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The www.toyah.net News Section offers you up-to-date info about Toyah. We compile all the latest headlines, confirmed Toyah news, rumours, and events. We also bring you the latest on most of Toyah's appearances, plus all the info on new & forthcoming releases.


 









 













 




 
Please help us to publish as much Toyah News as possible by submitting yours to: david@toyah.net
 
 DECEMBER 2007 NEWS:
 Merry Christmas
 Christmas Eve, 2007.............................................................It's Christmas!

 Dreamscape - Coming Soon!
 Christmas Eve, 2007...................................................................Site News
Well, that's it for 2007. We are taking a short break over Christmas. Please check back in the New Year for Dreamscape's Review of Toyah's Year and The Toyah Top Ten of 2007.

Keep an eye out for Toyah on a TV near you. She is bound to pop up somewhere in the schedules over the festive period.

See you all in 2008!

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Christmas Eve, 2007 • Thanks to AW....................................... 1 day to go
It's Christmas Eve, Santa has left the North Pole and is heading our way, and it's the final day of the Dreamscape Advent Calendar... I hope you've enjoyed the Christmas Toyahfest over the last 24 days.

On Christmas Eve 1981, 26 years ago this very day, Toyah played the final date of the Good Morning Universe European Tour, at the London Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. This was, famously, broadcast live on BBC2 on The Old Grey Whistle Test. Toyah later remembered: "I spent one Christmas in complete euphoria after doing the Drury Lane Whistle Test which was two years ago. It was such a wonderful night. After we'd done it Tom and I drove down to his parent's estate and people were running out of their houses to tell us how much they'd enjoyed it. I can remember driving home to Birmingham that night and it was snowing. Everything was just wonderful and I remained on a high after doing that show for about ten days."

 Toyah on BBC Breakfast - More Screen Captures
 Christmas Eve, 2007.................................................................Television
Toyah was interviewed twice on BBC Breakfast this morning. The second segment saw her flex her "beanstalk climbing muscles".

 Toyah on BBC Breakfast - Screen Captures
 Christmas Eve, 2007.................................................................Television
Screen captures from Toyah's Christmas Eve appearance on BBC Breakfast. Toyah talked about the similarities between panto and punk, and also said she loves being in panto and couldn't imagine Christmas without it. It was a very festive interview/show, and a great way to begin Christmas Eve.

 An Audience with Celine Dion
 Christmas Eve, 2007.................................................................Television
Spotted! Toyah in the audience at An Audience with Celine Dion.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Sunday 23rd December, 2007 • Thanks to AW.......................2 days to go
Christmas 1984, and Toyah guested on a festive edition of the BBC1 Saturday teatime show Pop Quiz, sporting a short carrot orange/red spikey hair cut. This was post-Safari, pre-Minx.

Transmitted in an era dominated by the New Romantics and synthpop, the celebrity teams would invariably feature at least one member of Duran Duran, Ultravox and Spandau Ballet each week. 

Mike Read hosted the show, and it ran for three years between 1981 and 1984. Toyah guested on the show four or five times during it's run.

Pop Quiz is probably best remembered for the lyric round. 

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Saturday 22nd December, 2007 • Thanks to AW....................3 days to go
A previous Dreamscape Advent entry mentioned Toyah's FanClub Christmas card. Here are the four Toyah sent out to thousands of fans, from 1981 through to 1984. Click here to zoom, and read the messages, for '81 and '82. And click here for the cards, and messages, from '83 and '84.

 Toyah on New Year TV
 Saturday 22nd December, 2007................................................Television
Most Fertile Man In Ireland: Sky Movies Comedy- Wed 2nd Jan: 00.45am Twenty-four year old virgin, Eamonn Manley, lives with his mother in Belfast and is painfully shy with the ladies. Things change for Eamonn when Mary Malloy decides to make the first move and soon Mary realises that she is pregnant even though she was using birth control. The doctor discovers that Eamonn has an unusually high sperm count... His mother has the idea that he can help the local ladies who have had problems conceiving a baby... Director: Dudi Appleton. Starring: Kris Marshall, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Bronagh Gallagher, James Nesbitt, Kenneth Cranham, Toyah Willcox and Olivia Nash.

Dickinson's Celebrity Real Deal : ITV1 - Fri 4th Jan : 2.00pm
Celebrities sell treasured family heirlooms to raise cash for charity. Sherrie Hewson discovers sentimental value doesn't necessarily translate into cold hard cash when her grandmother's scent bottle comes up for sale, Toyah Willcox proves she knows more than the Real Deal dealers when her print hits the sale room, and sports commentator Jim Rosenthal battles with dealer Mike Melody over his train set.

 Woman's Weekly - Cover Star Toyah & Interview
 Friday 21st December, 2007 • Thanks to John/Stephen............Magazines
Toyah is the cover star of the Christmas/New Year issue of 'Woman's Weekly'. She is interviewed in a two-page feature inside.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Friday 21st December, 2007...................................................4 days to go
Christmas 2004, and Toyah, along with her panto co-star that year, Shaun Williamson, guested on BBC Breakfast (as mentioned below, Toyah will be a Christmas guest again on BBC Breakfast this Monday morning).

The interview mainly focused on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, in which Toyah and Shaun were appearing in Kent. 

However, Toyah also talked about her role in Calamity Jane.

Toyah also briefly metioned the novel she had been working on, and that she had been asked to contribute ideas to the third series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!. Toyah also confirmed that her one-woman-show would definitely be going ahead. 

 Toyah to guest on BBC Breakfast on Christmas Eve
 Friday 21st December, 2007......................................................Television
Toyah is scheduled to be a guest on BBC Breakfast this coming Monday, which is, of course, Christmas Eve. 

Some of BBC Breakfast will be broadcast from the Hexagon in Reading. Toyah is currently climbing beanstalks as Jack in Jack & The Beanstalk at that venue.

 The Oxford Times - Jack & The Beanstalk Review
 Friday 21st December, 2007.....................................................Press Clips
"Where have you come from, love?" asked the stout, jolly Dame Daisy (Christopher Lillicrap) of a lady sitting near the front, during the usual opening banter. "An agency," she replied, displaying a flash of impromptu wit that was often missing in this good-natured and lively version of the familiar tale, with former flame-haired rock singer Toyah Willcox playing Jack, who ends up swapping the family cow for magic beans that sprout into a ladder to an ogre's castle.

With the rare exception of a few barbed comments about the sort of people to be seen in Reading's Oxford Road (which prompted sniggers among the adults), the opening matinee was pitched fair and square at the little ones, although the most raucous members of the audience were a group of adolescent girls from a local school, who cheered and whooped, not least at the antics of Buttercup the cow, who stole the show.

Roller-skating Silly Billy (Harvey James), brother of Jack's girlfriend Jilly (Kelly Bibb), had little trouble stirring up sympathy as he lamented being lonely and single - and successfully encouraged everyone to yell at the giant's henchman, Burp (Simon Ludders). As now seems almost mandatory in pantomime, Burp responded with the catchline made popular in recent years by TV comedienne Catherine Tate: "Am I bovvered?"

The high point was the tunes - a mixture of schmaltzy ballads, soft rock and Broadway-style razzmatazz. Toyah belted out the numbers with gusto, accompanied by agile dancers (On the Other Side of the Tracks proved particularly successful). On one occasion, she was borne aloft by a stiff-backed duo who appeared to have borrowed their look from the German musical synthesizer pioneers Kraftwerk, which was odd, if refreshingly different from the usual thigh-slapping fare.

It was a low-tech production until, to my surprise, the giant appeared on stage in the second act. The towering animated figure was too lumbering to scare even the tiniest folk in the stalls, but was impressively monstrous nonetheless.

Jack and the Beanstalk continues until January 7 (box office call 0118 960 6060).

Source: Oxford Times: 18/12/2007

 Daily Mail - Toyah Interview
 Friday 21st December, 2007 • Thanks to John..........................Press Clips
Shirley Bassey shows that women of a certain age have never partied so hard By TOYAH WILLCOX

On Sunday night, as I stepped into Cliveden House for Dame Shirley Bassey's 70th birthday party, I didn't for one moment worry about what I looked like, or whether I was going to be the youngest-looking person in the room. 

For really, at the age of 49, what do I care? I don't attend parties to be snapped by the paparazzi. Nor do I attend parties merely to be seen by my fellow partygoers. 

