Strictly’s Toyah Willcox and husband Robert Fripp: Everything we know about their 38-year-long marriage

Best known for her hit singles like It's A Mystery and ' Want to Be Free, Toyah Willcox has had a diverse career in music, film, and television. Over the years, she has released more than 20 albums and starred in numerous films and stage productions. Now, at 66, she’s set to take on the challenge of ballroom dancing on BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, alongside other stars including Dr. Punam Krishnan and the first blind contestant Chris McCausland.

After Angela Rippon’s stint on the show last year, Willcox was inspired to give the show a chance herself. Apart from being an award-winning rock legend, she has also managed to have a happy married life for over 38 years, and the secret to her marriage is definitely not what you’d expect.

Toyah Willcox and Robert Fripp — everything we know about their 38-year-long marriage

In 1986, Willcox married Robert Fripp, the legendary guitarist and founder of the progressive rock band King Crimson. Despite their contrasting musical styles — Fripp being a virtuoso in the progressive rock world and Willcox more aligned with pop-rock and new wave — their relationship thrives on mutual respect and independence.

According to Willcox, the ‘unorthodox’ recipe for a long-lasting marriage is separate houses, reports The Express. Talking about the secret of her marriage on Loose Women in 2016, she said:

The secret is - please don’t quote me - I hardly see him!

Willcox explained that she and Fripp spent a great deal of time together but also each had a house — a sort of escape if they ever needed it. However, the arrangement has changed over the years. She said:

We live in the same house now, but we used to have two separate houses. He still has his 200 yards away, but he doesn’t go there so much anymore.

Willcox then revealed that the couple now has separate bedrooms that she calls a ‘snore room.’ According to Gold Radio UK, Willcox recently also said that having ‘independent’ careers and still supporting each other has been key to their relationship. She said:

I think we're both very independent and because of our independent careers, we can have breathing away from each other.

I would say to any couple to trust and allow that in your relationships having these breathing spaces, I think are really, really valuable.

Not having children has also aided their relationship in multiple ways, allowing them to feel liberated enough to do whatever they want without any pressure. She added:

I think with us we've managed to remain unique and independent as well as being a couple.

Who is Robert Fripp - Toyah Willcox’s husband?

Known for his innovative guitar techniques and complex compositions, Robert Fripp has significantly influenced rock music since King Crimson's debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King, in 1969. Beyond King Crimson, Fripp has worked with various artists, including David Bowie and Brian Eno.

Fripp is also known for his disciplined approach to music and life, often reflecting on the philosophical aspects of creativity and performance. He established Guitar Craft, a series of guitar workshops that he calls ‘my proper work in life,’ according to his website. In 2022, he became the author of the book The Guitar Circle.

Robert Fripp first met Willcox in 1985 and fell in love with her while working on a charity album called The Lady Or The Tiger. He told Louder that he proposed to her in just one week.

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Sources Used

The Express: Toyah Willcox husband: The secret to 30 year marriage is separate HOUSES - and naughty sex

Gold Radio UK: Toyah Willcox reveals key to 38-year marriage with Robert Fripp and why they had no children

Robert Fripp website

Louder: Robert Fripp: How I met Toyah and why I love her