillcox.com.

On The Wight: Weightless Garners Success

January 29th, 2025

Filmed on the Isle of Wight: Weightless garners success at Soho London Independent Film Festival

A short film shot on the Isle of Wight, Weightless, has added another prestigious accolade to its growing collection.

The film, starring the renowned Toyah Willcox, won the award for Best Experimental Drama at the Soho London Independent Film Festival over the weekend.

Exploring a powerful story: Directed by Lois Norman, Weightless tells the poignant story of Maureen, a woman confronting her inner demons alone on a beach. As she steps into the water, the film explores themes of resilience and personal transformation.

The screenplay was penned by Louise Monaghan, with production led by Isle of Wight-based producer Rowena Amos, founder of 9 of Cups Productions. Among other places, it was filmed in Freshwater Bay and Ventnor Bay.

Celebrating the team’s achievement: The film’s success was shared by writer Louise Monaghan, who expressed her delight at the recognition.

• Continue reading at On The Wight.

Classic Rock: At Last! Toyah & Robert Unleash Their Inner Punk

January 29th, 2025

Classic Rock are very happy to have a shiny, brand new, Sunday Lunch from Toyah & Robert…

At last! Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp have unleashed their inner punk

Watch all the action unfold in Worcestershire’s rowdiest kitchen

You may not have noticed, but Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp’s Sunday Lunch broadcast series has been quiet of late, with new episodes appearing with less frequency than in days of yore. Instead, old episodes have been sneakily re-uploaded, presumably in the hope that publishers like ourselves don’t notice and write stories proclaiming the pair’s ongoing weekly genius.

Last week, for instance, a typically delightful albeit ragged cover of The Cardigans’ 1998 single My Favourite Game appeared on Toyah’s YouTube channel. “It’s a funny one this week!” read the description beneath the video, as if it were a new clip. “Enjoy, guys!”

Well, the same video originally appeared on the same channel on December 5, 2022. See what we mean? In this post-truth world, even the King Crimson man and his post-punk princess bride appear capable of twisting reality into deceitful new shapes. Well, we’re not falling into that particular trap.

However, we’re thrilled to announce that this week they’re back with an actual new performance. In the latest clip, Frippcox perform a playful cover of U Should Not Be Doing That by Australian oiks Amyl and the Sniffers, and a very creditable performance it is, too. Fripp snarls like he’s auditioning for Britain’s Got Punk Talent, and Willcox dances alluringly on the table because that’s just one of the many things she’s good at.

• Continue reading at Classic Rock/Louder. (Image © Toyah Willcox)

Theatre Full Stop: SohoLIFF 5th Birthday

January 23rd, 2025

SohoLIFF celebrates its 5th birthday in style with participants including Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies

The Soho London Independent Film Festival (SohoLIFF) marks its 5th year in style in January 2025, celebrating five years of innovation in independent film with an electrifying line-up of screenings, events and special guests. Over four days, Soho’s iconic De Lane Lea/Warner Bros Building will host more than 50 films from around the globe, featuring celebrated talents like Mark Rylance, Riz Ahmed, Toyah Willcox and Phil Davies alongside the emerging stars of the future. This is a festival for filmmakers and film lovers alike.

SohoLIFF is an independent short film festival that supports filmmakers from around the world. This year’s festival sees submissions from over 25 countries; filmmakers will compete for 16 awards, culminating in a ceremony that brings everyone together to share their stories and love of the artform.

• Continue reading at Theatre Full Stop. Also visit The Soho London Independent Film Festival website.

Gloucestershire Standard: 25 Fabulous Photos

January 20th, 2025

25 fabulous photos of The Weakest Link in Cirencester

These wonderful photos highlight the action at a star-studded charity edition of The Weakest Link in Cirencester.

The event – held at The Barn Theatre in Cirencester’s Beeches Road on Saturday, January 18 – saw celebrities including the Queen’s son and food writer Tom Parker Bowles, presenter Kay Burley and TV regular Stanley Johnson (father of Boris) subject themselves to ‘Queen of Mean’ and original show host Anne Robinson.

They were joined by singer and Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Toyah Willcox, Cheltenham Gold Cup-winning jockey Nico de Boinville, former BBC chair Michael Grade (who acted as compere) and aristocrat Nick Peto.

• Continue reading/Browse the photos at Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard.