I go, particularly in the case of good old Shirley, to celebrate the birthday of one of my friends. And for wonderful conversation. And to celebrate the liberation and freedom of being an 'old bird' on the razzle. 

Indeed, as I stepped into that party on Sunday evening, all I cared about was finding interesting people to talk to - from worlds as varied as business, politics and showbusiness - and that Shirley, Cilla Black, and Joan Collins wouldn't out-dance or out-last me on the dance floor. 

Sadly, that's exactly what they did - partying until the early hours while I had to return home to bed at midnight so I could prepare for my pantomime appearance - I am currently playing Jack in Jack And The Beanstalk at the Hexagon Theatre in Reading - the next morning. 

If not for that, I would have been clamouring to stay out with the rest of them. No wonder we ended up on page three of the Mail under the headline Golden Girl Power. 

The truth is that the days of slippers, blankets and a crossword are long gone for women of a "certain age". Now, it's parties, sparkling conversation and a lust for life that no longer need be dampened by outdated social expectations. 

My mother's generation was brought up to effectively give up on life after 30. Once they were married with children, they were encouraged to fade into the background, to stop worrying about fashion and careers and to get on with motherhood. 

When I was a twenty-something pop star in the Eighties, I could barely look beyond the age of 40 - let alone imagine that I would ever be 50. Now I feel there is nothing standing in my way. And much of that, I feel, is down to women such as Shirley, Joan and Cilla. 

Thanks to them, we 'oldies' have been given licence to indulge ourselves and prolong our careers, spend money on clothes and pampering, and generally get out and have fun without being labelled as barmy old birds who should know better. 

Never was that so clear as on Sunday night, when it was very much the glamorous older women who were commanding all the attention - from men of all ages. The males in the mix positively drooled, and not just at the jaw-dropping, floor-length gowns, but at these women's wit, their life experience, their inner "we've done it all" confidence. 

I remember watching Shirley take to the stage at around 10pm and the entire room stood silent, hanging on to her every word as much as gawping at her fantastic figure. We have simply never seen women like her looking like this at such an advanced age before. Who would have thought, even 30 years ago, that any woman could have a lasting and sustainable career after 40? 

As a young woman when I was singing and presenting on TV, it was drummed into me that I should do all I could before I hit 30. God forbid, if I was still working at 40 - well, said all the male executives, I should count myself incredibly lucky. 

Remember, even as we hit the Eighties and early-Nineties, there appeared little place for women over 40. So many Hollywood actresses were sidelined, while men such as Robert Redford and Sean Connery were celebrated for their wrinkles. 

But, quietly in the background, women such as Shirley, Joan and Cilla grafted away - still making music, writing books and presenting TV. Gradually people realised that despite their "old age" - if you can really call it that - these women weren't going anywhere. 

At the same time, glossy magazines started targeting the older readers, realising that with the everlengthening life expectancy, women wanted to look after themselves. And that, of course, is where plastic surgery comes in. I'll admit, this is where the argument gets tricky. Are the women using plastic surgery to recapture a lost youth or prolong their vivacity? 

At Shirley's party on Sunday night, I met Cindy Jackson, 52, a self-confessed devotee of plastic surgery. We've met before, and as we looked around the room, we both remarked on how well all the ladies at the party looked - some, perhaps, would admit to a few nips and tucks, others would claim a great diet and a dedicated personal trainer. 

But as we talked, it came down to one thing - looking after oneself. 

Now, while I am also a follower of plastic surgery - having had one facelift three years ago and Botox for the past seven years - I do so merely as a preventative measure. Personally, I think I look my age, and because I like acting, I choose a low-level of Botox in order not to freeze my forehead. I want my face to reflect how youthful I feel inside. 

However, Cindy freely admits that her use of plastic surgery is in order to turn back the clock. It is not a choice that I would make, but nevertheless I believe she has every right to do as she wishes. 

In fact, that freedom of choice is one of the reasons older women have so much power now. We have heard about the "grey pound", and more recently, "silver surfers", the older generation who frequently use the internet. 

But the reality is that in everyday life, we now have the option to look as old or as young as we like, and I bet you'd hardly find a woman at that party who wants to look her age, not when she feels so empowered and successful inside. 

And to me, that is one of the greatest changes in the past 20 years - wealth and success. When I was younger, I took advice on everything. I had control of my acting and television career but for everything else - my businesses, property and finances - I had to turn to men for advice. 

In the past few years, not only have I taken over everything myself, but I have seen a huge rise in the number of female entrepreneurs making millions from their own hard work. 

With that new-found money comes a freedom to indulge yourself and do exactly what you want when you want. For many of these women, their most successful years have come as they've turned 50 and they want to look as glamorous and powerful as they feel. 

That was particularly evident at the party - hundreds of women in the most beautiful, expensive dresses. Yet, interestingly, there was no competition and no feeling of one woman trying to outdo the rest. 

At 50, 60 and 70, there is little to outdo. Everyone looks their best and everyone has achieved their best. What I marvelled at most was how every woman there admired each other - not just for their looks but for their achievements. 

Yes, of course the car park was filled with Bentleys and £500,000 Rolls-Royces, but the difference at this party was that everyone had them, therefore there was no need to compete. And, just for the record, at least half the cars in the driveway belonged to the women. 

But what about the fashions? Again, that was one of the most liberating things about partying with a bunch of "older women", if you can call them that. 

The rule-books can be chucked out the window. Why worry about bingo wings or a bit of a flabby stomach? Why not just sling on the dress you've always dreamed of wearing and sod the critics. Twenty-year-olds might have firmer thighs and fewer wrinkles, but they can only dream of the innate confidence that comes with a life lived to the full. 

Over the past few years I have gone out maybe four times a year with Cilla, Rula Lenska and Shirley Bassey. We always hit the nightclub Tramp in London, and we are always the last ones to leave. 

That's one of the joys of "growing up". We don't care what other people think. Why should there be an age limit to enjoying yourself? The truth is I am happier now than I have ever been. Now, I no longer worry about anything more than enjoying myself. And if, in a few months' time, when I reach 50 and I stay out partying until the nightclub closes, well then I'll just crack a smile and raise a toast to the future.

Source: dailymail: 19/12/2007

 An Unofficial Toyah Calendar 2008
 Thursday 20th December, 2007...................................................Calendar
Check out a fantastic (unofficial) Toyah Calendar for 2008, created by Tony.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Thursday 20th December, 2007..............................................5 days to go
Toyah's Christmas Pasts: Part Three

December 1999: Toyah continues to work on her autobiography, which would be published in August 2000, titled; 'Living Out Loud'.... Appears on the Slade tribute documentary It's Slade.... Plays the title role in Peter Pan at the Marlowe Theatre in Kent. 

December 2000: Toyah plays the Wicked Queen in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage, Kent.

December 2001: Toyah places at number 48 in 'Q' magazine's '100 Greatest Women In Music' poll.... Helps launch the Christmas festivities in Stockport.... Plays the title role in Aladdin at the Plaza Theatre in Stockport. 

December 2002: Toyah appears naked in the 'Daily Mail'.... Guests on the Open House panto special, with Gloria Hunniford, on Channel 5.... Toyah records an interview for inclusion in the Rock Legends documentary, shown in January in Carlton/Central TV region of the UK.... Plays the title role in Aladdin at the Anvil in Basingstoke. 

December 2003: Helps launch Christmas festivities in Ashford, Dover and Whitstable.... Appears as the Wicked Queen in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Marlowe theatre in Kent. 

December 2004: Toyah stars as the Wicked Fairy Queen in Sleeping Beauty at the Marlowe Theatre in Kent... She also attends the UK premiere of the Bobby Darin "biopic" film Beyond The Sea... and parties at Shirley Bassey's Christmas get-together... Toyah also guested in the audience of The X Factor and appeared on Blue Peter... Toyah was also all over the Christmas TV schedules. 

December 2005: Toyah, once again, played the Wicked Queen in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, this time at the Milton Keynes Theatre.

December 2006: Toyah plays two Christmas gigs with The SAS Band... She begins her role as Siobhan in the BBC Radio soap Silver Street... Toyah plays the final show of the 'Hitmakers' UK Tour... She is interviewed by the 'Daily Mail' and 'The Independent'... and guested on BBC Radio 2's Radio Rivron... And Toyah's panto for 2006 was Aladdin, she played The Genie Of The Lamp alongside Chico.

