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Under the microscope

Singer and actress Toyah Willcox, 64, answers our health quiz

▪ Toyah will be appearing at Rewind Festivals in July and august. Visit: rewindfestival.com Interview by RICHARD BARBER

CAN YOU RUN UP THE STAIRS?

OUR house has five floors and my studio is on the fourth — and I run all the way. I work at being fit because I’m still performing. I’m lucky in that our garden in Pershore [Worcs] is 500ft long: it’s like having a healthy walk.

EVER DIETED?

I’M ABOUT 5 ft, a size 8 and weigh the same as I did at 14: 7 st 13 lb. I started dieting when I was 12, only eating lunch — I lost 5lb and boys started noticing me. Now, I only eat between 8am and 6pm. My husband Robert [Fripp] and I became teetotal on January 1 after three years of having a glass of prosecco at 6pm each evening during lockdown. Now, I feel lighter and my skin is clearer. I admit it: I’m vain. I like the way I look so I’d be surprised if I lapsed.

ANY VICES?

CAKES. I have a very sweet tooth. I can never resist an iced bun.

FAMILY AILMENTS?

GALLSTONES, like my late mother and my sister. I’ve had them on and off for years.

POP ANY PILLS?

I’M ON HRT. I take zinc, as well as Spatone (an iron drink) because I don’t eat red meat.

TRIED ALTERNATIVE REMEDIES?

IF I ever have a bruise, I always use arnica; and CBD oil to help me sleep. I also like natural remedies such as eucalyptus to keep my airways clear, and chamomile and mint tea.

HAD ANYTHING REMOVED?

I WAS born with a club foot. By the time I was 11 years old, the joints started swelling so I had the one removed [fused] in the toe next to the big one and then, 15 years later, all the remaining joints in the toes on that foot were done. My right foot is very rigid as a result.

WHAT KEEPS YOU AWAKE?

I’M VERY reluctant to go to sleep — I hate a darkened room.

HOW DID THE PANDEMIC AFFECT YOU?

INITIALLY, I was terrified for my husband, who’s 12 years older than me. I spent days washing and wiping everything, but you can’t keep that up for ever. I always carry a hand sanitiser though.

ANY PHOBIAS?

SPIDERS, especially large ones. They make my knees collapse.

LIKE TO LIVE FOR EVER?

I HAVE a fear of how I die but not of death itself because I believe the consciousness carries on. But I don’t want to remain Toyah Willcox for ever: I’ve had enough of being me.

GOOD HEALTH

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2023-03-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-03-28T07:00:00.0000000Z

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