Bristol Live: Anne & Toyah Return To The Weakest Link

January 16th, 2025

Anne Robinson to host star-studded Weakest Link in Cotswolds

Get ready for a battle of wits as Anne Robinson, the ‘Queen of Mean’, takes the helm for one last time in a star-studded charity edition of The Weakest Link in the Cotswolds.

Packed with celebrity contestants and Ms Robinson’s iconic sharp humour, this exclusive event at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester promises more than entertainment— a lifeline for the Hatherop Big Build campaign.

The event will see high-profile figures, including former BBC chair and House of Lords member Michael Grade CBE, news presenter Kay Burley, champion jockey Nico de Boinville, historian Simon Heffer, TV personality Stanley Johnson, food critic Tom Parker-Bowles, aristocrat Nick Peto, and singer Toyah Willcox, go head-to-head in a general knowledge showdown.

• Continue reading at Bristol Live. See further info at Barn Theatre.

Official Toyah: SFIB/TBM Picture Discs Announced

January 5th, 2025

After four years of a series of charting and well-received album catalogue reissues in expanded and collectible form, Toyah and Cherry Red Records is delighted to announce there are further surprises in store for next year.

On 21 March 2025, Cherry Red Records will release two strictly limited edition picture discs of the 1980 Toyah albums Sheep Faming In Barnet and The Blue Meaning, marking each album’s 45th anniversary.

Both of the album picture discs feature rare and unseen imagery unearthed by Toyah’s archivist, and are pressed with the 2020 album remaster by Nick Watson, overseen by Joel Bogen. The vinyl records come protected in a PVC sleeve which is housed in a special die-cut outer jacket that carries a further unseen images to create a spectacular collector’s item celebrating the album’s original music and imagery.

Both albums can be pre-ordered ahead of their March 2025 release.

• Continue reading at toyahwillcox.com. Pre-order both vinyls at Cherry Red Records.

Express: Toyah Reveals ‘Main Focus In Life’

January 5th, 2025

Toyah Willcox reveals ‘main focus in life’ – and it isn’t husband Robert Fripp

Singer Toyah Willcox says she loved every moment of her recent appearance on Strictly. Now, she’s looking forward to joining Craig Revel Horwood’s 1980s musical and releasing a new album

Anyone who witnessed her spirited jive to Nutbush City Limits on the last series of Strictly Come Dancing would know that singer Toyah Willcox is not short on energy. And a quick glance at her schedule for 2025 would suggest she has no plans to slow down.

She will join the cast of NOW That’s What I Call A Musical next month, there’s a new album in the offing and if that wasn’t enough, she recently bought an old 1890s industrial water mill on the River Avon, which she is renovating and restoring back to its original structure.

“I love it,” she enthuses. “I spent all day yesterday removing trees that washed up in the floods; it’s a really physical project.

“I’ve always got something on the go. Anyone that sits still can’t bear being with me. I adore working and I always will. My main focus in life is my work. I think if I didn’t work, the boredom would eat me alive.”

• Continue reading at The Express.

Reviews: T&R’s Christmas Party/Wolverhampton

December 23rd, 2024

A review, by Yorkshire Times, of last night’s closing Christmas Party Tour gig, at Wulfrun Hall, Wolverhampton.

Toyah And Robert Fripp Impressive Musical Legacies

Toyah and Robert Fripp boast their own impressive musical legacies; however, as a result of a lockdown silly video, the married couple saw their personal partnership thrust into the viral domain. Alongside the likes of Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Joe Wicks, they became an escapist treat during one of the toughest periods the world has known in recent years.

Their sheer zest for life and laughter puts smiles on faces around the world, and their popularity has only increased in the aftermath. While Toyah made a fleeting appearance on Strictly earlier this year, the duo have enjoyed two Glastonbury appearances in subsequent years and even joined Billy Idol on tour. As the holiday season approaches, they have embarked on a short UK tour to unite their devoted fan base for a memorable sing-along.

• Continue reading at the Yorkshire Times.

Mirror: Toyah’s Most Embarrassing Moment

December 21st, 2024

Toyah Willcox shares ‘most embarrassing moment of her life’ after tech blunder

Toyah Willcox has opened up about the embarrassing moment that unfolded after she forgot to turn the camera off while recording a TikTok video with her husband

Strictly star Toyah Willcox has opened up about a TikTok mishap that led to what she describes as the ‘most embarrassing moment of her life’.

