Anonymous
The Real Life Belle De Jour
The real
life Belle, author of the infamous blogs and best selling novels, is
thrilled to be portrayed on television by Billie Piper.
“I think she’s
ace and was quite honoured that she wanted to play Belle. I’m
a huge Dr Who fan as it happens so it was great to meet her.
“Billie had
a lot of questions, mostly about what I like in terms of clothes, music
and so on. I burned a CD for her and then felt a bit silly about it
later - after all, she was married to a DJ!
“I reassured
her that I was pleased she'd been cast and that I was very enthusiastic
about the project in general. In the end, though, you have to trust
the actress - I can't say, "don't do this" or "don't
play it that way"... the show has evolved a long way from the books.
I feel it's in good hands with her.”
Belle admits she
never imagined her books would be turned into a TV series.
“Good god
no. I never imagined anyone would read them, let alone everything else
that has happened. I've been very lucky to be in the right place at
the right time!
“I've seen
the scripts, but for obvious reasons, I've avoided the set. The quality
of the writing is good, and the writers and producers have worked so
hard, I trust the end result will be great.
“I understand
the producers, writers and actors have also met with other sex workers
- for research purposes, of course.”
Belle,
who protects fiercely her anonymity, adds: “I’m not expecting
the series to provoke renewed interest in my identity. There may be,
but I think most of the focus will be on the actors in the show and
their work. I'm looking forward to just being a spectator this time
around.”
So does Belle believe
the series will reopen the debate on prostitution that she started with
her controversial books?
“Possibly,
although I was also aware that people have a lot of long-held stereotypes
they are reluctant to give up. Though perhaps, as part of a wider movement,
the books have had some effect, albeit small. I just don't think it's
possible for a single book to change everything.
“I've seen
the scripts, so I know what's coming. It is politicised, and does touch
on the issues, but very subtly. I think people will be attracted by
the fact that Billie is so likeable as an actress, and that the character
is far from an airhead. Everyone involved was on the same page as far
as the issues went, but at the same time, it's best if the debate stays
largely off-screen.”
And has the experience
inspired Belle to write something for television?
“Oh,
quite the opposite. Having seen what the scriptwriters do and how they
do it, I feel I could never, ever follow in their footsteps. It's just
not where my talents lie.”
Secret
Diary of a Call Girl
About the Show
Episode Guide
Secret Diary of a Call Girl
Interviews
Billie Piper
Cherie Lunghi
Iddo Goldberg
