Dreamscape | The Toyah Willcox Fansite

Toyah Willcox: ‘I had tea with Princess Margaret – she wanted to see what a punk rocker looked like’

The singer, actress and presenter talks royal encounters, Judi Dench playing pranks, and an £80,000 bank forgery

Best and worst is a regular interview in which a celebrity reflects on the highs and lows of their life

Born in Birmingham in 1958, Toyah Willcox’s breakthrough role was in Quadrophenia in 1979. From there, she juggled acting with a pop career, selling millions of records. She has continued to sing and act throughout her career with roles in Casualty and Secret Diary of a Call Girl, and she also narrated the children’s TV series Teletubbies. She lives in Dorset with her husband, the King Crimson guitarist Robert Fripp, with whom she presents the popular YouTube show Sunday Lunch…

• Continue reading at The Telegraph. (Registration required)

Secret Diary of a Call Girl cast – where are they now?

What happened to Billie Piper’s co-stars?

ITV2 drama Secret Diary of a Call Girl is enjoying a second wind, courtesy of Netflix.

The series, which was created by Lucy Prebble (Succession, I Hate Suzie) and ran for four seasons between 2007 and 2011, starred Billie Piper as a high-end escort working in London who kept her lucrative double life hidden from her family.

A number of recognisable faces also appeared alongside Piper.

Toyah Willcox played Gail, Hannah’s mother. She didn’t know what her daughter did for a living.

Willcox was an established singer before Secret Diary and continues to perform.

• Continue reading at Radio Times. As well as Netflix, all four series of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl recently aired on That’s TV.

This news hasn’t been officially confirmed, by Toyah or any source related to Strictly or even the BBC, but it’s being reported by numerous tabloids…

• The Sun: Super Signing – Huge 80s star signs up for Strictly – Read on to find out which other stars are in the frame for next season – Continue…

• Daily Mail: 80’s icon Toyah Willcox ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’ after being inspired by pal Angela Rippon – Continue…

• Daily Express: 80s legend ‘signs up for Strictly Come Dancing’ after being inspired by Angela Rippon – Continue…

• Female First: Toyah Willcox set for Strictly Come Dancing – Toyah Willcox, 66, is reportedly set to take part in the next series of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ – Continue…

• Yahoo!: Toyah Willcox set for Strictly Come Dancing – Continue…

• Mirror: Toyah Willcox looks set for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 thanks to famous pal – Continue…

• Time will tell, as these rumours have circulated in previous years, but not quite as widespread as the current reports. Keep an eye on Toyah’s official website and social media, as well as the BBC and Strictly Come Dancing cast announcements!

Toyah & Robert played the first two dates of their Summer Rock Party Tour over the weekend – in Frome and Evesham. Next Sunday brings their first 2024 festival date at the Isle Of Wight Festival…

• The Westmorland Gazette: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp will perform at The Coro – Continue…

• The Mail: Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp to perform in Ulverston – Continue…

• Warrington Worldwide: Toyah and Robert set to rock Parr Hall – Continue…

• Evesham Journal: Pershore’s Toyah Willcox returns to Evesham for rock concert – Continue…

Pershore’s own Toyah Willcox to perform at Evesham’s Regal Cinema

Pershore’s own Toyah Willcox is set for a return to the area at the Regal Cinema.

The punk rock singer will perform at the Evesham venue on Saturday, June 15 alongside her husband and King Crimson member, Robert Fripp. Willcox and Fripp’s Rock Party will be performing a range of rock classics on the Regal Stage following the viral success of their popular web series ‘Sunday Lunch’. Willcox said: “We can’t wait to rock you out.”

• Continue reading at the Evesham Journal.

Two Expanded Toyah Platters Shine A Fresh Light On Her Past

Last years have seen a long-overdue reappraisal of Toyah‘s career: unjustifiably perceived by too many a listener as a quintessential ’80s artiste, Ms. Willcox proved again and again that she still is a queen of intelligent quirk-rock – and not only by cavorting with her husband in the acclaimed YouTube series but also by curating a series of her classic albums’ reissues, which are to be prolonged soon by two more titles. Appearing on May 17th is an expanded version of “Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour” from 1982, and on July 26th a deluxe version of “Minx” from 1985.

