From a young age, Billie Piper had always known that she was destined for stardom. The highly talented British pop singer and actress began her entertainment journey as a teenager in Smash Hits Magazine TV commercials; this led to various acting roles in both film, television and theater.
At just 15, Billie released her first single titled Because We Want which was number 1 in the UK Singles Chart. She released another titled Girlfriend and it also reached number 1 on the charts, making her the youngest artist to top the UK Singles Chart. Since then, she has done remarkably well and created a multi-faceted career for herself.
Biography and early career
On September 22 , 1982, the Pipers — Paul Victor Piper and Mandy Kane Kent — welcomed their first daughter, Billie Piper, to Swindon, Wiltshire, England. Bille had a younger brother, Charlie, and two younger sisters, Ellie and Harley. Growing up, she attended some of the best schools in London, including Sylvia Young and Bradon Forest acting schools. She was also timely to appear on the morning show Scratchy & Co.
At the age of 15, Hugh Goldsmith, managing director of Virgin Records, signed her as a recording artist, following which she released her first album. Honey to the Bee in 1998. The album was so successful that it reached number 14 in the UK charts and number 3 in New Zealand. In the UK, the album sold over 30 million copies, earning Billie Piper a Platinum certification from the British Phonographic Industry and two from the Recording Industry Association, New Zealand. In the summer of 2000, she returned to the stage with her second album Marche de la vie
Her transition from music to comedy was smooth and began in 2003, when she appeared in The Canterbury Tales: Miller’s Tale as Alison Crosby, The Calcium Kid, Things To Do Before You Turn Thirty and a TV show – Bella and the boys where she played the main character, Bella.
In December 2000, she began an affair with businessman and famous British radio DJ Chris Evans; Billie Piper was 18 and Chris was 34 at the time. Within three days of their relationship, Chris bought her a red Ferrari worth around 100,000 euros. They courted for six months before getting married on May 6 , 2001 in Las Vegas but, sadly, their marriage ended in May 2007.
It was announced in May 2004 that she would play Rose Tyler in the BBC Resurrection series Doctor Who which had been off the air for 16 years. Her character, Rose, was the companion to the 9th and 10th incarnate Doctor Who, as portrayed by Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant.
Bill Piper has won the trust and admiration of fans and filmmakers alike, leading to him being cast in more prominent roles including: Mind Trap, Mansfield Park, The Ruby in The Smoke, The Shadow in the North, The Secret Diary of a Call Girl, Animals United, The Raven, A Passionate Woman, True Love, and Playhouse Presents: Foxtrot. Billie also appeared in Penny Dreadful, Beast, Two for Joy, Collateral
Here are 5 interesting facts to know about Billie Piper
1. It’s all in the name
Billie was first named ‘Leian’, but her parents legally changed their names after six months of her birth.
2. Privileged Class
She had the opportunity to attend the Sylvia Young Theater School in London alongside Amy Winehouse. Emma Bunton, Denise Van Outen and the Appleton sisters attend the same school.
3. Incident of the stalker
In 2001, Billie Piper testified against a lady named Juliette Peters who not only harassed her, but also threatened the singer and her family.
Juliette Peters was later found guilty and sentenced to a mental hospital.
4. The year 2000
The year 2000 is probably the worst year ever for Billie. Her second album was poorly received by her pop fans, her PR firm quit over her relationship with Chris Evans, and her manager, Nicki Chapman, canceled their contract. Billie Piper provided more details about this harrowing year in her autobiography, but luckily the actress survived this phase and her career is flourishing again.
5. Find love again
After divorcing her first husband Chris Evans, Billie Piper found love again in British actor Laurence Fox. Their private wedding ceremony took place on December 31, 2007 at St. Mary’s Church in Easebourne, West Sussex. They are blessed with two sons – Winston James Fox who was born on 21st October 2008 and Eugene Pip Fox who was born on 15th April 2012.
Unfortunately, in May 2016, Billie and her husband, Laurence, divorced. Soon after, she began a relationship with musician Johnny Lloyd and in 2018 gave birth to the couple’s first daughter.