BBC Strictly Come Dancing's Toyah Willcox on why she feels pressure and 'channelling' past star

Actor Sarah Hadland has spoken about having an extreme reaction on the first day of rehearsals for Strictly Come Dancing, but she wasn't the only contestant to have.

Toyah Willcox, known for her feisty punk songs in the 70s and 80s, admits that she felt so nervous on day one she was struck dumb - and even questioned whether she could go through with it. This is despite confessing she'd previously pleaded for five long years to be on the show.

"I must admit, when I arrived for our first day, I couldn't even speak," the 66-year old says. "I was so terrified I sat in my dressing room, thinking, 'what have I done?' I think there's a sense of imposter syndrome as well, which I've always had to battle with. Even on stage at Glastonbury, I was like, 'why am I here?'"

Part of the problem is that she is feeling the pressure of being part of Strictly's 20th anniversary. "It's a heavy weight to carry," she sighs. "I want to be brilliant. I want to be my best. I'm not necessarily a dancer but I am definitely a mover. I just don't want to ever let anyone down."

Describing herself as a "natural show off", Toyah says she hopes she can relax enough to enjoy the experience she has so longed to have. "I think dancing is one of the most extraordinary things about being a human being. I just love it," she enthuses. "I think it's the greatest way of expressing and getting in touch with your emotions."

So how does she plan to conquer the nerves? Well, by taking inspiration from Ann Widdecombe, who was memorably thrown around by Anton Du Beke back in 2010. "I loved her strength of personality, her conviction, her self-confidence," Toyah insists. "That's a real focus point for me. If I'm feeling I can't do something, I just channel my inner Ann Widdecombe."

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