Mark Ellen and David Hepworth, formerly of The Word magazine (in print), but forever associated with Smash Hits in the 1980s had a little chat about Toyah (as well as Morrissey) in their latest The Word podcast…
Fond memories of lost ‘80s London, Morrissey v Marr and the film they should make about Toyah
Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: That’s TV: Tuesday 1st October: 0.05am
Series 1. Episode 1. Adult drama based on the journals of Belle de Jour, starring Billie Piper as a high-class escort who enjoys what she does but has to keep it a secret from everyone in her personal life. Belle entertains two new clients – one of whom gets too close for comfort. With Toyah Willcox and Cherie Lunghi.
Secret Diary Of A Call Girl: That’s TV: Wednesday 2nd October: 0.10am
Series 1. Episode 2. Belle is invited to a prestigious adult party, but her client doesn’t want to join the action. Starring: Billie Piper, Toyah Willcox, Aleksandar Mikic, Jamie Sives, Aislinn Sands and Scarlette O’Harlette.
• Series One of Secret Diary Of A Call Girl first aired in 2007 on ITV. Toyah appeared in Episodes 1,2 and 8 (Photos © ITV)
Celebrity Fantasy Homes: Really: Sunday 6th October: 9am
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.
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…
Today saw the release of Toyah’s amazing 1983 single, Rebel Run on 10″ grey vinyl, which includes unreleased tracks, including an extended version of the lead song. It feels like a new era of Love Is The Law. I’m celebrating from a fan perspective with a new issue of Toyah Fanzine, which I’m currently working on, focusing on all things Love Is The Law. This bundle also includes part two of our Toyah Album Discography collection – flyers & postcards for every Toyah album release.
• More info on Issue 61, including previews and order link, here.
This week’s Sunday Lunch throwback is a revisit to the fantastic Rhythm In My House from Toyah’s 2021 studio album, Posh Pop – Amazing song and gorgeous visuals. Tune in on Sunday at You Tube and Facebook.
• Browse Dreamscape’s huge Posh Pop news archive. (Images © Toyah Willcox)
The award winning short film Weightless will have its online premiere this coming Saturday at 9.30pm on YouTube. More details, at Facebook, by clicking below.
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Wednesday 2nd October: 6pm
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Thursday 3rd October: 1pm
Tales Of The Unexpected: Sky Arts: Friday 4th October: 9am
Blue Marigold. Series 5, Episode 1. Dropped by her agency for her diva-like behaviour, supermodel Marigold’s mental health deteriorates. Years later, she plots a comeback. Director: Giles Foster. Starring: Toyah Willcox, Ralph Bates, Sharon Duce, Helen Fraser, Billy Hamon, Edward Jewesbury.
The Chase: Celebrity Special: Challenge: Sunday 29th September: 4am
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.
Dancing the Cha-cha-cha… Sharon and myself just want to send a massive ROCK IT!!! and all the best to Toyah and Neil for this Saturday’s Strictly Come Dancing. Tune in at 7pm, BBC One…
Strictly Come Dancing: BBC One: Saturday 21st September: 7pm
Series 22, Episode 2. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman present the first live edition as the ballroom dance show returns for its 20th anniversary year. The celebrities and their partners perform their opening routines, safe in the knowledge that no one is being voted off this week, although judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke will their comments – good or bad. The celebrities are Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson, Sam Quek, Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean and Montell Douglas. (Photo © BBC)
Video Killed The Radio Star: Sky Arts: Monday 30th September: 5.30am
Toyah Willcox. (Series 7, Episode 6) An insight into the making of videos by Toyah Willcox, whose hits included It’s A Mystery, Thunder in the Mountains and I Want To Be Free.
Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?! Top 30: NOW 80s: Saturday 21st September: 3pm
Toyah’s Sack The Stylist?! Top 30: NOW 80s: Wednesday 25th September: 9pm
Pop legend Toyah brings 30 memorable videos featuring a cavalcade of clothing calamities from superstars including Visage, Five Star, Divine, Cher, The Jam, Bananarama, Dead Or Alive, Bucks Fizz, ABC, Depeche Mode, David Bowie, Madonna, Adam & The Ants, A Flock Of Seagulls, Roxy Music, Kajagoogoo, Duran Duran, Grace Jones, Su Pollard, Toyah herself and more in this crazy countdown!
