...wicked queen statuette

Toyah Willcox, 43, singer and punk icon, may have started her showbiz life as an angry teen but playing a pantomime baddie was the catalyst for her current happiness. She says 'It's behind you!' to the insecurities of youth. 

'I was playing the Wicked Queen in Snow White And The Seven Dwarves in Stevenage and walked through the foyer of the theatre and just saw this statue of me. It was made by one of the ushers - he'd done one of each of us in the panto. It was so thrilling to see someone's interpretation of me that I immediately asked if I could have it. I think he's really captured me, and I'm so flattered because it's such a slim figure. I also love it because it's so feminine and I don't see myself as a feminine person. I loathe dresses, high heels, handbags and all that stuff. I'm still a tomboy at heart but, bizarrely, this role really suited me because I had to wear glamorous dresses and look like a million dollars and I'd rather act it than be it. I don't spend much on clothes and I argue with myself that I must be more feminine, but it's a losing battle. 

'I don't know where to keep it as my home is not about ornaments, it's more a monument to Tuscany - bright yellow and full of artefacts from my travels. I have very little memorabilia from my work but I think this is a particularly nice piece. This statue brings back very happy memories. I did Snow White a year ago and it was a turning point in my life. I've never been happier since - work has got better, personal life has got better, everything. The whole show for me was a complete upturn and everyone I worked with has remained a really good friend. She's also holding the apple of desire, which symbolises a new beginning. 

'There's a lot of irony about this ornament too as the Wicked Queen is an ageing woman, envious of Snow White's beauty and youth. Well for me, I've never been more confident about how I look and how I am in myself. I feel, if anything, my future will be about proving how wonderful every journey of life can be.' 

M Magazine • 2nd March 2002
Thanks to Rob Cope