In showbiz terms, Steps sparkler Faye Tozer has achieved minor legend status. Having lasted longer than Rimmel’s waterproof eyeliner the singer/dancer has somehow managed to negotiate the pitfalls and pratfalls that invariably follow massive success. Tozer and the other four effervescents who made up the group - originally billed as a line dancing group before being sold by Pete Waterman as ‘Abba on speed’ – fell out big time.
And we go on to talk about the collapse of the Tragedy quintet who sold 22 million records and how the glitter was once again glued back onto to their shiny faces. But for the moment we chat about Tozer’s reinvention as a musical theatre star. The blonde who once dabbled in dreadlocks has now opted for a shocking two-tone hair style, a witch’s cackle and a genocidal approach to even the cutest of spot-covered canines for her role as Cruella de Vil in the stage show 101 Dalmatians.
“It’s a great role for me to play because Cruella is one of the most iconic female villains of all time,” she says in excited voice. “She’s dark, and what a contrast, with me coming from being in the shiny pop band. And what’s fun so much fun in playing her is she is so extreme, so cartoony and I also get to do funny voices.
” And sing of course. Steps (Image: Andrew Gardner / The Argus) The show is co-written by actor Douglas Hodge and Scots comedy star Johnny McKnight, with the original children’s story given a revamp. Now, Cruella a modern monster.