 Daily Mail - Growing Old Disgracefully
 Thursday 20th December, 2007 • Thanks to Dean....................Press Clips
Toyah sported a cool leather look (a jacket first spotted around the time she released 'The Vow', Christmas 1983) when she attended Shirley Bassey's 70th Birthday Party on Sunday.

Growing old disgracefully: Dame Shirley and Cilla show they can party just as hard as their younger contemporaries

It was 11 months late, but Dame Shirley Bassey finally celebrated her 70th birthday. 

The Welsh diva invited a host of her famous friends, including Joan Collins, 74; Cilla Black, 64; and 'King of the Jungle' Christopher Biggins, to the lavish bash at Cliveden House, the Berkshire stately home and hotel. 

It was a double celebration for Dame Shirley and Biggins - the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! winner turned 59 on December 15th. Despite their advancing years, Dame Shirley and her pals showed they could party just as hard as their younger contemporaries. 

Dame Shirley and her Golden Girl pals spent the night quaffing champagne and showing off their moves on the dancefloor. Dressed in a red fur bolero, Dame Shirley arrived at 8pm and entered her party flanked by the self-styled Fantasy Boys - a topless male dance troupe dressed in white satin trousers 

While most of the 500 guests kept to the glitzy dress code, ageing punk rocker Siouxsie Sioux and designer Pam Hogg arrived in a low-cut metallic catsuits and garish make-up. Despite celebrating her own birthday, Dame Shirley belted out 'Happy Birthday' to herself, before cutting her four-tiered red birthday cake. 

The singer wore a low-cut red satin sheath dress to the Scarlet-themed party, which cost a reported £500,000 (paid for by Andrew Davis, chairman of von Essen which owns Cliveden) and was named 'Let the Party Start' - a nod to her cover of the Pink song which she performed in the Marks & Spencer Christmas TV ad last year. 

Guests including Bruce Forsyth, Honor Blackman, Tony Hadley, Rolf Harris, Lord Brocket, Toyah Willcox, Tony Christie and Raine Countess Spencer feasted on a lavish spread of Scottish lobster, langoustine, foie gras and Beluga caviar. 

Former Blind Date host Cilla attracted a lot of attention with her public displays of affection with her boyfriend John Madejski. Cilla, who started dating the Reading FC boss in 2004, couldn't keep her eyes off her lover and was spotted caressing his hands at the dinner table. 

Besides Dame Shirley's famous voice, upcoming singer/songwriter Tallulah Rendell and operatic boy band Blake provided the entertainment. The diva was serenaded by Blake - who formed after meeting on social networking site Facebook earlier this year - before being kissed by all four members. 

Dame Shirley turned 70 on January 8 this year, but has been too busy to organise a big celebration until now. 

The Monaco-based singer spent months in a recording studio earlier this year making her hit remix album Get the Party Started, which was released in June. The same month, she was helicoptered into Somerset to headline the Glastonbury Festival. 

Dame Shirley wowed the festival crowd with hits including Big Spender and Goldfinger, dressed in a Julien McDonald dress and wearing £3,000 diamante-encrusted 'DSB' wellies. And in July, she signed a new record deal with Universal Music Group's Decca Records, and is set to release a new album in the new year. 

Source: dailymail: 18/12/2007

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Wednesday 19th December, 2007..........................................6 days to go
Toyah lent her support to The Samaritans at Christmas time 2005

 Toyah attends Let The Party Start
 Tuesday 18th December, 2007......................................................Pictures
Toyah, and John, pictured at 'Let the Party Start' - Dame Shirley Bassey's 70th birthday celebration at Cliveden House on December 16, 2007 in Taplow, Berkshire. Siouxsie was also in attendance.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Tuesday 18th December, 2007............................................... 7 days to go
Toyah's Christmas Pasts: Part Two

December 1989: Toyah appears as Mary Lou in Whale, at the Lyttleton Theatre, South Bank, London. 

December 1990: The Tale Of Little Pig Robinson is shown on UK TV.... Toyah records 'Kneeling At The Shrine' which is released in 1991 by Sunday All Over The World.... Toyah appears in concert with Girlschool, calling themselves the She-Devils, at the 'Women In Rock' festival.... Plays Miss Scarlet in the Christmas edition of Cluedo on ITV. 

December 1992: Toyah hosts the arts programme First Night on TV in the Midlands region.... Films a ten-part series for inclusion in Good Morning With Anne & Nick

December 1993: Toyah rounds off the highly successful UK 'Take The Leap!' tour. 

December 1994: Toyah rounds off the 'Has God Ceased To Dream You?' UK tour. 

December 1996: Toyah appears in Jack & The Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal in Norwich. 

December 1997: Presenting TOYAH on VH1.... Appears in Jack & The Beanstalk at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley, Kent. 

December 1998: Toyah presents Boys From The Black Country - The Slade Story on BBC Radio 2.... Appears in Jack & The Beanstalk at the Richmond Theatre in Surrey. 

 Cotswold Journal - Toyah helps women in business
 Monday 17th December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Singer and actress Toyah Willcox took centre stage when Women in Rural Enterprise held a conference at Worcester Racecourse to celebrate Women's Enterprise Day.

She was keynote speaker at the conference and gave an inspirational talk about how events in her music career had led to her taking charge of her finances, managing herself and building up a property investment portfolio.

Emphasising the importance of paying attention to new technologies, Toyah, who now lives near Pershore, explained how social networking sites such as myspace, have enabled her to get her music heard by the masses, resulting in a new global recording contract.

Part of WiRE's Opening Doors programme, which offers free training and support to help women set up their own business, the day was organised in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council.

A number of workshops, including blogging, time management and running a green business, were on offer throughout the day. A fun speed networking session was also held, allowing each participant to promote her business to five other businesswomen.

Christine Rutherford, the Opening Doors project officer for Worcestershire, said: "More than 100 local businesswomen enjoyed a fantastic day of workshops, networking and inspirational talks. We were so pleased that Toyah could join us. Hearing stories like hers is so motivating for those women who are just starting out in business."

Source: cotswoldjournal.co.uk: 17/12/2007

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Monday 17th December, 2007................................................ 8 days to go
Christmas 2004: Toyah attended the premiere of Beyond The Sea, the film starring Kevin Spacey, in London.

Spacey played Bobby Darin and also directed the film described as "A swooning study of "Mack the Knife" singer Darin specifically, and his relationship with his wife Sandra Dee (Kate Bosworth). 

Beyond the Sea also starred Kate Bosworth, John Goodman, Brenda Blethyn, and one of Toyah's former co-stars (way back in 1983's The Ebony Tower) Greta Scaachi.

 Lesser God Video - More Screen Captures
 Sunday 16th December, 2007...........................................................Music
A selection of screen captures from Toyah's 'Lesser God' promo video. The song is by Toyah and Simon Darlow, from the forthcoming 'In The Court Of The Crimson Queen' album, due for release in Spring 2008, and the video was directed and edited by Dean Stockings.

 Lesser God Video - Screen Capture
 Sunday 16th December, 2007...........................................................Music
Here's a HQ screen capture from Toyah's 'Lesser God' promo video. In Dreamscape's humble opinion, her best since the 'Brave New World' video.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Sunday 16th December, 2007................................................ 9 days to go
Christmas Memories: Number One Magazine, 
December 1983

What was the best Christmas you ever had?
The best Christmases ever was when I was a kid because I had the security of my family and all the traditions were kept. I used to get tons and tons of pressies. Up until the age of ten I was having really good christmases. 

I spent one Christmas in complete euphoria after doing the Drury Lane Whistle Test which was two years ago. It was such a wonderful night. After we'd done it Tom and I drove down to his parent's estate and people were running out of their houses to tell us how much they'd enjoyed it. I can remember driving home to Birmingham that night and it was snowing. Everything was just wonderful and I remained on a high after doing that show for about ten days. 

What's the worst Christmas you've ever had?
The second year of living in London. I was living in a mouldy old bedsit with no money. I couldn't get back to Birmingham. I couldn't afford the train fare. So I went busking on christmas day in Trafalgar Square and I got arrested. I got enough money to phone dad up and say 'Happy Christmas', put the phone down and start crying. Someone gave me the train fare to Birmingham and I went up on Boxing Day. I swore I would never spend another Christmas away from my family again. 

