‘Women are pitted against each other. It’s a blood sport’: Billie Piper on industry infighting, Elsinore’s Oscar buzz and thriving on personal crisis

The teen pop star turned Olivier-winning actor stars as Andrew Scott’s best friend in the acclaimed Ian Charleson biopic. She talks kindred spirits, social media and trying to channel a ‘mad storm of grief’ The late Billie Whitelaw, whom Samuel Beckett considered “a perfect actress”, was on stage in the middle of rehearsals one day when she asked the playwright: “Where should I be looking?” To which Beckett replied: “Inwards.” Hearing this story, another Billie – the teen pop star turned Doctor Who companion and Olivier award-winning powerhouse Billie Piper – lets out a laugh so raucous and expansive, it is as if a flock of gaily coloured birds has been released into the room, flapping and squawking in every corner. “Fuck, that’s awesome,” she says. Continue reading...