The Toyboize were formed in February 1988 by Scottish pop svengali Rab Morrison who came up with the idea whilst relaxing on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Hot on the heels of his brief success with shortlived Glaswegian trio 'Boys Next Door', Rab had an inkling that the world was ready for a talented child pop act. After appearing as a judge on TV's 'New Faces' he recruited 12 year old singer/songwriter duo Reece Phillips and Tim Hughes. Martin Power was spotted breakdancing on breakfast TV whilst JP Lambert and Nicky Naylor were found through a rigorous nationwide talent search.

The resulting line up was christened the Toyboize. After a period of writing and rehearsal the Toyboize released their first single 'Sherbet Dip' in June which struggled to make an impact but hinted at the promise of what was to come. In late October their second single 'I Like U Girl' reached number 2 in the charts and it is this catchy pop classic that most people remember them for. Their album 'We Like You Girl' was a big smash, reaching number 3 in the charts at its peak.

Never one to miss an opportunity to satisfy an adoring public, Rab rushed a seasonal Christmas album into production ('A Very Toyboize Christmas') and this LP saw them register a second chart album hit in as many months.

Unfortunately for the "boize" they were unable to replicate such levels of success in 1989 as they struggled to compete with Bros and New Kids On The Block. Most of the group knew they had outgrown their roles as child stars and felt it would be best to call it a day. The group were pleased, however, that Reece had decided to stick at the music and have watched on with delight as he has carved himself a career as an international pop star.

Almost 20 years on, with the public clamouring for an encore, the other four Toyboize have decided to step back into the spotlight.

JOHN-PAUL LAMBERT

Always the cute, cheeky chappie of the band John-Paul (or JP) is delighted to be back in the big time. Since leaving the band JP pursued his second love - theatre. Following a scholarship to Sally Bright's prestigious Bright Eyes Performing Arts School, JP has sustained a career on stage and screen. Notable roles include the lead in a touring production of Joseph and his Amazing Dreamcoat (understudy) and Cid Cigarette in the Safety Award winning Anti-Smoking campaign.

MARTIN POWER

In Toyboize' heyday Martin's famous 'rats-tail' hair style saw him come third in the 1988 Smash Hits Poll Winners Party Best Hair Cut category behind his own band mate JP and Australian film actor Yahoo Serious. More recently Martin has been splitting his time between working for his father's successful construction company and pursuing his DJ-ing career. Following an on-off romance Martin is now happily engaged to his childhood sweetheart Sarah and they are currently expecting their first child.

NICKY NAYLOR

After a brief return to school Nicky felt his unique personality was more suited to home schooling, ably provided by his adoring mum Andi. It was a decision that paid off when his GCSEs came around, earning Nicky one A and several other passes. Nicky then discovered that 6th Form college wasn't for him but he soon found his feet as an office manager at a software company in Leicestershire, where he met his life partner Joel. Nicky and Joel now live in Uxbridge and work together at Joel's publishing company that specialises in personal development literature.

TIM HUGHES

Tim first came to public prominence - and Rab's attention - whilst appearing with Reece on British TV's 'New Faces' talent show where the pair performed a medley of sailing based songs (Yellow Submarine, We Are Sailing, Seven Seas Of Rye and The Skye Boat Song). Once Tim had made the decision to leave Toyboize he opted to retire from public life. Tim's well-publicised battles with addiction have been much exaggerated and he has now successfully moved out of The Golden Oaks Centre For Mental Illness after 5 tranquil years. He is currently working on new material and can't wait to have another crack at the big time.

REECE PHILLIPS

Reece is an internationally successful solo artist with album sales in excess of 12 million units.