'We should all be dancing'

Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing

- ARIANA LONGSON

After rising to fame as an unapologetic, punkish 18-year-old, who had endless energy and held no prisoners, at 66, Toyah has lived a life full of experience. From childhood bullying and a complicated relationship with her mother to being 'judged' and pushed aside in the industry due to her looks, the star has had to overcome a lot.

'I am chronically dyslexic and number blind, I have a lisp, had a limp and I am a short woman, so people put me on the shelf. [But] I pushed against that, Toyah says defiantly.

'The odds are stacked against a woman if she's not considered physically appealing. All my life and I mean all my life - I have been judged by that one standard alone. Rather than "great voice, incredible actor", I have always been judged by my physicality,' she explains. This only makes her achievements as an actor and singer all the more impressive.

'I no longer seek the opinion of others. It's a pointless exercise. You have to make your own world,' the star shares, adding, 'I'm too accomplished, too acclaimed and have too many awards on my wall.'

Toyah's exuberant zest for life is clear. She knows exactly what she wants and isn't afraid of going out there and getting it. Perhaps that's why she signed up for her latest challenge, competing in BBC's Strictly Come Dancing.