Billie's hooker sex lessons

BILLIE PIPER is about to say goodbye to her kids’ favourite image for good – playing a hooker in a rubber dress and skimpy undies.

To prepare for her role she had lessons from high-class prostitutes and a dominatrix.

That’s quite a departure for the girl who burst on the scene at 15 with a bubblegum pop No1 and who went on to be Doctor Who’s assistant.

Billie, 24, is to play Belle de Jour in an ITV series, based on the jaw-dropping and best-selling diaries compiled from the call girl’s blog.

Despite intense speculation Belle, who lives and works in London, has managed to keep her identity secret.

Billie says: “It has been a real eye-opener filming this series. I met a few call girls to learn about how to play Belle. I met a courtesan, high-class hooker, dominatrix and Belle herself.

“The dominatrix was fascinating. She showed me what to do. She taught me how to do this interesting knot to tie someone’s hands without hurting them.

“A big part was learning the skills of not actually hurting someone. Now I know you avoid the chest because it puts too much pressure on the internal organs.

“I learned that most of it is about control. She was a strong woman. It’s about people wanting to take complete control or give it to someone else.”

As soon as Billie read the script she realised she would have to abandon all her inhibitions, as you can see from the amazing pictures from the series on the right. She had to take part in a foursome, whip clients and tie men up.

She says: “I knew I had to let go and really go for it. Even the clothes I had to wear were a dramatic shift from what I’m used to.

“I couldn’t be prudish and shy — not playing a woman who sells her body. Away from work I am really trampy, I really don’t care about looking glamorous except on rare occasions. I was put into this sexy corset, stilettos and tiny knickers and decided I was going to walk with confidence — boobs-out proud. And actually, it makes you very body confident.

“When we started filming I was always given something to wrap up in between takes. But soon I started to feel so comfortable that I would just sit there in my corset and little knickers.”

Billie has previously suffered from anorexia and once went five days without eating.

But she says of her sexy role: “When I took it on I had to shed all of my issues.

In one scene Belle has a foursome with her best friend and another couple.

Billie says: “It was one of the funny scenes. Belle and her best friend Ben have a foursome with another couple. And without giving too much away, it’s very awkward and uncomfortable. Let’s just say there’s Viagra involved and the other couple are very into it.”

Describing another of her raunchy adventures, Billie continues: “One client is into horses and being ridden — he liked the woman to sit on him whipping him while he has a bit in his mouth.”

Billie — Most Popular Actress winner at the 2005 and 2006 National Television Awards for playing Rose Tyler in Doctor Who — says that there are also some unexpectedly emotional sex scenes.

In fact, she was surprised by just how vulnerable Belle’s clients could be.

She says: “What you have to remember with Belle is that she chose this life. She likes sex and is very much in control.

“While that is not the same for the majority of prostitutes, who are forced into it or hooked on drugs and can’t see a way out, high-class escort work seems to be an entirely different world.

“What fascinated me about Belle was the relationships she developed. A lot of the girls explained to me that often it’s the men who are vulnerable and unsure.

“And a lot of these girls have the GFE — the girlfriend experience. After all, many of them have known these men for years. Belle has one guy who she is really quite in love with.

“I always imagined men who pay for sex would be bolshy, cocky, the ‘Show us your t*ts’ kind of blokes. But I’ve realised there are all types.”

Despite all the sexual tricks she has learned, Billie insists she won’t be trying them out on boyfriend Laurence Fox, who she lives with in a £1million house in the Sussex countryside.

She says: “I won’t be taking any of these things home. I’d be embarrassed.”

But Billie does admit that she kept all her clothes from the series.

She says: “No one else needs to know you’re wearing fabulous underwear. It makes you feel great.”

Billie says of the secretive Belle: “She is very interesting, cultured, well-read and strong. What makes her story so interesting is that this is a world we know little about.

“She likes sex, loves it. She found herself living in London with about £20 to last the month. One night she was at a dinner which turned into an orgy.When she went home she had cash in her hand. That is how she started.