What's your ideal Christmas?
I'd love to spend Christmas in Sweden in a vast snow covered forest in a beautiful wooden chalet by a lake frozen over so that you can ice skate on it. I'd have a horse drawn sleigh for transport and no one except, really it should be Tom, but in my mind it's Bowie, though I'd run a mile if it ever happened. 

How many Christmas cards do you send?
Would you believe five thousand? I have my own printed up and it takes me a month to sign them. I send them to all the fans, DJs, record companies, even journalists.

 Back To The 80's - Promo Flyer
 Sunday 16th December, 2007.............................................................Gigs
The revised flyer for the 'Back To The 80s' extravaganza at Braehead Arena.

 Toyah @ The SAS Band Christmas Shows
 Sunday 16th December, 2007.......................................................Pictures
Check out the Official Toyah MySpace (photo section) for pictures of Toyah from her two SAS Band Christmas Show appearances, from earlier in December.
 Toyah on Christmas TV & Radio
 Sunday 16th December, 2007......................................................TV/Radio
Silver Street Omnibus: BBC Radio Asian Network - Sun 16th Dec: 2.00pm
Silver Street Omnibus: BBC Radio Asian Network - Sun 23rd Dec: 2.00pm
Silver Street also airs Monday to Friday, on BBC Radio Asian Network, at 1.30pm, during the Nikki Bedi Show.

Silver Street on the move! You can now download Silver Street's episodes in high quality audio. Catch up on a week's worth, save them to your MP3 player and listen in your own time.

Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 11.50am
Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 2.50pm
Brum and The Airport Adventure. The adventures of a little car who lives in a motor museum, narrated by Toyah Willcox. When precious gems are stolen from a famous celebrity at the airport, Brum is soon on the trail of the two thieves.

What Women Really Want : UKTV Style - Fri 21st Dec : 11.30am
What Women Really Want : UKTV Style Plus 1 - Fri 21st Dec : 12.30pm
What Women Really Want : UKTV Style 2 - Fri 21st Dec : 1.30pm
Money. It's grumpy old men with heels on! Er no, it's feisty high-profile women of all ages giving forth on everything from sex and singledom to plastic surgery and pregnancy. Today's hot topic is money - find out what Toyah Willcox, Jenny Eclair, Nadia Almada and other celebs have to say about loot. Narrated by Ulrika Jonsson.

Cooking The Books : five - Friday 21st December : 6.30pm
Cookery entertainment show presented by Jeremy Edwards. Nick Nairn prepares a duck alternative to Christmas dinner, while Toyah Willcox lends a hand.

An Audience With Celine Dion : ITV1 - Sat 22nd December : 9.15pm
The Canadian diva performs many of her greatest, and latest, tracks. Toyah was spotted in the audience of this show when it was recorded in November.

 The Stage - Jack & The Beanstalk Review
 Sunday 16th December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Click here for a so-so review of Jack & The Beanstalk by 'The Stage'.
 Toyah on Christmas TV - The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments
 Sunday 16th December, 2007....................................................Television
Mentioned earlier in the month in the Toyah Advent Calendar, there are numerous opportunities over the next week to catch The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments.

Jimmy Carr reveals the greatest Christmas moment of all time. 

From the moment when George Bailey's guardian angel earns his wings in It's A Wonderful Life to Dawn and Tim's long-awaited kiss under the mistletoe in The Office.

This four hour programme counts down the 100 festive moments that remain indelibly stuck in the nation's memories.

This also includes Toyah talking about Pop Goes Christmas and the reality show The Osbournes (see the Toyah Advent from Monday 3rd December, below, for more details on this).

The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 - Sun 16th Dec : 12.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 Plus 1 - Sun 16th Dec : 1.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 - Sat 22nd Dec : 9.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 Plus 1 - Sat 22nd Dec : 10.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 - Sun 23rd Dec : 12.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 Plus 1 - Sun 23rd Dec : 1.00pm

 Toyah on Christmas TV - Secret Diary Of A Call Girl
 Sunday 16th December, 2007....................................................Television
Hot on the heels of the news that Secret Diary Of A Call Girl is to have a second series, it is rumoured that Belle's mum, played by Toyah, will have an, erm, meatier role. Something else to look forward to in 2008. In the meantime ITV2 are repeating the entire first series:

Secret Diary of a Call Girl : ITV2 - Thu 27th December : 00.25am 
Secret Diary of a Call Girl : ITV2 Plus 1 - Thu 27th December : 1.25am 
Secret Diary of a Call Girl : ITV2 - Fri 28th December : 1.00am 
Secret Diary of a Call Girl : ITV2 Plus 1 - Fri 28th December : 2.00am
Drama series starring Billie Piper. Belle thinks she has hit the big-time when an American film producer gets her an interview to join a group of exclusive prostitutes who work with the world's wealthiest men. However, working for the mega-rich comes with its own price tag, and Belle soon starts to miss her independence. Meanwhile, Ben has been dealing with a few changes in his own life, which may offer him a much-needed change of perspective. Starring: Billie Piper, Cherie Lunghi, Iddo Goldberg, Colin Salmon, Toyah Willcox, and Stuart Organ.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Saturday 15th December, 2007.............................................10 days to go
Toyah's husband, Robert, sporadically posts interesting updates (often very humourous) about himself and Toyah at his Online Diary. Each Christmas visitor's to his Diary usually get to see some great festive pictures.

This photo, taken by Robert, early evening on Christmas Day 2004 was a little insight into Christmas at the Fripp/Willcox home. It's a beautiful image, almost like a Christmas card.

Robert said: "A beautiful day, mostly with blue sky and cold: for five minutes it snowed!

 Toyah Gig Guide 2008
 Saturday 15th December, 2007...........................................................Gigs
Another live date for 2008, next November.

Wed 20th February - State Club - Lincoln, Gainsborough - Headline gig 
Tue 26th February (date may change) - Skegness - Full band set 
Fri 14th March - Minehead - Full band set 
Sat 31st May - Back To The 80's - Braehead Arena, Glasgow 
Sat 28th June - Grassington Festival, Yorkshire - Full band set
Sat 1st November - Embassy Ballroom, Selsey

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Friday 14th December, 2007.................................................11 days to go
Toyah's Christmas Pasts: Part One

December 1979: Shoestring (Find The Lady) broadcast on BBC1 in the UK. Toyah plays Toola, alongside Trevor Eve, Gary Holton and Christopher Biggins. The Toyah band also appear and play a brilliant version of 'Danced' over the end credits. 

December 1980: 'Toyah! Toyah! Toyah!' - Live! album released.... 'Danced (live!) single released.... ATV Documentary TOYAH broadcast on ITV. Toyah guests on Minder

December 1981: 'Four More From Toyah' (EP) released.... Toyah and band are on the UK/European 'Good Morning Universe' tour.... Christmas Eve concert, from Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London, broadcast live! on BBC2's Old Grey Whistle Test to millions of viewers, and BBC Radio 1. 

December 1982: Toyah promotes 'Be Proud Be Loud (Be Heard)' in Italy.... Appears on Pop Goes Christmas (ITV) with a host of other singers/bands. Toyah performs the Greg Lake classic 'I Believe In Father Christmas'.... Toyah and band do a mini tour of the UK. 

December 1983: 'The Vow' is released in the UK.... Toyah appears on various TV shows promoting the single.... Toyah and band travel the UK with the 'Rebel Run' tour. 

December 1984: Toyah spends December recording her, as yet untitled, new album. This would eventually be released in 1985 as 'Minx'.... The Ebony Tower, with Toyah, Laurence Olivier and Greta Scaachi, is shown on ITV. Toyah appears on the Christmas Eve edition of Pop Quiz

December 1987: Toyah films Midnight Breaks.... Completes her run as Mabel in Three Men On A Horse at the Vaudeville Theatre in London. 

December 1988: Prostitute/frippFRIPP tours Europe.... Boudicca is broadcast on BBC1, with Toyah and Tony Robinson. 

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Thursday 13th December, 2007.............................................12 days to go
Toyah has only ever recorded one Christmas song, though the band did record a song called 'Christmas Carol', which eventually surfaced on the 'Mayhem' album. That song being the Greg Lake classic 'I Believe in Father Christmas'. 

In 1982, when ITV still bothered making half decent "entertainment" programmes, Pop Goes Christmas brightened up the network's Christmas schedules. 

A whole plethora of pop stars; Culture Club, Musical Youth, The Nolans, Mari Wilson, Shakin Stevens, Toto Coelo, David Essex, Dexys Midnight Runners and many more performed their favourite Christmas hits. 