The unfortunate incident occurred when singer Toyah and her husband, musician Robert Fripp, were filming a new video for their social media platforms, which have garnered over 120 million views.

Toyah, 66, inadvertently left the camera on, capturing the star in her underwear as she went about her daily activities.

“It was one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever done,” admitted Toyah. “My husband Robert and I were dressed as unicorns for a video we were filming and I left the camera on afterwards.”

• Continue reading at The Mirror. See also The Sun, Express, and Daily Star.

Reviews: T&R’s Christmas Party/Edinburgh

December 19th, 2024

A great review – by God Is In The TV – of Monday’s Toyah & Robert: Christmas Party at The Queen’s Hall, Edinburgh. I agree with every word!

…Wow. Just wow.

Toyah Willcox is not a woman to let the ground rest beneath her feet, and nor, one suspects is her husband Robert Fripp. Not only did they do their best to keep music lovers’ spirits up during the pandemic with their Sunday Lunch videos on YouTube (which racked up millions of views), she’s just competed in Strictly and now here they are just before Christmas touring together.

I might say this normally at the end of a review, but I’m going to get this in now: if you get the chance to see one of the handful of remaining shows before Christmas, go and see them. Because I’ve been to a lot of gigs this year, and there’s been a lot of great ones, but of them all, this was The. Most. Fun.

• Continue reading at God Is In The TV. (Photos © David Fleming)

The Guardian: Strictly 2024 – 10 Of The Best Dances

December 13th, 2024

Strictly 2024: 10 of the best dances – from Pete’s PVC trousers to Punam’s couple’s choice

From Chris McCausland’s quickstep to JB Gill’s salsa and Toyah Willcox’s jive – here are some of the greatest highlights from the show this year

Toyah’s Jive: She was the second celebrity to be eliminated, but Toyah Willcox performed one of the most enjoyable routines of the whole series in week two, with her jive to Nutbush City Limits. In a stellar wig, tassels and cowboy boots, she crawled confidently across a bar before jumping into a routine of hard kicks and head tosses with her partner, Neil Jones. The vibe was Tina Turner meets Dolly Parton, the ragged energy recalling Willcox’s punk past. This is what 66 looks like – and thank goodness and Willcox for that.

• Continue reading/Watch at The Guardian.

Metro: Toyah Talks Strictly

December 12th, 2024

BBC Strictly 2024 star Toyah Willcox makes ‘very shy’ admission

Toyah Willcox has revealed that she had to confront her “vulnerability” by showing off her legs on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. The 66 year old ‘I Want to Be Free’ singer, who is no stranger to performing in front of a global audience, admitted to having some reservations about stepping onto the BBC show’s dance floor with professional partner Neil Jones.

Speaking to Metro, she confessed: “I am very shy about my legs. My legs have never been great, but they are strong, brilliant, and work for me. I had to expose that vulnerability. ”

She also mentioned her discomfort with the footwear, saying: “The shoes didn’t suit me greatly. I don’t tend to wear strappy shoes. I was having to do things that I would never normally do, and this is why I went into ‘Strictly.'”

• Continue reading this Metro article at www.msn.com.

Strictly Come Dancing: More Toyah Press

December 10th, 2024

Lots of Toyah related Strictly news over the past day or so again, reporting that Toyah was offered to be paired with two other dancers for the series before being paired with Neil Jones.

Dudley News: Toyah Praises Stourport Restaurant

November 18th, 2024

The Quayside: Toyah Willcox praises Stourport restaurant

A famous couple has praised a restaurant for being “the heart of the Midlands” and bringing people together from across the Black Country and beyond.

Staff at The Quayside in Stourport have revealed their shock and delight after Birmingham-born singer Toyah Willcox and musician Robert Fripp described their food as “the best”.

Verity Alexander, who works as front of house, said the team couldn’t believe it when the musicians walked through the restaurant doors with some of their regular customers.

Describing the famous couple as “lovely”, Ms Alexander said the visit was made even better when they saw The Quayside had got a special mention on their YouTube channel.

Ms Alexander said: “Toyah and Robert came in really lowkey with a couple of our regulars. They came in first and sat and chilled with a drink. As soon as I heard Toyah’s voice, I knew exactly who she was. She is honestly so lovely and very humble.”

• Continue reading at Dudley News.

Worcester News: Toyah Becomes ANT Patron

November 1st, 2024

Toyah Willcox becomes patron of the Avon Navigation Trust

The popular musician, actress, and Strictly Come Dancing contestant has joined the riverside charity to help inspire young people to care for the waterway.

