Faye Tozer: Steps, Strictly and Personal Life News

Ask most British millennials to name a 90s pop group, and Steps usually lands near the top of the list. Faye Tozer was one of the five voices that sold 20 million records worldwide, then went on to compete on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, finishing as runner-up. With 2024 bringing news of a personal separation and a new stage role, this article pulls together what’s confirmed, what’s unclear, and what’s next for the singer and actress.

Age: 49 (born 14 November 1975) ·
Known for: Member of pop group Steps ·
Strictly Come Dancing: Contestant in 2018 (runner-up) ·
Marriage: Married Jesse Smith in 2008; separated in 2024

The table below presents a concise overview of Faye Tozer’s vital statistics and career benchmarks.

Did Faye Tozer win Strictly?

Faye Tozer was a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2018, paired with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. She did not win the series but finished as runner-up, losing to Stacey Dooley and Kevin Clifton in the final (BBC Strictly Come Dancing).

Who was Faye Tozer’s dance partner on Strictly?

Her partner was Giovanni Pernice, a professional dancer from Italy who has been a regular on the show since 2015. Their partnership produced consistently high scores throughout the competition (BBC Strictly).

How did she perform in the final?

In the final, Tozer and Pernice performed three routines: a judges’ pick, a showdance, and their favourite dance of the series. Despite strong performances, they placed second behind Stacey Dooley.

Bottom line: Tozer was a strong contender but did not win Strictly. She finished as runner-up in 2018.

What band was Faye Tozer in?

Faye Tozer is best known as a member of the pop group Steps, one of the most commercially successful British pop acts of the late 1990s and early 2000s (Wikipedia).

When did Steps form?

Steps formed in 1997, bringing together five young performers: Faye Tozer, Claire Richards, Lisa Scott-Lee, Ian Watkins, and Lee Latchford-Evans. The group was assembled through an audition process and quickly found chart success (Wikipedia).

What are Steps’ biggest hits?

The group scored 14 consecutive UK top 5 singles between 1997 and 2001, including “Tragedy,” “One for Sorrow,” “Heartbeat,” “Better Best Forgotten,” and “Deeper Shade of Blue.” Steps sold over 20 million records worldwide and have reunited multiple times for tours and new material (Official Charts).

The implication: Steps’ legacy is a rare case of pop longevity — from manufactured beginnings to earning genuine nostalgia-driven tours.

Has Faye Tozer separated from her husband?

Yes. Faye Tozer married Jesse Smith in 2008, and in September 2024, it was reported that the couple had separated after 16 years of marriage (Heat World).

Who is Jesse Smith?

Jesse Smith is a lighting technician who worked in the entertainment industry. He and Tozer met through her work in performance and married in a ceremony in 2008.

When did the separation occur?

The separation was reported by Heat World in September 2024. The exact date of the split has not been publicly confirmed by Tozer or Smith themselves (Heat World).

Bottom line: Tozer and Smith have separated after 16 years. The news broke in 2024 via Heat World.

How old is Faye Tozer?

Faye Louise Tozer was born on 14 November 1975 in Northampton, England, making her 49 years old as of late 2024 (Wikipedia). She grew up in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, and trained at the Anne Gale School of Dance (Gen Steps).

Where was she born?

She was born in Northampton, Northamptonshire, England, and raised in Dunstable, Bedfordshire (Wikipedia).

Early training and education

Tozer achieved advanced qualifications in ballet, tap, and modern dance at the Anne Gale School of Dance, later performing professionally with the Belinda King Dancers for two years after her A-levels (Gen Steps). Before joining Steps, she sang at the Hilton Hotel Park Lane in London.

Bottom line: Faye Tozer is 49 years old, born in Northampton, with extensive formal dance training before her pop career.

What is Faye Tozer doing now?

As of late 2024, Faye Tozer is continuing her stage career. She joined the UK and Ireland tour of Mean Girls in 2024, playing a role in the musical adaptation of the popular film (London Theatre).

Is Faye Tozer still with Steps?

Yes, she remains a member of Steps when the group reunites for tours and special projects. The group’s last major reunion tour was in 2021, and no new tour has been announced for 2025.

What stage roles has she taken on?

In addition to Mean Girls, Tozer has performed in West End productions including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie, where she played Miss Hedge (Playbill). She also appeared in Benny and the Joon (the stage musical adaptation of the film) in 2023.

What this means: Tozer is actively building a post-Steps career in musical theatre while keeping the band door open for future reunions.

Timeline

• 1975 – Faye Tozer born in Northampton, England (Wikipedia)
• 1997 – Steps formed, Tozer becomes a member (Wikipedia)
• 2008 – Marries Jesse Smith (Heat World)
• 2009 – Gives birth to son Benjamin (Gen Steps)
• 2018 – Competes on Strictly Come Dancing, finishes runner-up (BBC Strictly)
• 2024 – Separates from husband after 16 years (Heat World)
• 2024 – Joins Mean Girls UK tour (London Theatre)

Confirmed facts

• Born 14 November 1975 in Northampton, England (Wikipedia)
• Member of Steps since 1997 (Wikipedia)
• Married Jesse Smith in 2008; separated in 2024 (Heat World)

What’s unclear

• Exact net worth figure — not publicly available
• Details of any new romantic relationship post-separation
• Whether Steps will reunite again for a tour or new album
• Has one son, Benjamin (born 2009)
• Runner-up on Strictly Come Dancing with Giovanni Pernice in 2018
• Performed in West End productions including Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Mean Girls tour

“I’ve always said that I’m open to whatever the next chapter brings. Right now, that’s the stage.”

Faye Tozer, as quoted in REVAMP Magazine

“She’s one of the most disciplined performers I’ve worked with. Every rehearsal, every take — she gives the same energy.”

Giovanni Pernice, speaking about working with Tozer on Strictly

Summary

Faye Tozer has navigated the arc from pop fame to reality TV to stage acting with an uncommon level of staying power. For her fanbase and for musical theatre audiences in the UK, the choice is clear: follow her current tour schedule, or wait to see what Steps does next.

Faye Tozer’s journey on the show is part of a rich history captured in the Strictly Come Dancing winners list.

Frequently asked questions

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