Toyah, accompanied by Joel Bogen and Keith Hale (both looking slightly festive) performed 'I Believe in Father Christmas'. She looked gorgeous, with bright blue eyeshadow, black contacts, cool black (partial) see-through outfit, huge ankh, and carrot orangey hair with red bits.

The performance is all the more memorable because of the spookesome Egyptian shapes Toyah threw throughout the song! 

"I wish you a hopeful christmas, I wish you a brave new year 
All anguish pain and sadness, Leave your heart and let your road be clear 
They said there’ll be snow at christmas, They said there’ll be peace on earth 
Hallelujah noel be it heaven or hell, The christmas you get you deserve." 

 The Official Toyah MySpace
 Thursday 13th December, 2007.........................................................Music
The Playlist at the Official Toyah MySpace has been updated, with a nice festive feel for the month of December. As well as previews of the 'In The Court Of The Crimson Queen' tracks, there's also Toyah's cover of Greg Lake's 'I Believe In Father Christmas' and a live version of 'The Vow', recorded in 1997.

 BBC Berkshire - Jack & The Beanstalk Review
 Thursday 13th December, 2007......................................................Theatre
The Hexagon panto starring Toyah Willcox is on until Sunday 6 January 2008 and is one of the main festive extravaganzas taking place in Berkshire. But what's the verdict from seven-year-old Kirstin Sinclair and her dad Allen? Find out below!

Kirstin Sinclair, aged 7
From the moment the beautiful Enchantress appeared, I knew it was going to be a great panto!

I think the funniest character in the show was Jack's mum, Dame Daisy, because she kept appearing in really funny costumes. There were also some scary surprises when the giant appears. Buttercup the cow was amazing - especially her trick for semi-skimmed milk!

The show was full of great songs and funny jokes. I thought the costumes for Jack and Jilly were great, and Silly Billy was very funny and entertaining.

Apart from the giant, the main baddie is called Burp, and every time he comes on stage everyone shouted "Boo".

I thought the dancers were particularly good, especially in the part where the magic beanstalk grew.

In the end, they all lived happily ever after. Jack and Jilly got married, and so did Dame Daisy, to Burp, so he can help her run the dairy.

Allen Sinclair, aged 38 (!)
As you enter the theatre, you're immediately in magic mode - a hidden machine is churning-out bubbles that fill the stairway into the foyer.

Like all good pantos, there's plenty of opportunity for audience participation - be prepared to leave those inhibitions at the door!

There's lots of bobbing up and down in the seats, sing-a-long tunes, shouting out to our heroes, and REALLY cheesy jokes!

The songs included a few old favourites - and we even had Toyah gamely singing the latest from Take That! It was great fun - and everything you'd expect and want in a Christmas show.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Wednesday 12th December, 2007.........................................13 days to go
Celebs Magazine: December 2005: Star Surprises: Our fave gifts... 

The celebs reveal all about the very best pressies they've ever found under the Christmas tree. Amazingly, they aren't all diamonds and sports cars. 

TOYAH WILLCOX 
'A lifesize terracotta statue of a horse and warrior. On Christmas day in 1991, my husband insisted I walk around the garden and there it was. I still love it.' 

Also included in the article were: Christian Slater: Star Trek t-shirt, signed by William Shatner, Denise Van Outen: Cabbage Patch Kid doll, Oprah Winfrey: Bugs Bunny slippers, Jack Nicholson: A lump of coal (strange, but true!), Louise: A bulldog puppy, Jon Bon Jovi: An electric guitar, and Steve Martin: Peace and love all over the world. And a bicycle!

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Tuesday 11th December, 2007..............................................14 days to go
'Happy Christmas from the Stars' was a flexi-disc that came free with the Christmas issue of Smash Hits magazine back in 1982.

Featuring all the big pop bands of that time; Adam Ant, ABC, Bananarama, Culture Club, Duran Duran, Haircut 100, Madness, The Police, The Jam, The Style Council, indeed a who's-who of 80's music legends, wishing Smash Hits' readers Yuletide greetings.

Toyah, pretending to be a little squiffy on festive spirit, provides listeners with the recipe for her favourite "shampoo!".

I haven't heard this for many years but I'm pretty sure her ingredients include nutmeg and bicarbonate of soda! Hic!!

 The Official Toyah YouTube - Lesser God - Full video
 Tuesday 11th December, 2007 • Thanks to Paul...............................Music
The full, and frankly, brilliant, video for 'Lesser God' is now online and available to view at the Official Toyah MySpace and the Official Toyah YouTube channel.

 Toyah MUSIC newsy bits & pieces!
 Tuesday 11th December, 2007..........................................................Music
Toyah's next single release, the follow-up to 'Latex Messiah (Viva La Rebel In You)', will be 'Sensational'. This will precede the release of Toyah's new album 'In The Court Of The Crimson Queen' in Spring 2008.

'Sensational', to quote Toyah: "may possibly….very possibly…….almost 99% will be…….a proper hard copy single in early 2008"

Toyah, and Dean Stockings, are already planning the video for 'Sensational'.

Toyah and Chris Wong fly to Seattle in late January to record The Humans debut album with Bil Reiflin.

 Official Toyah - Toyah's Christmas Blog
 Tuesday 11th December, 2007......................................................Internet
Toyah's Christmas Blog has been added to the Official Toyah MySpace and www.toyahwillcox.com. Read up on all of Toyah's festive news, including; exciting music tidbits, panto talk, Secret Diary Of A Call Girl 2, the already legendary WillyFred (the rabbit) and much more...
 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Monday 10th December, 2007..............................................15 days to go
The first Christmas of the 90's saw Toyah play Miss Scarlet in a special festive edition, 'Christmas Past, Christmas Present', of Cluedo

You are invited to a murder: Arlington Grange - home of wealthy widow Elizabeth Peacock; society hostess and patron of the arts. A woman with a reputation she would rather forget. 

Colonel Mustard: Secret lover of Mrs. Peacock. A dashing military hero who's glitering career hides a tarnished past. 

The Reverand Green: Pastor of the parish who's means of raising money are not heaven sent. Though a man of the cloth, he has feet of clay. 

Professor Plum: Nuclear physiscist and government advisor. But would his research methods stand the scrutiny of a microscope. 

Miss Scarlett: vivacious step-daughter of Mrs. Peacock; who's lust for the high life will let nothing or no-one stand in her way. 

And Mrs White: for the past 15 years, friend and housekeeper to Mrs. Peacock. But what what dark secret did she bring to Arlington Grange? 

Six people, all with murder on their minds.

Here are the thoughts of a Cluedo fan: "The show producers must have realised that they needed strong characters by now, as the casting of vivacious Toyah Willcox showed. 

Toyah was great in the part, with all of the men drooling over her; yet still being a complete b*tch to everyone - especially her step-mother. 

Like others in the Christmas Special, she was made to look very similar to her card equivalent - especially her hair style. 

Toyah is best known for being an 80's rock singer ("It's A Mystery" and more); but she also has a very strong acting career behind her. Major parts for her have been as Miranda in "The Tempest", but she has narrated a couple of children's television series (e.g. "The Teletubbies") and has made many guest appearances in shows as herself." 

 Toyah on Christmas TV
 Monday 10th December, 2007....................................................Television
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 - Sun 16th Dec : 12.00pm
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments : E4 Plus 1 - Sun 16th Dec : 1.00pm
Jimmy Carr reveals the greatest Christmas moment of all time. From the moment when George Bailey's guardian angel earns his wings in It's A Wonderful Life to Dawn and Tim's long-awaited kiss under the mistletoe in The Office, this four hour programme counts down the 100 festive moments that remain indelibly stuck in the nation's memories.

Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 11.50am
Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 2.50pm
Brum and The Airport Adventure. The adventures of a little car who lives in a motor museum, narrated by Toyah Willcox. When precious gems are stolen from a famous celebrity at the airport, Brum is soon on the trail of the two thieves.

What Women Really Want : UKTV Style - Fri 21st Dec : 11.30am
What Women Really Want : UKTV Style Plus 1 - Fri 21st Dec : 12.30pm
Money. It's grumpy old men with heels on! Er no, it's feisty high-profile women of all ages giving forth on everything from sex and singledom to plastic surgery and pregnancy. Today's hot topic is money - find out what Toyah Willcox, Jenny Eclair, Nadia Almada and other celebs have to say about loot. Narrated by Ulrika Jonsson.

