As a seasoned movie buff and music enthusiast who has been fortunate enough to witness the rise of pop culture legends firsthand, Toyah Willcox‘s latest venture into Strictly Come Dancing piques my curiosity. Having followed her career since the 70s, I can confidently say that this woman is not one to back down from a challenge.
66-year-old Toyah Willcox, known for her iconic roles in pop culture spanning from small punk venues to massive stages and TV screens, is embarking on a fresh endeavor: participating in Strictly Come Dancing. She’s partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones, who has only had two other partners on the show, and we can anticipate that he’s eager to guide her to the finals.
Toyah, it’s likely that you’ve been asked numerous times for various television appearances. So, what drew you to Strictly Come Dancing, and what prompted you to participate at this time?
Toyah: If I don’t seize this opportunity now, I fear I might not be able to do it later as I get older. This seems like the right moment for me. Dancing is something I adore, and while I have formal training in dance, having attended ballet school and theater school, it doesn’t automatically make me a dancer.
Was it a shock to see the level of technical prowess?
Toyah might have said: Most people probably view Strictly as just ballroom dancing, but it’s not. It’s about mastering timing, positioning, and the intricate use of joints. It’s a field that surpasses my understanding. Neil, on the other hand, has his own set of challenges in this complex art form.
Neil, how do you feel about dancing with Toyah?
Neil Jones: Brilliant. From the first moment we met each other, and everyone was dancing together, I was like, “She’s brilliant. I love her energy.”
Toyah’s genetic makeup leans towards excessive behavior. And Neil gently suggested, “Simply tone it down. Simply tone it down.
Neil: Mine is “less is more”. But I still love that she goes for it 100%.
Toyah expresses herself as a rhythm-oriented individual. Since she collaborates extensively with her drummer in her band more than any other member, she heavily depends on her drummer to convey messages through beats. The commencement of verses, bridges, choruses, and even the middle-eights – all these musical cues originate from the drummer.
Obviously your understanding of rhythm is a huge advantage. Is anything a disadvantage?
Toyah: My age, my height [laughs].
When you say your height, why?
We’ve got a long way to go, and at the start, we had to sprint diagonally across the room in six beats. Since I have shorter legs compared to Neil, I might need to take an extra step or two to reach that point in sync with him.
It’s going to be challenging. What are you doing to get your fitness up?
Toyah: Well, I’ve been on the road for two years. I did my last concert a week ago. That’s two-and-a-half hours a night. I’m battle-hardened. And I look after a 78-year-old husband. I have a house with five floors. My costume room is on the top floor. My life is incredibly active.
Neil: To be honest, I don’t believe fitness is an issue for you. You completed the group activity without appearing to break a sweat.
As a dedicated movie reviewer, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing quite an array of visually striking productions throughout my career. Among them, I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to delve into a project that will truly allow me to showcase my unique perspective and artistic flair. Is there a week on the horizon when such a project might materialize? I’m excitedly waiting for it!
Toyah Wilcox expresses her excitement for Halloween and movies, stating that she believes these themed weeks will be particularly fitting for her as an actress.
Is there a significant difference between performing in front of a massive crowd while singing, and taking the stage for an acting performance? In both cases, the audience is substantial…
Toyah: I can’t wait.
You’re just a show off?
Toyah: Yeah. It is literally: “Get me the f*** out there.” I just love it.
So Neil, you’ve got the perfect student. It’s all on you, now?
Neil: I’ve been waiting for a while. This is brilliant. This is so good.
You’ve had every review in the book in your career. Are you worried about the judges?
Toyah: No, I’ve had 48 years of criticism, so no. I’m excited about it, and I don’t take things personally. I mean, I’ll acknowledge their points. Frankly, my feet won’t dance like other girls’ feet do. I’m 66 now, and I accept that.
What do you want the audience reaction to be to your dancing?
To those who cherish the thought of dancing but aren’t active enough, let me tell you that movement has the power to revitalize and transform you. It can make an immense difference in your life.
Have you found that?
Toyah: When we were running on Wednesday, I’ve never felt so well. I feel well when I move.
I’m going to ask you to call it. How far are you going to get?
Neil: I think we’ve got a lot to give. I think we can go quite far.
Are we talking Blackpool? Are we talking the final? Are we talking Halloween?
Toyah: If we get to Blackpool, I’ll be the happiest human being in the world.
Who would you say is your biggest threat in the contest?
Toyah finds it hard to pick which celebrity should leave first, as each one stands out for their individual talents. With 14 celebrities in the mix, everyone brings something truly special and uniquely their own.
A condensed version of this interview appears in the latest issue of TopMob magazine.
Strictly Come Dancing continues at 7pm this Saturday on BBC One and iPlayer.
Have you heard? You can now request an earlier version of the TopMob magazine using our newly introduced back issues feature!
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2024-09-21 21:35