Clive Matthews, the trust’s chief executive, said: “We’re immensely pleased to have Toyah on board. “Her media profile and fan base will be a major boost to our youth wing and enable us to reach out to many more young people.”

Willcox, who is out on the Avon every day she is at her Pershore home that she shares with her husband, King Crimson band member Robert Fripp, said: “I am proud to be a patron.”

• Continue reading at Worcester News. See related news on this at NarrowBoatWorld.

The Lady: First Impressions: Toyah Willcox

October 16th, 2024

A great retro interview with Toyah – from The Lady in 2014- has recently been republished online…

Toyah Willcox … is an English singer. She has had 13 Top 40 singles, including It’s A Mystery and I Want To Be Free, and has released 20 albums. She is also an actress and has written a number of books. Toyah and her husband divide their time between London and Worcestershire.

What are you working on at the moment?
I am on tour all year with my band, Toyah. I am also touring an acoustic show with my American band, The Humans. I have three movies to shoot this year – in the first there’s no dialogue as we all ‘speak’ like apes… it will make sense in the end.

When were you at your happiest?
Why ‘were’? I am happy now. Happiness is an art form. I find it challenging at times but the past is gone. My motto is never look back – but my 40s were fantastic.

What is your greatest fear?
In the last five years I have lost my parents and the pain is overbearing. My great fear is losing my husband and our friends. I can’t imagine being happy without my hubby.

What is your earliest memory?
My mother putting a towelling nappy on me and the super size of the safety pin she used to secure it.

What do you most dislike about yourself?
I have less patience and sympathy for difficult people. I am on stage most nights and my audiences are wonderful, but there may be one person who has had too much to drink and disrupts the show.

• Continue reading at The Lady.

Ramzine: Roses In Chains

October 16th, 2024

Roses In Chains from Toyah Willcox

Renowned artist Toyah Willcox’s latest single, ‘Roses In Chains’ is a captivating collaboration with her long-time writing partner Simon Darlow, and features the legendary Robert Fripp, adding his signature guitar to the production.

‘Roses In Chains’ emerged through collaborative song-writing sessions between Wilcox and Darlow, crafting a song that delves into the intense dynamics of human relationships. “The idea behind the song is the intensity of relationships; nothing is plain sailing, but bonds are unbreakable” Willcox explained. This theme of enduring connections is powerfully conveyed through both the music and the lyrics.

The single showcases the unique synergy between both them and Fripp. “Musically, we aim for our life experiences to add up to one,” the singer said, highlighting the trio’s diverse backgrounds: her roots in punk, Fripp’s eclectic genre-spanning career, and Darlow’s history of pop success. This convergence of influences is evident in the rich, textured sound of ‘Roses In Chains’, that follows in the footsteps of the pairings previous collaborative success, 2021’s charting album Posh Pop (#22 Official Album Chart). A standout feature of the song is their dual voices, symbolising the sometimes painful yet inseparable nature of deep relationships. “I asked Simon to sing with me to represent how sometimes two people cannot be apart, even if it hurts, that there is a symbiotic relationship.” Willcox explained.

• Continue reading at Ramzine.

Toyah On Strictly: News, Press, Socials & More!

September 26th, 2024

More Toyah Strictly press from over the past few days. Plus updates & videos direct from Toyah & Neil! (Photos © BBC)

Official Toyah Facebook: JOY! – Continue…

BBC Strictly Instagram: What a ray of light that Tango was… Toyah and Neil were electric on the #Strictly dance floor ✨ – Continue…

• BBC Strictly Come Dancing YouTube: Toyah and Neil Tango to Ray Of Light by Madonna ✨ BBC Strictly 2024 – Continue…

Official Toyah Instagram: Only three days until Week 2’s live show! – Continue…

This Is Money: New Strictly star Toyah Willcox: Letting other people manage my money was a big mistake – Continue…

Radio Times: Toyah Willcox on why now is the time for Strictly and not fearing the judges: The songwriter and actress and her Strictly partner Neil Jones speak to Radio Times about her love of dancing and the upcoming competition – Continue…

Manchester Evening News: Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Wilcox’s 40-year health battle, rock star husband and ‘terrifying’ knife attack: The legendary singer, actress and television presenter is a contestant in the BBC One dance contest this year – Continue…