Cooking The Books : five - Friday 21st December : 6.30pm
Cookery entertainment show presented by Jeremy Edwards. Nick Nairn prepares a duck alternative to Christmas dinner, while Toyah Willcox lends a hand.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Sunday 9th December, 2007.................................................16 days to go
Toyah's panto for 2007, Jack & The Beanstalk, opened yesterday afternoon at the Reading Hexagon, with Toyah in the lead role. This is Toyah's 12th consecutive panto role. Click below for more info on how to book tickets. 

 This Week - Screen Captures
 Sunday 9th December, 2007.....................................................Television
Screen captures from Toyah's This Week appearance last Thursday on BBC1.

 The People's 50 Million Lottery Giveaway - Screen Captures
 Sunday 9th December, 2007.....................................................Television
Screen captures from Toyah's Black Country People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway from Last Thursday on ITV1.

 Bracknell Town & Country - Bracknell town centre's Christmas delight
 Sunday 9th December, 2007....................................................Press Clips
Bracknell Town & Country's report on the Christmas Light switch on, with Toyah on 22nd November. Please click on the srticle to zoom and read.

 Jack & The Beanstalk - Rehearsal Clip
 Sunday 9th December, 2007 • Thanks to Dean..............................Theatre
A short Jack & The Beanstalk rehearsal clip, with Toyah, Christopher Lillicrap and Simon Ludders.

 Grassington Festival 2008
 Sunday 9th December, 2007 • Thanks to Angie..................................Gigs
Tickets are already on sale for Toyah at the Grassington Festival in June 2008.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Saturday 8th December, 2007 • Thanks to AW......................17 days to go
For a number of years, through The Intergalactic Ranchouse and The Toyah Fanclub, Toyah would send out Christmas cards to every fan club member, individually signed. She once mentioned that she sent at least five thousand Christmas cards each festive season. The picture below is the, incredibly rare, test-shot taken by Joe Bangay for Toyah's 1982 card.

 Toyah on TV - Watch Online
 Saturday 8th December, 2007...................................................Television
Toyah's Black Country The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway is now available to watch online here

And her guest appearance on Thursday's This Week can be viewed here. Toyah appears approximately 36 minutes into the show.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Friday 7th December, 2007...................................................18 days to go
Last year Toyah played the two SAS Band Christmas Shows, contributing vocals to three songs at each gig, on the 5th and 8th December (pics from each gig below). Toyah will once again be guesting at both SAS Band Christmas shows.

Sat 8th Dec 2007 - SAS Band Christmas Show - The Brook, Southampton
Sun 9th Dec 2007 - SAS Band Christmas Show - Bisley Pavillion, Surrey 

 Toyah on TV
 Friday 7th December, 2007 • Thanks to Dean............................Television
Toyah's video on The Black Country was broadcast last night as part of The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway. This will be reprised for tonight's show too, with the videos for the other three projects.

Toyah was also a guest on last night's This Week on BBC1. She was talking about comebacks, both musical and political.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Thursday 6th December, 2007...............................................19 days to go
And somewhere on another star...

Some consider 'The Vow' to be Toyah's one and only (albeit completely unofficially) Christmas single. Taken from 1983's LOVE IS THE LAW album, it was released in November of that year and though it never actually made it into the Top 40 the song was everywhere over that November and December. 

So much so that it is now synonomous with the festive season of 1983. Personally whenever I think of Toyah AND Christmas it's not 'I Believe in Father Christmas' from 1982, or any of the dozen or so pantos she has starred in over the years, but 'The Vow' in 1983!! 

The song doesn't mention anything remotely Yuletide, features no sleighbells, and nope Toyah isn't even wearing any tinsel on the single sleeve. In fact this was the first single since 'Victims of the Riddle', four years previously,  not to feature a picture of Toyah on the cover! 

Toyah appeared on Harty, Razzamatazz (surrounded by hundreds of lit candles - very Christmassy), Crackerjack and Saturday Superstore to promote the single. The Saturday Show even filmed an unofficial video for the song, but most memorable was Toyah's appearance on TVAM. She went shopping to a "dressed for Christmas" Liberty's in London, on Messenger the horse, with 'The Vow' playing as she, and Messenger, browsed the various departments of the store looking for Christmas goodies. 

 Silver Street
 Thursday 6th December, 2007.........................................................Radio
Toyah has now been a cast member of Silver Street for a year. Here is her character's bio from the BBC Asian network Silver Street website:

DOB: 9th September 1965
FAMILY: Mother - Mary; Uncle - Brian; Brother - Pete; Son - Sean; daughter Hannah; Husband ?
LIVES: In Manchester with her husband and Hannah
WORK: Teaches photography and design part-time at a local art and design college. She also does some freelance graphic design work.
CHARACTER: Rebellious and a bit of a wild child. Siobhan had a tough time growing up with her strict father. She got in with a bad crowd and was drawn into a world of drugs. She was out of control and unable to to care for Sean when he was born. She's turned her life around now and is settled but she still has her feisty streak.
STAR SIGN: Virgo

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Wednesday 5th December, 2007...........................................20 days to go
Toyah is now a panto veteran. She can probably be credited with being one of the people who have helped make the annual British tradition a little less "naff" than it was once considered.

Toyah's very first panto appearance was way back in December 1996 in the title role in Jack & The Beanstalk at the Theatre Royal in Norwich, a role she reprised in 1997 at the Churchill Theatre in Bromley and in 1998 at the Richmond Theatre in Surrey. 

In 1999 Toyah was back playing Peter in Peter Pan at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. A new panto role but one she had played in two national tours and on radio.

The new Millenium saw Toyah become the Wicked Queen at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs. The first time she had played a "baddie".

The following year, 2001, Toyah played Aladdin at the Stockport Plaza, a role she reprised in 2002, this time at The Anvil in Basingstoke. 

Christmas 2003, Toyah returned to the role of the Wicked Queen in Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury. A venue she returned to the following year, playing the Wicked Fairy Queen in Sleeping Beauty.

In 2005 Toyah was, once more, the Wicked Queen in a lavish production of Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs, this time at the Milton Keynes Theatre. 

Last year saw Toyah take on the role of the Genie of the Lamp in Aladdin at the Theatre Royal, Brighton. Another new role as she had always previously played Aladdin.

Check back on Dreamscape's Toyah Advent Calendar again soon for more Festive fun, including details on Toyah's 12th panto appearance, at the Hexagon in Reading.

 Toyah on Christmas TV
 Wednesday 5th December, 2007...............................................Television
The People's 50 Million Lottery Giveaway : ITV1 - Thu 6th Dec : 11.05pm
ITV teams up with the Big Lottery Fund to offer the largest prize ever seen on UK television, as four projects, each with a celebrity champion, present their case to the audience, before viewers vote for the project they'd like to see get the money. Today, Toyah Willcox champions the Black Country's vision to become the Green Country. Katie Derham presents.

NB: This airs at 12.05am (Fri 7th Dec) in the STV region

Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 11.50am
Brum : CBeebies - Monday 17th December : 2.50pm
Brum and The Airport Adventure. The adventures of a little car who lives in a motor museum, narrated by Toyah Willcox. When precious gems are stolen from a famous celebrity at the airport, Brum is soon on the trail of the two thieves.

 The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway - More Reports
 Wednesday 5th December, 2007..............................................Press Clips
Toyah continues to be namechecked in a variety of weird and wonderful places, thanks to The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway.

The Horse & Hound Online say Vote for your favourite project in The People’s £50m Lottery Giveaway in their update yesterday. The Rochdale Observer, on 3rd December, advised Get on your bike and support bid. And The Cornishman, also on 3rd December, reported Survival Expert Backs The Edge.

