BBC Strictly Come Dancing fans starstruck by audience spectator

Toyah Wilcox on Strictly Come Dancing
-Credit: (Image: BBC)


Strictly Come Dancing returned with a flourish, leaving viewers distracted not just by the dazzling outfits and opening numbers, but also by the unexpected sight of a star spectator during the show's kick-off on Saturday night (September 14). Amidst the glitz of the BBC One dance spectacle, rock royalty was in attendance as Toyah Willcox made her ballroom debut among this season's fifteen celebrity contestants.

The episode, which heralded Strictly's comeback after a nine-month interlude, unveiled the dazzling duos vying for this year's Glitterball trophy. The revelation that '80s powerhouse Toyah would be tripping the light fantastic with popular pro Neil Jones, who himself hasn't been paired with a celebrity since 2021, was greeted with enthusiasm across the board.

Upon being asked about her new partnership, Toyah couldn't contain her excitement, telling Claudia Winkleman, "I met Neil and I was in heaven. All of you are beautiful boys but not as beautiful as Neil! ".

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But the spotlight didn't remain solely on the dancers; enigmatic in his presence was Toyah's husband, Robert Fripp, guitar virtuoso and the enduring pillar behind progressive rock legends King Crimson. His associations with icons like David Bowie and Brian Eno only added to the awe from fans accustomed to seeing him shredding rather than spectating.

Viewers took to Twitter to express their delight at seeing such an iconic figure in the audience. @alps2018 tweeted: "Honestly never thought I'd see Robert Fripp on #Strictly.", reports the Manchester Evening News.

The sentiment was echoed by @StarrOutlook who posted, "Robert Fripp on #strictly never thought I'd see the day."

And @heavenstobetsie joined in, saying: "Robert Fripp, #Strictly stan. We love to see it."

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Rock legend Robert Fripp in the Strictly audience supporting his wife Toyah Willcox -Credit:BBC

Toyah and Robert have been united in matrimony for nearly four decades. In a heartwarming revelation to Claudia, Toyah, aged 66, shared her husband's touching reaction to her Strictly news: "My gorgeous husband burst into tears when I told him. He was so happy for me and every day since I've told him he's said, 'I'm so proud of you'. Every day! ".

In a candid chat with the Mirror about their harmonious marriage and touring life, Toyah disclosed: "It's exactly the same as being married for 38 years, it's good."

The couple, hailing from diverse musical backgrounds, find harmony in their differences. Toyah explained: "We both come from very different genres," and Robert chimed in with warmth, "But we complement each other well, I have a wonderful time being out working with my wife, may I say, even having greater fun than when we were at home together."