• Continue reading at Let It Rock.

“Shake my left hand man, it’s closer to my heart!”: Robert Fripp recalls what happened when he met Jimi Hendrix

The pair met at London’s Revolution club in 1969.

King Crimson mastermind Robert Fripp has opened up about a heartwarming moment he once shared with guitar legend Jimi Hendrix.

Appearing on the music reaction channel Rob Squad Reactions alongside his wife Toyah Willcox, Fripp shares how the late rocker had sung praises of King Crimson after watching their set back in the day.

“This is the hand shaken by the hand of Jimi Hendrix,” Fripp delightly reveals, gesturing to his left hand.

• Continue reading at Guitar.Com.

Vive Le Rock Awards 2024 – A Star-Studded Evening Of Sparkling Performances!

Finally in this section, the enthusiastic and hard-working Toyah Willcox was presented with the Icon Award by Saffron Sprackling from 90’s stars Republica – it was wonderful to see the two ladies so enthusiastic and supportive of each other. Toyah’s long career in both acting and music continues to this day, with her popular ‘Sunday Lunch‘ broadcasts with husband Robert Fripp (King Crimson) garnering her many new fans across the globe since 2020’s lockdown, as well as festival appearances performing her hit songs!

• Continue reading at Punktuation! Mag. (Photo © Punktuation Mag)

Toyah’s “Warrior Rock” Double Live Album Gets Expanded Reissue

Toyah‘s 1982 double live album, Warrior Rock, is getting a long overdue remastered and expanded release. Originally released as a double album in October 1982, Warrior Rock was recorded at London’s Hammersmith Odeon across the final two nights of the tour and contained 15 songs centred around material from the band’s Top Ten albums, Anthem and The Changeling.

The album was named after the B-Side of Toyah‘s 1982 single Brave New World and features hit singles It’s A Mystery, I Want To Be Free and Thunder In The Mountains alongside fan favourites Ieya, Danced and War Boys. This expanded reissue now documents The Changeling Tour, Toyah‘s highly successful run of 25 UK concert dates in the Summer of 1982 in a more comprehensive fashion.

• Continue reading at The Punk Site. Pre-order Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour at Cherry Red Records.

Exclusive: Toyah Willcox looks set for Strictly Come Dancing 2024 thanks to famous pal

Punk icon Toyah Willcox has teased she is up for joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing lineup following her pal Angela Rippon’s success but she has one condition

Toyah Willcox has shared her hopes to take part in Strictly Come Dancing

Toyah Willcox has thrown her name into the mix to take part in this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The punk icon, 65, declared she’d love to take part in the BBC dance competition following the success of her close friend Angela Rippon. Journalist and presenter Angela, 79, competed in last year’s series as she was partnered with Kai Widdrington and became the series’ oldest contestant.

Toyah exclusively told The Mirror she would like to follow in Angela’s footsteps, but admitted she wants to do it “sooner rather than later”. It comes after rumours are already swirling over who could be taking part in this year’s Strictly. The singer has been facing calls to take part in the show for years, having recently impressed fans with her moves during her social media videos alongside husband Robert Fripp.

When asked by The Mirror if she would be up for taking part, Toyah said: “Oh, God yeah. Well, I’d have to do it sooner rather than later, because I’m not gonna be able to move. I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.”

• Continue reading at The Mirror.

Toyah / Warrior Rock: Toyah On Tour

1982 live album • 3CD and 2LP coloured vinyl

Warrior Rock: Toyah on Tour was the second live album by the band Toyah. It was originally released in November 1982 by Safari Records and is the next release in Cherry Red’s comprehensive reissue campaign.

The 15-track double album featured material recorded on 17 and 18 July 1982 at Hammersmith Odeon at the end of The Changeling UK tour. A new 3CD set (compiled by Craig Astley and Joel Bogen) sees the album remastered and expanded to 41 tracks featuring 26 previously unreleased bonus tracks, with a total of 19 different songs from 11 gigs, at nine different locations!