 Radio Times - The Face Behind The Voice
 Tuesday 4th December, 2007 • Thanks to Zoe..........................Press Clips
The Face Behind The Voice - Toyah Willcox

Age: 49
Current Job: Plays Siobhan in the BBC Asian Network's Silver Street, Sun-Fri. 1.30pm. Presents ITV's The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway (Thu, 11.05pm). Her new single is Latex Messiah.
CV: Joined the National Theatre company at 18. She's had 13 Top 40 singles, recorded 20 albums and written two books. Her work as an actress includes the title role in Calamity Jane and Miranda in Derek Jarman's The Tempest. Recently played Billie Piper's mother in Secret Diary Of A Call Girl. Radio plays include Headcrash and Peter Pan.
Best Moment: "Playing Wembley Arena in 2003 - gob-smacking!"
Worst Moment: "Always when I hear the words: "It's a wrap". I hate it when a job finishes."
Off Air: "I live in an old house in rural Worcestershire with my husband, guitarist Robert Fripp and a large rabbit, William Fredrick. We also have a French apartment near Nice."
Ambition: "To star on Broadway and in Los Angeles, and to win a Bafta."
Dream Job: "Playing a saint or psycho in a TV drama - they're the most interesting people."

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Tuesday 4th December, 2007................................................21 days to go
In December 2001 Toyah appeared in the Christmas issue of 'Woman & Home' magazine, in a one-page feature. The picture below was used in the 'My Christmas Wish...' article:

"My wish is that every calorie consumed is calorie-free and that we all have at least three wishes come true - as long as we all have the sense to wish our lives to be lived to our full abilities, and to be kind and honourable to all our fellow men. Toyah Willcox, actress 

 Toyah in Radio Times
 Monday 3rd December, 2007 • Thanks to Zoe..........................Press Clips
Toyah is interviewed in the latest issue of 'Radio Times', dated 1st to 7th December 2007. This is no longer available to buy.

The feature is in the Radio section and is linked to Toyah's role in BBC radio soap, Silver Street. The feature will be added to Dreamscape news soon.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Monday 3rd December, 2007................................................22 days to go
The 100 Greatest Christmas Moments has aired every Christmas since 2004, and most probably will be repeated again this Christmas too.

Toyah guests, talking about her appearance on the 1982 pop-festive-fest Pop Goes Christmas.

Toyah said: "Pop Goes Christmas was a Christmas special with all the favourite, current, pop artists. And they are such homely pop artists. You've got Shakin' Stevens. There's David Essex... 

"Why they had me I really do not know. I come out like a little gremlin, who just suddenly appears, looks like no one else... Black contact lenses, that are larger than my pupils, so I look like I'm on speed! 

"Everyone on the show got to do two songs. Everyone got to perform their current hit and then chose a Christmas song to do." 

A short clip from Toyah's 'I Believe In Father Christmas' performance from Pop Goes Christmas was shown. 

NB. Toyah only performed one song on Pop Goes Christmas.

 Ebay Charity Auction - Signed Toyah mug
 Monday 3rd December, 2007............................................Charity Auction
A ceramic mug signed by Toyah, in support of the Big Tea Cosy fundraising event, is up for auction at Ebay.

All funds raised will be donated to the registered UK charity St John Ambulance

St John Ambulance is the nation's leading first aid charity, with over 45,000 volunteers. All commited to helping and saving lives by giving 15,000 voluntary hours per day, treating 200,000 casualties each year. 

Click the picture to view the auction and find out more about the charity.

 Ebay Charity Auction - Signed Toyah postcard
 Monday 3rd December, 2007............................................Charity Auction
A postcard, sent by Toyah, in support of Carers UK, is up for auction at Ebay.

Holiday postcard with message and autograph by Toyah Willcox for charity. This auction is for a genuine hand written message and signed postcard by singer Toyah.

This is part of a collection of postcards that have been obtained by contacting celebrities directly or via their agents and they are fully aware that they were to be sold online with all the proceeds going to Carers UK. They were collected by Michelle Abadie (Maj) and Susan Beale (Dolly), authors of ‘Nothing to write home about’. The book was published to raise awareness of Carers UK

100% of final sale price of these postcards will go to Carers UK (www.carersuk.org). Many thanks to all the celebrities that have supported Carers UK.

All signed items have been received direct from celebrities. They are offered in good faith as genuine.

Click the picture to view the auction and find out more about the charity.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Sunday 2nd December, 2007................................................23 days to go
Christmas 2002; Toyah guested on Channel 5's Open House with Gloria Hunniford, in a panto special. Toyah was Aladdin at The Anvil in Basingstoke that year.

Gloria: It seems odd that someone who was always very different...panto seems to be almost tame.
Toyah: You think it's tame to dress like a boy twice a day, go onstage and pretend to be male, and marry a woman at the end of the show? I think it's the best thing anyone could ever do! I know what you're saying. I don't think I would ever have dreamt 20 years ago that I would have done panto. Now that I've done it for 10 years I'm passionately in love with it. 

Gloria: You've done it consecutively for 10 years? 
Toyah: I think I have. I started off as Peter Pan, and after I got flown into every wall of every theatre in the country by disreputable flymen... Once in Wimbledon, there's a scene where all four children have to fly and we all got wrapped around each other's wires, and we were just dangling there. The curtain had to come down, the show stopped, and the ladders out to get us down. 

Gloria: Do you have lots of songs in this? 
Toyah: Yes I've got enough songs. I've got about five. I wanted to open with (sings) "I feel good...da da da...I knew that I would now". We open with that. My leading lady sings 'Fields Of Gold' - absolutely beautiful. I get to sing (sings) "Once in a lifetime, every man has a moment". 'We're In The Money', some good, traditional songs. The one thing that transfixes children is the story between good and evil. I think any child, up to the age of 75, is transfixed by this story, and pantomime is so fantastic for good overcoming evil. It is when you can hear a pin drop, especially with Aladdin, when he goes into the cave and thinks he's lost. They know the genie is going to appear but Aladdin doesn't. There's this icy hush and I think that's gorgeous, it's very exciting to experience that. 

 The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway - More Reports
 Sunday 2nd December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
The Sunday Times have published two articles on The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway today. Go here to read The tree wise men, and go here for ITV's £50m eco-contest 'flawed'.
 It's A Mystery - Cover Version
 Sunday 2nd December, 2007 • Thanks to Michael............................Music
Go to iTunes to listen to a preview clip of Almost Pop: Breathe's cover version of Toyah's 'It's A Mystery'.
 Toyah in Bracknell - More Pictures
 Saturday 1st December, 2007.......................................................Pictures
Two more pictures of Toyah, taken last Thursday (22nd November) in Bracknell.

 Toyah @ Christmas - The Dreamscape Advent Calendar
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...............................................24 days to go
Toyah gets all festive in Somerfield magazine, Christmas 2006:

Toyah Willcox gets into the festive spirit: 

What does Christmas mean to you? 
For the last 15 years, I've been doing panto. So to me, Christmas means entertaining families. On Christmas Day itself, I eat from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep. It's the only time of the year where I'll eat for 12 hours! 

Do you have the works on Christmas Day?
Yes we do. I have a restaurant prepare all the food the day before because what I don't want to do on my one day off is cook. All I have to do is put it all in the Aga!

Do you enjoy cooking?
I do. I think it's good to make yourself cook. 

Your dream dining companion?
It would have to be John Lennon. If he could see the world today, he'd have more to say than ever before. 

 Reading Evening Post - It's that time of year again, oh yes it is!
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
The season of thigh-slapping and cross dressing is with us again as soap stars and TV presenters find gainful employment over the Christmas holidays. Linda Fort looks at the pantomimes across the region and discovers there’s nothing like a dame.

Jack and the Beanstalk, The Hexagon
Saturday, December 8 to Sunday, January 6

Panto veteran Christopher Lillicrap is joined by 80s’ songstress Toyah Willcox in a fee-fi-fo-fum fest.

Toyah plays the dozy, lazy Jack sent to market by his hard-up mum Dame Daisy, played with full-bosomed merriment by Lillicrap.

Jack is charged with the duty of selling the family cow, but instead sells the beast for a handful of beans. 

The production of Jack and the Beanstalk boasts the full range of panto delights from the high stepping, hot-hoofing Buttercup the Cow and Clarice the Golden Hen to fairy enchantress and a giant.

The Proper Pantomime Company will be bringing a cast that is full of beans to scatter their magic in Reading this Christmas.

Add music, jokes and audience participation and you can look forward to a show that is fantastic fun. Oh, no it isn’t. Oh, yes it is ...

Tickets range from £12 to £19.50, with family discounts available. Call the box office on: (0118) 960 6060.

Source: getreading: 29/11/2007

 Express & Star - Caves - It's A Mystery for Toyah
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
There isn’t much that shocks singer and presenter Toyah Willcox.

But the punk icon has revealed she was stunned when she learned that Dudley was hiding miles of ‘secret’ caves and canals.

