80’s icon Toyah Willcox has ‘signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing,’ it was reported on Saturday.
The singer, 66, is set to get her dancing shoes on for the BBC competition which kicks off in September.
She is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her friend Angela Rippon who starred on the series last year, according to The Sun.
Toyah could be joining other rumoured celebrities; Nicola Roberts, Dave Fishwick, Chris McCausland, Gladiator Nitro, Coronation Street actress Helen Worth and Olympian Laura Kenny.
Speaking in April, she admitted to The Mirror that she would be keen to take part in the show ‘with in the next few years.’
80’s icon Toyah Willcox has ‘signed up for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing,’ it was reported on Saturday (pictured in August 2023)
Toyah revealed: ‘I’d have to do it sooner rather than later, because I’m not gonna be able to move. I do understand how hard they work. I’m friends with Angela Rippon and she was extraordinary.
‘If I’m going to do it, it’s gonna have to happen within the next few years because I don’t think I’ll be able to move like that in two years’ time. But, you know, the whole wants to do Strictly, I wouldn’t say no.’
MailOnline has contacted Toyah’s representative for comment.
Toyah saw eight singles in the top 40 and released over 20 albums over her glistening career.
Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by scandals as of late as the series has seen a number of complaints about professional Giovanni Pernice.
A male celebrity has joined the group of women making complaints about his behaviour during their time on Strictly Come Dancing, according to reports.
Last month, it was confirmed three women, including Amanda Abbington, had hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck to pursue claims against Giovanni and the BBC.
The BBC have launched an investigation after the dancer, 33, was accused of ‘threatening and abusive behaviour’ while working with Amanda, 52, Good Morning Britain presenter Ranvir Singh, 46, and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore, 39, on the show – something which he vehemently denies.
Despite the furore, head judge Shirley Ballas has stood by the under-fire pro and will join him in hosting a number of dance classes in London next month.
The singer, 66, is set to get her dancing shoes on for the BBC competition which kicks off in September (pictured in1982)
She is hoping to follow in the footsteps of her friend Angela Rippon who starred on the series last year, according to The Sun
Named Ballando, the one day event is led by Shirley, Giovanni and Anton Du Beke as they share their expertise with fans.
In the latest twist of the bitter legal battle, the unnamed star, who worked with Giovanni during his time on the show, is said to have shared his experiences with the law firm.
‘After three women came forward, a man has now joined their ranks. He personally reached out to the women at the heart of this unfolding crisis, offering them his support and full backing,’ a source told The Sun.
‘He has also been in touch with Carter Ruck and told them what he knows, and shared his experiences. These experiences were, at times, very tricky.’
Giovanni launched a fightback by hiring rival law firm Schillings. His case is being handled by Joelle Rich, 39, who represented Johnny Depp in his libel trial in 2020.
A spokesman for Giovanni told the publication: ‘Schillings is engaging with BBC Studios to provide it with Giovanni’s evidence to strongly rebut the claims being made about him and confirm Giovanni is fully cooperating.
‘As with any reality TV show, when decisions are being made for entertainment reasons, the producers have a duty of care to all participants.’
MailOnline has contacted Giovanni’s representatives. Strictly declined to comment.
Amanda left the competition mid-way through the series, citing personal reasons after weeks of rumours about a feud with Giovanni.
The Sherlock star said she was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and demanded to see footage from rehearsals.
Over the weekend, Amanda rubbished reports Giovanni had asked the BBC to record his rehearsals with the actress over growing concerns about her behaviour – claiming she had requested their dance practices to be filmed, not him.
‘I asked for them to be recorded, it was me. Giovanni is nasty. He was awful to a few of us, a group of us.’
Giovanni previously shared a post to Instagram detailing that he was ‘totally surprised’ by the allegations, which he denies.
Strictly Come Dancing has been rocked by scandals as of late as the series has seen a number of complaints about professional Giovanni Pernice
Last month, it was confirmed three women, including Amanda Abbington (pictured), had hired £700-an-hour lawyers at leading London law firm Carter Ruck to pursue claims
Despite the furore, head judge Shirley Ballas has stood by the under-fire pro and will join him in hosting a number of dance classes in London next month alongside Anton Du Beke
Other former partners have also come out to back him, including Debbie McGee, the widow of the magician Paul Daniels, who was paired with him in 2017.
Giovanni also had a positive relationship with deaf contestant Rose Ayling-Ellis, 29, whom he led to a triumphant victory in 2021, with the pair going on to win a TV BAFTA for their silent dance routine.
Shortly after Amanda’s allegations, Debbie shared a beaming throwback picture of her and Giovanni taken backstage during their stint together. ‘Happy memories, Giovanni and I had the best of times on Strictly,’ she said in the caption.
He hasn’t completely cut ties with BBC, however, with another insider revealing that the BBC is considering commissioning another travel series with Anton Du Beke following strong viewer feedback.