Hello!: Strictly Come Dancing week one’s biggest moments: Chris McCausland’s incredible dance, top scorers and more: Join us as we recap Strictly live! – Continue…

Mirror: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Toyah Willcox sheds incredible amount of weight by cutting out just one thing: Strictly Come Dancing star and singer Toyah Willcox was determined to be in the best physical shape possible for the dancing contest so she gave up one major thing three months before – Continue…

The Sun: Strictly fans outraged as eighties pop legend receives brutal scores from the judges: Shirley was left telling the star she needed to calm down – Continue…

The Independent: Toyah Willcox says Strictly Come Dancing has made her feel ‘premenopausal’: Singer-songwriter is competing on the BBC dance series this year – Continue…

Mirror: BBC Strictly star Toyah Willcox’s tough childhood, major surgery and bullying woes – Continue…

Mirror: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox, 66, opens up about surgery which left her learning to walk again – Continue…

GB News: BBC Strictly’s Toyah Willcox makes feelings clear on judges’ criticism after receiving lowest scores – Continue…

OK!/Yahoo! News: Strictly: Toyah says show has been ‘best experience’ – Continue…

Express: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox, 66, reveals surgery nightmare that left her learning to walk – Continue…

BBC Strictly Come Dancing: Meet Toyah Willcox: Swapping the Pogo for a Paso! – The queen of punk is ready to headline Strictly! – Continue…

OK!: Strictly star reveals brutal sexist abuse that prompted facelift: Toyah Willcox underwent a facelift in the early 2000s after “feeling like a victim” as she watched her features begin to age – and says it has completely transformed her life – Continue…

Daily Record: BBC Breakfast viewers spot awkward blunder during Toyah Willcox’s Strictly interview – Continue…

Liverpool Echo: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox’s age, net worth and famous husband: The I Want to Be Free singer is dancing alongside Neil Jones in this year’s Strictly – Continue…

Mirror: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox reveals exactly what surgery she’s had done including ‘life-changing’ lift – Continue…

The Times: Toyah Willcox: ‘Strictly is just what a woman my age needs’ – Continue…

Toyah On Strictly: News, Press & More!

September 20th, 2024

Tons more press on Toyah over the past few days, about her participation on, or instigated by, Strictly. Plus updates & videos direct from Toyah & Neil! (Photos © BBC)

Official Toyah: Toyah’s tango for Strictly (Sat 21 Sept) – Continue…

BBC Strictly Come Dancing: The duo we never knew we needed…. Toyah and Neil are ready to rock and roll – Continue…

Official Toyah Instagram: Countdown to showtime and more videos from Toyah & Neil – Watch at Instagram…

Digital Spy: Strictly 2024 confirms week one dances and songs: Three Cha Chas and two Tangos! – Continue…

Metro: Strictly fans discover star’s husband is 70s legend and ‘living god’ – Continue…

Manchester Evening News: BBC Strictly Come Dancing viewers distracted as famous face support Toyah Willcox in studio audience: It was revealed during the programme that 80s icon Toyah was being partnered with fan-favourite Neil Jones – Continue…

The Independent: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox: Everything you need to know about the punk-rock singer: ‘I Want to Be Free’ singer will be putting her experience from years of touring and West End performing to the test – Continue…

Chronicle Live: How old is Toyah Willcox? Strictly star ready to compete alongside Neil Jones: Music legend Toyah Willcox is one of 15 stars on the line-up for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 and is paired with Neil Jones – Continue…

Daily Record: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox recounts near-death experience and verbal abuse on BBC set – Continue…

Metro: Strictly star reveals debilitating 40-year health struggle: ‘Back then no one really talked about it’ – Continue…

Facts.Net: 40 Facts About Toyah Willcox – Continue…

Manchester Evening News: Who is Toyah Willcox on BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2024?: Toyah is among the celebrities taking part in the 2024 series of the BBC One dance competition – Continue…

Mirror: BBC Strictly star Toyah Willcox’s frank admission about child-free life: Punk icon and Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox has candidly opened up about her 38-year marriage with rock guitarist Robert Fripp – and made her thoughts on having children pretty clear – Continue…

Birmingham Live: Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox opens up on terrible 40-year health battle – Continue…

Heart: Toyah Willcox facts: Age, husband, best songs and TV shows revealed – Continue…

5 Things To Do Today: 17 Things About Performer Toyah Willcox – Continue…