Strictly Come Dancing is back for the 20th year, once again bringing joy and sparkle to homes across the nation. The multi-award-winning entertainment show, produced by BBC Studios, returns to BBC One and BBC iPlayer from Saturday 14 September.
As the nation’s favourite dance show celebrates two spectacular decades of dance, this series promises to be extra special with even more glitz, glamour and unforgettable performances.
The celebrities quick stepping onto our screens this year are Chris McCausland, Jamie Borthwick, JB Gill, Montell Douglas, Nick Knowles, Tasha Ghouri, Tom Dean MBE, Toyah Willcox, Paul Merson, Pete Wicks, Punam Krishan, Sam Quek MBE, Sarah Hadland, Shayne Ward and Wynne Evans.
Toyah Willcox “It’s fabulous. Love it.”
When you got the call inviting you to take part in Strictly this year, what made you say yes?
I’ve always wanted to do it. I love the idea of dancing. I think dancing is one of the most extraordinary things about being a human being. I just love it. I think it’s the greatest way of expressing and getting in touch with your emotions. Music has always made me want to dance, so it feels very natural to have said yes to Strictly.
Describe Strictly in one word or phrase.
Uplifting.
How does it feel to be part of the momentous 20th Anniversary series?
It’s a heavy weight to carry. I want to be brilliant. I want to be my best. I’m not necessarily a dancer but I am definitely a mover. I just don’t want to ever let anyone down. It’s fabulous being part of the 20th anniversary, but also it has huge responsibility as well.
The series is 20 years old this year. What were you doing 20 years ago or what were you doing aged 20?
I was a punk rock singer. I was touring. I made the movie Jubilee, then the Tempest, then The Corn Is Green with Catherine Hepburn, then Quadrophenia. That was a huge year for me.
Do you have any stand out memories from watching the previous series?
Ann Widdecombe. I loved her strength of personality, her conviction, her self-confidence. I mean, that’s a real focus point for me. If I’m feeling I can’t do something, I just channel my inner Ann Widdecombe.
What aspects of Strictly are you most looking forward to?
I’m looking forward to the flowing movement of dance. There are certain dances that flow like water and I’m really looking forward to that. The more frenetic stuff is going to be quite challenging, just because of my age, but I know I can do it. I move on stage still now, but the stuff that flows, that has a kind of zen about it, I’m really looking forward to.
What dance are you most looking forward to trying?
The Foxtrot. I’m very tomboyish, I’m very boisterous, and I’ve never felt feminine so I’m looking forward to doing something that makes me feel feminine.
• Continue reading at BBC Media Centre. (Photos © BBC)
It’s another Saturday Song with Toyah and to celebrate the beginning of Strictly Come Dancing this weekend its a classic song and very rarely seen footage. Enjoy the absolute Toyah anthem “I Want To Be Free” in a super rare 1981 Italian TV performance.
Series 22, and the 20th Anniversary year, of Strictly Come Dancing gets going this evening on BBC One, with a pre-recorded launch show, before the live competition shows begin next Saturday. The tabloids are already having a field day, with tons of Toyah related press and stories, some relevant, some fun, some informative, some ridiculous… (Photos © BBC)
• BBC Strictly Come Dancing: Meet Toyah Willcox ✨ BBC Strictly 2024 – Continue…
• BBC Media Centre: Meet the Strictly Come Dancing 2024 Celebs – Continue…
• The Sun: Willpower – Eighties pop star Toyah Willcox reveals real reason she signed up for Strictly – saying ‘it’s still tough for women’: This year’s Strictly has the fewest female celebs in its history – Continue…
• Mirror: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Toyah Willcox on why she feels pressure and ‘channelling’ past star: Strictly Come Dancing returns this weekend for its new series with the likes of singer Toyah Willcox among the celebrity contestants competing on the BBC dance contest – Continue…
• Digital Spy: Strictly star reveals why Chris McCausland is the “biggest competition” this year: “He’s staggeringly good.” – Continue…
• Mirror: Exclusive: Toyah Willcox reveals heartbreaking reason she’s desperate to perform certain Strictly dance: Legendary singer-songwriter Toyah Willcox, 66, is looking forward to everything that comes with Strictly Come Dancing – be it the intense training or learning extra skills – Continue…
• Nottingham Post: BBC Strictly contestant shared fears of ‘premature Alzheimer’s’ after worrying symptoms: The Strictly Come Dancing star has been open about her cosmetic surgery journey in the past, revealing that she’s ‘lost the ability to spell’ after having a face lift – Continue…
• Mirror: BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Willcox reveals new BBC measures to keep couples safe – Continue…
• The Sun: show safety Strictly’s Toyah Willcox reveals extreme measures BBC have taken to keep celebs and dancers safe after abuse scandal – Continue…
• The Standard: Toyah Willcox: I’ll ‘channel my inner Ann Widdecombe’ on Strictly – Continue…
• Express: BBC Strictly Come Dancing’s Toyah Willcox channeling former MP ahead of debut – Continue…
• Metro: Inside Strictly star Toyah Willcox’s private life and 38-year rockstar marriage – Continue…
• Express: BBC Strictly Come Dancing Toyah Willcox felt like ‘victim’ before ‘life-changing’ surgery – Continue…
• Shropshire Star: Toyah Willcox: I’ll ‘channel my inner Ann Widdecombe’ on Strictly: The 66-year-old singer said she ‘loved’ the former Conservative MP’s ‘strength of personality’ – Continue…
• Express: Inside Toyah Willcox’s haunted home where ‘ghost strangling’ investigator caught on camera – Continue…
Love Is The Law – Toyah’s final studio album on Safari Records, originally released in 1983 – is reissued in deluxe formats this November, and we are celebrating with a new issue – #61 – of our fanzine. More info will be available tomorrow – which just happens to be my birthday!!
