SINCE cementing her name as an 80s icon, Toyah Willcox has managed to stay well and truly in the spotlight.
The legendary singer is now taking on her next big challenge on Strictly Come Dancing.
Born on May 18, 1958, Toyah Willcox is an English singer, actress, and TV presenter.
In a career spanning more than 40 years, she has had eight top 40 singles, released over 20 albums, and written two books.
The talented star has also appeared in over 40 stage plays and 10 movies.
The singer got her first taste of fame in the late 70s when she fronted the eponymous band Toyah, before embarking on a solo career in the mid-1980s.
Her hit singles include It’s a Mystery, Thunder in the Mountains and I Want to Be Free.
Toyah also appeared in the 1979 hit mod film Quadrophenia alongside Phil Daniels, Sting, Ray Winstone and Leslie Ash.
On August 6, 2024, Toyah was officially revealed as being part of the Strictly Come Dancing line-up for the 2024 series.
In July, 2024, The Sun exclusively reported how the popular singer would be taking to the dance floor and she has now confirmed the news.
Speaking about joining the show, she said: “Wow Strictly Come Dancing, can you believe it!
“This is going to be a wild and wonderful ride, and I’m here for every sparkly second.
“I’m used to performing for big crowds but this is completely fresh for me, how I will do, it’s a mystery… I just want to get cracking and learn some dance routines now!”
Toyah is said to have got the ballroom bug after watching her broadcaster pal Angela Rippon on Strictly in 2023.
When asked in April 2024 if she would be up for taking part in the show, she told The Mirror: “Oh, God yeah.
“Well, I’d have to do it sooner rather than later, because I’m not going to be able to move like that in two years’ time.
“I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.”
She added: “But they’re rehearsing 10 hours a day every day. And then on Saturday, they do two shows.
“As I went there, they invited me to watch them do the live show. Then at nine o’clock, they film the Sunday show, and I’m thinking, ‘Could I do this?’
“But, you know, the whole world wants to do Strictly, I wouldn’t say no.”
Toyah continues to work as a singer, and also tour across the country.
She is still an actress, with her last film being Ghosts of Borley Rectory in 2021.
Toyah also works as a TV personality and can be found appearing on shows like Celebrity Mastermind and Catchphrase.
During lockdown she became a social media star, and would regularly post videos of herself singing to keep people entertained.
WITH Strictly's 20th anniversary special airing in September, The Sun takes a look at which celebs have been confirmed so far:
Morning Live star Dr Punam Krishan.
80s legend and singer Toyah Willcox.
Opera singer Wynne Evans
JLS singer JB Gill.
Comedian Chris McCausland.
