Faye Tozer (born 5 June 1975) is an English singer, dancer, and television personality, best known as a member of the pop group Steps. She rose to prominence in the late 1990s as part of the group, which achieved considerable commercial success in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Early life and education
Faye Tozer was born in Stockport, Cheshire, England. She attended the North Trafford College of Further Education, where she studied performing arts. Prior to her music career, Tozer worked as a dancer and performed in various theatre productions.
Music career
In 1997, Tozer was recruited to join Steps, a pop group formed by manager Pete Waterman and record label Jive Records. The group’s debut single, “5, 6, 7, 8,” reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, while subsequent releases such as “Tragedy,” “One for Sorrow,” and “Stomp” secured multiple top‑ten positions and earned several Platinum certifications. Steps sold over 20 million records worldwide before disbanding in 2001.
Following the initial split, Tozer participated in the 2002–2003 pop‑revival tour “Steps Reunion Tour,” and later rejoined the group when they reformed in 2011 and again in 2017. The 2017 reunion produced the album Tears on the Dancefloor, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number two.
Television and theatre
Beyond her work with Steps, Tozer has appeared on various British television programmes, including reality series such as Celebrity Big Brother (2018) and The X Factor: Celebrity (2019). She has also performed in stage productions, notably portraying roles in West End revivals of Tell Me on a Sunday and The Vagina Monologues.
Personal life
Tozer married her long‑term partner, Ray Gatenby, in 2015. The couple have two children. She is involved in charitable activities, supporting causes related to children’s health and mental health awareness.
Discography (selected)
- With Steps: Step One (1998), Steptacular (1999), Buzz (2000), Tears on the Dancefloor (2017)
- Solo and collaborative singles: Contributions to Steps’ releases and occasional featured performances on charity singles.
Filmography (selected television appearances)
- Celebrity Big Brother (Series 20, 2018) – Contestant
- The X Factor: Celebrity (2019) – Contestant, Team of Judges
Awards and nominations
Steps, with Tozer as a member, received multiple BRIT Award nominations, including Best British Single for “One for Sorrow” (1999). The group also earned several MTV Europe Music Award nominations and Silver certifications from the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).