It’s Strictly mania – there’s news about it everywhere -probably the most anticipated series yet, for various reasons, but for Toyah fans there is just one reason to watch… All the best Toyah!
Toyah, alongside Sarah Hadland and Nick Knowles, is the cover star of today’s Weekend magazine, by the Daily Mail.
All the latest Toyah related Strictly news and press. (Photos © BBC)
• 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…
• The Standard: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox says show scandal has made her ‘take what’s coming very seriously’: The singer and actress says she knows exactly what she has signed up for and for her, it was a case of ‘now or never’ – Continue…
• Mirror: Toyah Willcox ‘can’t bear the thought of anyone suffering’ as she responds to Strictly allegations: Singer-songwriter Toyah Willcox, 66, is just one of six women to take part in Strictly this year – the fewest number since the series began 20 years ago – Continue…
• Daily Mail: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox, 66, says she’s ‘prepared to go above and beyond her comfort zone’ as she vows to take the show ‘very seriously’ in light of the recent bullying allegations – Continue…
• The Telegraph: Strictly abuse claims made Toyah Willcox question if she had what it takes to be on the show: A bullying row continues to dog Strictly as it prepares to launch its 22nd series with a new lineup of stars on Saturday – Continue…
• Metro: 80s icon Toyah Willcox had one big question after Strictly Come Dancing scandal – Continue…
• Daily Mail: Toyah Willcox insists scandal that has engulfed Strictly is ‘because the show is one hundred percent committed to dance’ – Continue…
• Express: Strictly’s Toyah Willcox unveils major weight loss as she ‘flies flag for pensioners’: Strictly Come Dancing star Toyah Wilcox claims she has made huge life changes ahead of her debut this Saturday on Strictly Come Dancing – Continue…
• Yahoo! News: Strictly contestants Nick Knowles and Toyah Willcox address scandal surrounding show – Continue…
• Express: BBC Strictly’s Toyah Willcox shared concerning health fears after undergoing face lift: In her book, Diary of a Facelift, Strictly Come Dancing contestant Toyah Willcox admitted that she thought she had ‘premature Alzheimer’s’ as she suffered worrying symptoms. – Continue…
• Wales Online/Yahoo! News: Strictly cast 2024 first look as new celebs don sparkles ahead of most controversial BBC series yet – Continue…
Strictly Come Dancing: BBC One: Saturday 14th September: 7.20pm
Launch Show. Series 22, episode 1. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman welcome 15 new celebrities to the Strictly ballroom to pair them with their professional partners, while judges Shirley Ballas, Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse and Anton Du Beke give their first thoughts on the couples. The celebrities are Chris McCausland, JB Gill, Wynne Evans, Toyah Willcox, Punam Krishan, Tasha Ghouri, Pete Wicks, Shayne Ward, Sarah Hadland, Jamie Borthwick, Tom Dean, Montell Douglas, Nick Knowles, Paul Merson and Sam Quek.
NB. Keep an eye on BBC Two’s week day It Takes Two. No doubt Toyah will be guesting on that at least once a week! Click below to visit the BBC’s official Strictly website for all the latest updates. (Photo © BBC)