These means that for the first time all four sides of the original vinyl live album are included on CD – unabridged and uncut. The first CD offers 12 of the 15 tracks while CD 2 starts with the last three songs from the concert. After that follows ‘Street Creature’ a mixed and mastered outtake from Hammersmith, soundcheck recordings, and rehearsals from Brixton Fair Deal (now known as Brixton Academy).

• Continue reading at Super Deluxe Edition. Pre-order Warrior Rock – Toyah On Tour at Cherry Red.

Toyah Willcox, a name synonymous with the vibrant British music and entertainment scene of the 1980s, continues to captivate audiences with her dynamic presence and undeniable talent. From her early beginnings as a punk rock icon to her diversified career as a singer, actress, author, and television presenter, Toyah has carved a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry.

In this article, we delve into the fascinating journey of Toyah Willcox, exploring her achievements, contributions, and the evolution of her net worth over the years.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born on May 18, 1958, in Kings Heath, Birmingham, Toyah Ann Willcox showed early signs of artistic flair and ambition. Her passion for performing arts led her to pursue a career in acting and music from a young age. In the late 1970s, Toyah emerged as a prominent figure in the British punk rock scene, gaining attention for her distinctive style, rebellious spirit, and energetic stage presence.

• Continue reading at the Birmingham Journal.

Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp coming to Warrington’s Parr Hall

Two music legends are coming to Warrington’s Parr Hall this summer.

They are both renowned in the music business in their own right, but iconic performers and husband and wife team Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp found a whole new audience together when the short videos they recorded during lockdown started to go viral.

Toyah and Robert’s quirky virtual ‘Sunday Lunch’ performances became a runaway success during the pandemic where they covered songs and put their own twist on classics by the likes of David Bowie, Nirvana and Metallica.

• Continue reading at the Warrington Guardian.

Royal Return: 80s pop legend stuns in see-through top as she returns to making bizarre home videos with rock star husband

Their latest performance is of a late ’60s classic

Their quirky cover versions kept spirits up through the dark Covid years.

But for months pop legend Toyah Wilcox, 65, and husband Robert Fripp, 77, of legendary prog rock band King Crimson, have parked their popular Sunday Lunch series of performances.

Instead fans have been treated to a ‘best of’ selection each week… until now.

The couple have relaunched for 2024, kick-starting their new run with a hard rocking version of Shocking Blue’s Venus inside their country home’s familiar kitchen.

The ever flamboyant Toyah performed in a see-through top with shiny love heart nipple pasties, while guitar God Robert wore space age eyeliner and had an F plastered to his forehead.

The rendition was a hit with fans who relished having them back.

One commented on YouTube: “Barking mad, the pair of them. Love every second of it!”

Another said: “You’ve certainly got it! Brilliant. You breathe wonderment, light and joy into our every Sunday.”

• Continue reading at The Sun.

A new interview with Toyah, from the Yorkshire Times, ahead of the Sounds Of The 80s gigs later this month.

BBC Radio 2 presenter Gary Davies has announced a nationwide 2024 tour for the live version of his show Sounds of the 80s, which will include an appearance from Toyah.

Ahead of the tour, Toyah spoke to the Yorkshire Times.

What can people expect when they come to the Sounds of the 80s show?

Anyone who attends one of the evenings will find an atmosphere where the audience can be themselves dancing and singing to their favourite tracks from a classic period in pop music. There was such a broad spectrum of music at the time from artists like Bananarama, Prince, and T’Pau, among others, including myself.

I think what will work beautifully is that the stage will be constantly active. Gary will be on there plus the dancers, and a stage set that is Gary’s Radio 2 studio and there will also be live performances from myself and other artists such as Carol Decker from T’Pau and Denise Pearson from 5 Star.

Why do you think the 1980s were such a golden period for popular music?

