Toyah Willcox Discusses Past Corrective Surgery on Strictly Come Dancing

Toyah Willcox, a British singer, discussed her past experiences with corrective surgery during the debut live episode of the new series of “Strictly Come Dancing.” Willcox, who is a contestant on this season’s show, has been paired with professional dancer Neil Jones. During rehearsal footage aired before their tango performance, the 66-year-old performer spoke about the potential challenges she might face due to her past surgeries.

Willcox was candid about the physical limitations her body might face during the competition, stating, “You have to twist your body – it’s all about pivoting, which is something I’ve avoided for about 30 years.” She went on to explain that undergoing surgical procedures was necessary due to a congenital condition. “When I was 51, because I was born with one leg just under 2 inches longer than the other, I had corrective surgery to make my legs the same length, but then I had to learn to walk again,” she explained.

In 2009, Toyah underwent surgery to lengthen her shorter leg, a procedure that necessitated re-learning how to walk. She reflected on how this transformed her mobility, describing the experience as a “reinvention.” Two years after that surgery, further reports indicated she had a hip replacement. This addition was needed after her right hip, supported only by cartilage and muscle, became inflamed, severely affecting her ability to walk.

Discussing the implications of these surgeries in a separate interview, Willcox noted, “I’ve had a titanium hip replacement and my leg shortened, so now it’s the same size as the other one. I no longer have to wear special shoes.” She expressed relief at gaining “full mobility for the first time” in her life and remarked on her newly found ability to move “more freely” on stage.

The actress and singer has been open about living with various physical challenges, including having shallow hip sockets and a twisted spine since birth. The surgeries she underwent not only helped her regain mobility but also changed her lifestyle significantly.