Dreamscape – Toyah Willcox Fansite

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.

• Saturday Morning Song: I Want To Be Free (1981 performance from Italy) – Watch… • Toyah & Robert: UpBeat Moments – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – Stacy’s Mom – Watch… (Image © Toyah Willcox)

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)

“I am now fully in the joyous world of STRICTLY!”. Toyah’s blog is available to read at toyahwillcox.com. Click below for all the latest direct from Toyah, including her Strictly news!

The week of shows, of Richard Osman’s House Of Games, Toyah guested on back in October 2023 is being repeated next week.

Each episode airs at 6pm and will be available at BBC iPlayer after broadcast.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games: BBC2: Monday 16th September: 6pm
Monday. Series 5, Episode 6. Chris Hughes, Debra Stephenson, Inel Tomlinson and Toyah Willcox test their general knowledge skills before Richard Osman announces the day’s winner.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games: BBC2: Tuesday 17th September: 6pm
Tuesday. Series 5, Episode 7. Chris Hughes, Debra Stephenson, Inel Tomlinson and Toyah Willcox compete in the weekday general knowledge quiz, hosted by Richard Osman.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games: BBC2: Wednesday 18th September: 6pm
Wednesday. Series 5, Episode 8. Chris Hughes, Debra Stephenson, Inel Tomlinson and Toyah Willcox test their general knowledge skills on this week’s House of Games.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games: BBC2: Thursday 19th September: 6pm
Thursday. Series 5, Episode 9. Every day this week, celebrity contestants Chris Hughes, Debra Stephenson, Inel Tomlinson and Toyah Willcox take on a series of quiz rounds selected by the host, quiz legend Richard Osman.

Richard Osman’s House Of Games: BBC2: Friday 20th September: 6pm
Friday. Series 5, Episode 10. The celebrities face their final quizzes, and the week’s winner is announced.

• Visit the House Of Games BBC website. Tune in each evening or catch-up on BBC iPlayer. (Photos © BBC)

• Saturday Morning Song: The Vow (1983 Vintage Performance) – Watch… • Toyah & Robert: UpBeat Moments – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – Slave To The Rhythm – Watch… (Image © Toyah Willcox)

Toyah’s 1983 studio album Love Is The Law receives new remastered and expanded editions, released by Cherry Red Records on Friday 8 November 2024. This follows the acclaimed and enthusiastically received series of remastered editions of four studio albums and four live albums that chronicle the band’s recording history from 1979-1983.

The album releases can be ordered from www.cherryred.co.uk.

For full track list and more details visit the Album page in the Discography of Toyah’s official website.

Reaching the UK album charts in November 1983, the album saw Toyah, Joel Bogen and Simon Darlow write and record the album whilst Toyah appeared as the lead in the successful theatre production of Trafford Tanzi at the Mermaid Theatre.

Previewed by the single Rebel Run, the album also includes fan favourites Dreamscape, Martian Cowboy and one of Toyah’s long-term personal favourites, I Explode. The title track features a group of fans singing on the song’s chorus after being invited into the Marquee Studios, Soho one evening in August 1983.

Following the acclaimed reissue Toyah series, this release once again features the album remastered from the original mastertapes by Nick Watson, overseen by Joel Bogen.

The LP reissue is pressed on translucent red vinyl and features a new colour inner bag plus a lyric insert. The 2CD+DVD edition features 31 bonus tracks, of which 21 are previously unreleased. Amongst these are B-Sides, alternate mixes, rarities, home demos, instrumentals and studio outtakes.

The DVD features two newly filmed 2024 interviews with Toyah Willcox reflecting on making the LP. These specially edited docu-features include extensive photographs from the Mermaid Theatre fan gatherings and several private studio session photos to bring the “Summer of ’83” story back to life once again.

The LP and 2CD+DVD artwork feature newly scanned archive negatives from the album photo shoot to both refresh the visuals with an alternate front cover and achieve a higher quality print finish, since the exact LP shot negatives are missing.

• Pre-Order Love Is The Law on 2CD+DVD, and semi-transparent red vinyl at Cherry Red (The editions with postcards sold out almost immediately!). Read the news/press release – and listen to a preview of Rebel Run (Extended) – and album page/full tracklist/release gallery at toyahwillcox.com. Watch Toyah announce the release on Toyah At Home.

We hope you’re ready, because in 10 days Toyah headlines Strictly… (Images © BBC)

• Toyah At Home: Love Is The Law Announcement – Watch… • Toyah & Robert: UpBeat Moments – Watch… • Toyah & Robert’s Sunday Lunch – Teen Spirit – Watch… (Image © Toyah Willcox)