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Strictly's Toyah Wilcox, 66, says she's 'prepared to go above and beyond her comfort zone' as she vows to take the show 'very seriously' in light of the recent bullying allegations Have YOU got a story? Email [email protected] By Molly Clayton Showbusiness Correspondent Published: 00:02, 9 September 2024 | Updated: 00:10, 9 September 2024 e-mail View comments Toyah Wilcox has revealed the recent Strictly scandals have made her take the show 'very seriously'. The eighties pop star, 66, is prepared to 'go beyond her comfort zone' and 'push herself beyond her limitations'.
Toyah is the oldest contestant taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing and will take to the ballroom next week alongside a professional partner. When asked by the press if the recent scandals surrounding the BBC One show had made her second guess signing up, The It’s A Mystery singer said: 'It made me take what’s come very seriously. 'What’s happened in the last year is because this show is one hundred percent committed to dance.
Toyah Wilcox, 66, has revealed the recent Strictly scandals have made her take the show 'very seriously' The eighties pop star is prepared to 'go beyond her comfort zone' and 'push herself beyond her limitations' 'And you have to go beyond your own personal comfort zone. 'And that’s always been very very obvious. And I know for me what’s been going on this year, I have been thinking, well can I push myself beyond my own limitations.
'And for me it’s now or never. Simple as that. That is what has made me commit to the show.
' Toyah's comments come as the BBC's flagship show has been thrown into turmoil amid allegations of 'bullying' and abuse for two of its former dancers, Graziano Di Prima and Giovanni Pernice. Graziano, 30, has admitted to kicking his partner and Love Island star, Zara McDermott, in training. Giovani's partner Amanda Abbington has accused the Italian dancer of bullying her in rehearsals - both while the cameras were off, which he strongly denies.
Also asked about the scandal's celebrity contestant Nick Knowles, 61, said: 'We’re all starting our journey now and we can only speak for what we are encountering now. 'There’s the most amazing support team, everything is in place, both mentally and physically to look after us. Toyah is the oldest contestant taking part in this year's Strictly Come Dancing and will take to the ballroom next week alongside a professional partner When asked if the recent scandals made her second guess signing up, Toyah said: 'It made me take what’s come very seriously.
What’s happened in the last year is because this show is one hundred percent committed to dance' She added: 'You have to go beyond your own personal comfort zone. And that’s always been very very obvious. I know for me what’s been going on this year, I have been thinking, well can I push myself beyond my own limitations' Toyah's comments come as the BBC's flagship show has been thrown into turmoil amid allegations of 'bullying' and abuse for two of its former dancers, Graziano Di Prima (left) and Giovanni Pernice (right) Also asked about the scandal's celebrity contestant Nick Knowles, 61, said: 'We’re all starting our journey now and we can only speak for what we are encountering now' Asked how it has been having chaperones present so far during rehearsals, celebrity contestant Shayne Ward, 39, told press: 'You can’t see them, but they’re there' 'We’ve got physios and people to talk to if we feel bad.
And historically, it’s great that people are being listened to.' For the 20th season this year BBC bosses announced new duty of care protocols. The new measures include a production team member present during training room rehearsals and increased support for celebrity contestants and professional dancers.
A Celebrity Welfare Producer and a Professional Dancer Welfare Producer have both be appointed to fulfil these added duties, and further training will also be delivered for the production team and crew. Asked how it has been having chaperones present so far during rehearsals, celebrity contestant Shayne Ward, 39, told press: 'You can’t see them, but they’re there. 'If you ever need them, just call and they’re there.
'If you need that duty of care or if you feel like you need anything, something on your mind or worried about anything, or just have a chat, they’re there. 'They’re not on your shoulder, just sat away in a corner.' Share or comment on this article: Strictly's Toyah Wilcox, 66, says she's 'prepared to go above and beyond her comfort zone' as she vows to take the show 'very seriously' in light of the recent bullying allegations e-mail Add comment.