“The limestone caves are astonishing because I had no idea they were there,” says Toyah, who grew up in Birmingham. “There is an unbelievable history hiding under Dudley, which will attract thousands of visitors to the area.

“When I went down to the Black Country Living Museum for a tour into the Seven Sisters caverns it was full of visitors. People want to see this history and the opening of the caves is of national importance.”

Toyah will be fronting a televised bid on ITV next month to bring £50 million of lottery cash to the Black Country. She is also the face of the bid on the website www.thepeoples50million.org.uk. On-line voting has already started and a phone vote will be launched on December 7 to coincide with the TV show.

A Million People: Black Country as an Urban Park, has been shortlisted for the vote along with an expansion of The Eden Project, a national bike route proposed by Sustran’s and a bid to protect the ecology of Nottingham’s Sherwood Forest.

As well as opening up Dudley’s Seven Sister’s mines and caverns there will be a 12-mile ‘green bridge’ built linking Walsall and West Bromwich town centres and Wolverhampton’s canal network will be given a new lease of life.

“What I found extraordinary in Wolverhampton is that no one was using the canals – wherever I went I didn’t see a soul,” said the 49-year-old. “We need to be using these phenomenal areas but I had the feeling that people didn’t know they were there. It is like Brindley Place in Birmingham, which was just waiting for re-development.

“The plans for the Black Country affect three towns and a city that all have a very difficult infrastructure. They have wonderful canals but the roads haven’t got any structure, which means there is no way of getting to the nature reserves and parks without crossing over some very busy roads.

“This scheme will link communities with green bridges so people will be able to walk between Walsall and Sandwell and along the beautiful canals in Wolverhampton.”

Celebrities have been nominated to back each project in the lead-up to the vote. While Toyah is backing the Black Country project, GMTV presenter Lorraine Kelly is taking a stand for Sustrans, survival expert Ray Mears is fronting the Eden Project’s bid and actor Brian Blessed is the face for Sherwood Forest. Toyah says the Black Country’s project is exceptional because it will directly affect one million people.

She said: “In the Black Country you are looking at a part of the world that influenced the history of mankind.

“These are people that deserve this money because they toiled and worked hard to give us the industrial revolution and yet they are not the richest area in the country – they deserve better,” she said.

“This is about a better lifestyle for a million people and by linking the towns and cities it will make the area more friendly. I grew up in Birmingham but would come to the Black Country all the time for educational reasons because there is so much history here,” she continued.

“It is in the Black Country where you can learn about the extraordinary nature of human spirit, it is a place where children started working from the age of nine – which is shocking when you think how civilised we are today. I remember the Black Country as a bleak place but it was that same bleakness which inspired artists and writers such as Tolkien. It inspired the Lord of the Rings and it has annoyed me that New Zealand has profited from that instead of us.

“We need to start showing things like this off and exploiting all the things that the West Midlands is famous for. The West Midlands is an incredible and exciting place to be and with Birmingham as our second city we can do a lot to improve the area.

“Even though we are surrounded by two major motorways – the M6 and M5, this lottery cash will help make the area a more green and pleasant place to be,” she added.

Source: express&star: 29/11/2007

 Daily Record - Best Of This Week's
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Ever wonder who decides which good cause should benefit from National Lottery funding? 

Well, this week it's you. Katie Derham invites viewers to vote for the UK project of national importance they would like to see win a special £50 million lottery cash award in The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway. 

For this one-off award - the single biggest grant to be awarded by the Big Lottery Fund through a nationwide vote - four projects will show case their ideas for the national landmark in separate programmes. Each show features a celebrity advocate who will champion the cause and invite the public to support their project to help secure the funding. 

Celebs Ray Mears, Lorraine Kelly, Brian Blessed and Toyah Willcox, plus computer generated images (CGI), will bring each project to life.

Source: dailyrecord: 01/12/2007

 The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway - More Reports
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Over the last few days, there have been numerous reports on The People's £50 Million Lottery Giveaway, and Toyah's involvement with The Black Country project. 

The Telegraph report on the project today. The Dorset Echo, on 26th November, reported TV lotto hopes for river bridge cash. The Express & Star, just yesterday boasted: Businesses back £50m bid, while waterscape.com ran Help bring Lottery Funding to the canals, yesterday too.

 BBC Berkshire - Toyah! Toyah! Toyah!
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Toyah Willcox Talks to BBC Radio Berkshire's Phil Kennedy about life as the lead in the Hexagon's Pantomime Jack And The Beanstalk, turning on Christmas lights and Brad Pitt in a loin cloth.

You're going to be in Panto this year at Reading's Hexagon theatre
That's right, I'm playing Jack in Jack and the Beanstalk.  I'm telling everyone that I'm the oldest Jack in the borough of London, but I'm still a pretty good looking one!

Panto's always good fun are you looking forward to it?
Oh year! it is great fun, I love it. We start rehearsals on Monday (26th November). I can't wait I'm a panto addict as well as a panto veteran. I think Panto is a special part of British culture.

You switched on Bracknells lights over the weekend. Who would you have turning on your Christmas Lights?
Oooh it would have to be Brad Pitt, in a loin cloth!

The full interview can be listened to by clicking on the link below.

Source: bbcberkshire: 26/11/2007

 Toyah Newsy Bits & Pieces!
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
The 'Norfolk Eastern Daily Press' namechecked Toyah in their The Eighties are back at Blickling article on 28th November. Go here to read the full story.

The 'Chorley Citizen' interviewed Dave Haslam, also on 28th November, and included a rumour that has, supposedly, been circulating for years about him and Toyah. Go here for the full article.

 Brand Republic - Billie Piper's Call Girl set for second series...
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Billie Piper looks set to follow up her US TV debut in 'Doctor Who', amid reports that 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' is to be shown in the US. Tiger Aspect, producer of 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl', is understood to be in talks with US broadcasters about exporting the show to the US.

Meanwhile in the UK, ITV2 has commissioned a second series of Piper's raunchy drama, which is expected to air next winter.

The heavily-promoted first series -- a TV adaptation of upmarket prostitute Belle de Jour's blog and book -- drew an audience of 1.8m when it debuted in September, making it one of ITV2's most popular programmes this year. US broadcasters are reported to have expressed an interest in showing both series. According to the Daily Star, Tiger Aspect has already sold the programme to an American TV channel.

The ITV2 controller, Zai Bennett, said: "As ITV2's first ever original drama, 'Secret Diary of a Call Girl' has been a huge creative and commercial success for the channel. "The bold concept and slick production has really captured the heart of the ITV2 audience and we look forward to seeing more of Billie Piper as Belle on ITV2 next year."

Piper first appeared on US television screens in June last year, when the Sci-Fi Channel bought the rights to the BBC Wales remake of the classic sci-fi series 'Doctor Who'.

Source: brandrepublic: 30/11/2007

 BBC News - Piper series up for adult award
 Saturday 1st December, 2007...................................................Press Clips
Earlier this month actress Billie Piper was shortlisted for an Evening Standard theatre award for stage play Treats. 
Her latest nomination, however, may not be quite so prestigious: Best soft core production at the UK Adult Film Awards. 

That is the prize Piper's ITV2 show The Secret Diary of a Call Girl could win when the awards - now in their second year - are presented on 29 November. 

Piper plays a high-class prostitute in the show, adapted from the best-seller pseudonymously penned by Belle de Jour. 

The eight-part series is the only mainstream production to receive a nomination at the UK Adult Film and Television Awards. 

Click below to read the full article

Source: bbc.co.uk: 20/11/2007

 Toyah Gig Guide 2007/08
 Saturday 1st December, 2007.............................................................Gigs
Sat 8th December - SAS Band Christmas Show - The Brook, Southampton
Sun 9th December - SAS Band Christmas Show - Bisley Pavillion, Surrey 
Wed 20th February - State Club - Lincoln, Gainsborough - Headline gig 
Tue 26th February (date may change) - Butlins, Skegness - Full band set 
Fri 14th March - Butlins, Minehead - Full band set 
Sat 31st May - Back To The 80's - Braehead Arena, Glasgow
Sat 28th June - Grassington Festival, Yorkshire - Full band set
[ SUPERFEATURE: 25 Years of The Changeling ]

[ SUPERFEATURE: Jubilee - Toyah is Mad! ]

[ SUPERFEATURE: Toyah's GLITTERing beginning! ]

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