It was all very hedonistic, none of us thought beyond the 80s. It was difficult in the 90s to sell music from the previous decade, but that all changed with the Millennium. People wanted to hear all those iconic songs again. Part of the success of those tracks is the narrative of the songs; we really were traditional song writers then, writing about people’s attitudes and what they needed in their lives.

So, Toyah, tell us about your best 80s memories.

There were many good memories appearing on Top of the Pops. One of the happiest memories is the magnitude of what we did. For instance, on Christmas Eve in 1981, I played the Theatre Royal Drury Lane, which went out live on television, bringing in twelve million viewers, which at the time was phenomenal.

• Continue reading at the Yorkshire Times. Further information and ticket links available at toyahwillcox.com.

Exclusive: Toyah Willcox reveals key to 38-year marriage and why she’s happy being child-free

Punk singer and actress Toyah Willcox has shared they key to her near four decade long marriage to rock musician Robert Fripp and their decision to not have children

Toyah Willcox has given a rare insight into her marriage of 38 years with rock guitarist Robert Fripp.

The punk singer, 65, married Robert, who has worked with the likes of David Bowie and Brian Eno, in 1986. They have gone on to work together as well as creating their viral Sunday Lunch series, which they now tour. Toyah and Robert, 77, film themselves every week performing covers of huge hits including Slipknot’s Psychosocial, Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell and Foo Fighters’ All My Life.

In an exclusive chat with The Mirror, Robert and Toyah have shared the secret to their successful marriage of almost four decades. Sharing what it is like touring together, Toyah said: “It’s exactly the same as being married for 38 years, it’s good. We both come from very different genres.” Robert added: “But we complement each other well, I have a wonderful time being out working with my wife, may I say, even having greater fun than when we were at home together.”

• Continue reading at The Mirror. See also Gold Radio.

Exclusive: Toyah Willcox’s baby shock as child conceived at her show and parents’ surprising gesture

Punk singer Toyah Willcox has shared her shock after finding out a couple conceived at one of her gigs as the parents made a surprising gesture nine months later

Toyah Willcox was shocked to find out a baby was conceived at her show

Toyah Willcox has revealed a baby was conceived at her gig – and she found out nine months later after the couple made a surprise gesture.

The legendary punk rocker is one of the biggest stars from the 1980s, with huge hits including It’s A Mystery and I Want to Be Free. She went on to have 30 albums, 25 feature films and countless theatre and TV presenting roles. In an exclusive chat with The Mirror alongisde husband Robert Fripp, Toyah shared her most memorable moment from her impressive singing career.

She said: “We both experienced very strange but legendary things. When I played Hammersmith Apollo in 1982, which we recorded live for an album called Warrior Rock, a child was conceived on the back row. Nine months later there was another Toyah in the world. She was actually named Toyah.”

• Continue reading at The Mirror.

Vive Le Rock Awards returns April 12th at the Islington Academy with Ruts DC, Sham 69, Toyah, Kirk Brandon and more!

After last year’s sensational Vive Le Rock Awards at London’s O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which we said would be our last, well… It would be rude not to come back and do it all again!

So, Friday, April 12th will see the whole rock extravaganza steamroll into London’s O2 Academy Islington for another packed show of unique collaborations, celebrations, and one-off performances. And 2024 is going to be a punky reggae party with a bill topped by original ’70s punks Jimmy Pursey and SHAM 69 and RUTS DC performing a special never-to-be-repeated set with special guests, we can also now announce an intimate performance from THEATRE OF HATE/SPEAR OF DESTINY man Kirk Brandon, special guest performances from the iconic TOYAH, rock n’ roll king JIM JONES and the one and only Saffron from REPUBLICA, as well as new UK punks GRADE 2 and Lily from fast rising punks THE MEFFS!

And that’s not forgetting the mighty VIVE LE ROCKERS all-star band, led by the inimitable Paul-Ronney Angel! A five-hour show with a full program of awards, winners, and celebrity presenters, there’s only one place to be in April and that’s the 2024 VLRs!

• Continue reading at All About The Rock.

There’s been an abundance of press for The Great British Sewing Bee – Celebrity Christmas Special, and I have endeavoured to collect and compile as much of it as possible for this post (Photos © BBC):

• The Independent: Great British Sewing Bee crowns 2023 celebrity winner: The winner of the Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas special has been crowned – Continue…

• Telly Mix: The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special 2023: This year’s special promises to be a vibrant showcase of sewing prowess, featuring four celebrities under the watchful eyes of judges Esme Young and Patrick Grant – Continue…

• iNews: The Great British Sewing Bee review: Kiell Smith-Bynoe is its last hope: With more charm on display than sewing skill, this festive edition of the competition was more watchable than the usual series – Continue…

• AOL: Great British Sewing Bee crowns 2023 celebrity winner: The winner of the Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas special has been crowned: Toyah Willcox, Kerry Godliman, Jessica Knappett, and Hammed Animashaun, battled it out in Christmas-themed challenges during Thursday night’s show (21 December) – Continue…

• The Guardian: TV tonight: cheese, chips and cookies – it’s Nigella’s Amsterdam Christmas: The Great British Sewing Bee: Celebrity Christmas Special 9pm, BBC One – Continue…

• Digital Spy: Great British Sewing Bee reveals celebrity winner of 2023 Christmas special: “I’ve loved every minute, the stress included.” – Continue…

• The Sun: Famous Four: The Great British Sewing Bee Celebrity Christmas Special: Who is taking part, when is it on and how can I watch it?: A group of famous faces will show off their sewing skills – Continue…

• Radio Times: Who Is In The Great British Sewing Bee Christmas 2023 line-up: Four celebrities are ready to take on the challenge – Continue…

• TV Guide: Celebrity Christmas Special 2023: Former Christmas special sewer Kiell Smith-Bynoe takes over as host as musician Toyah Willcox, comedian Jessica Knappett and actors Kerry Godliman and Hammed Animashaun are put to the test – Continue…

• Yahoo! News: The best Christmas 2023 TV to watch on ITV, BBC, C4 and more: The BBC, ITV and Channel 4 have an array of festive specials airing this December – Continue…

• BBC iPlayer: In this year’s Christmas Sewing Bee, punk icon Toyah Willcox, actor Kerry Godliman, comedian Jessica Knappett and actor Hammed Animashaun put their sewing skills to the test – Watch for the next 12 months…

• Sharp Dressed Man: Toyah performs the ZZ Top hit – Watch…

TV loves to wheel in a celeb, but it was a shock to see Dion Dublin tour houses with a punk princess of the 80s

TV review: As Homes Under The Hammer celebrates its 20th anniversary with the help of Toyah Willcox, there are unruly throngs of celebs queuing up for festive specials

The joy of working shifts is that you have mornings to do things.

Butterfly collecting, going roller-blading with the dog or helping the elderly and infirm are just three things that I could do, but let’s face it, I don’t…

• Continue reading at the Belfast Telegraph. (Subscription required)

Homes Under The Hammer’s Dion Dublin says ‘I’m out of a job’ as ’80s music legend co-hosts show

Cue the music of the 1980s and the Toyah puns as the BBC show steps back in time

It’s no mystery that BBC’s Homes Under the Hammer is one of the most popular property programmes on TV – it’s been on for 20 years and has been celebrating this landmark anniversary by inviting celebrity fans onto the show to co-host a visit to an auction property.

Presenter and retired professional footballer Dion Dublin’s invited guest to a three-bed, semi-detached house on the outskirts of Birmingham was 1980s pop legend Toyah Wilcox, who was born less than 20 minutes away from the property in Rubery that went to auction with a guide price of £49,000.

Dion was over-excited, not because he managed to find a way to weave a football gag or reference into the show, but because he was joined by someone he really admires. He said: “You are not going to want to miss this! Sit tight, tea and toast on the lap, and you’re going to love it. You can call her a pop icon, you can call her a punk icon, but I’m just going to call her – I’m so excited – a music icon.”

• Continue reading at Wales Online. See also The Sun.