British number two Katie Boulter, appearing in the BJK Cup for the seventh year, brings some much-needed experience to Anne Keothavong’s side.
She won her singles match against Germany in April’s qualifying event but lost in the singles against the Netherlands, before she and Jodie Burrage teamed up to win the decisive doubles match and clinch Britain’s finals place.
It has, however, been a mixed 2025 for Boulter.
She missed some tournaments early in the year with a foot injury before claiming a maiden clay title at a WTA 125 event in Paris.
A second-round defeat at the first women’s Queen’s event for 52 years was part of a difficult grass-court season, and Boulter relinquished her two-year reign as British number one to Raducanu as a result.
She achieved a fourth career win against a top-10 player – defeating Paula Badosa in the Wimbledon first round – but lost to lucky loser Solana Sierra in the next.
Boulter did not make it past the second round at any of the four Grand Slams, admitting at Wimbledon that her “moment might not come”.
But Boulter has often highlighted her love of competing for her country, with the BJK Cup bringing out the best in her.
That was in evidence against Japan on Thursday as she dropped just three games in a straight-set win over Moyuka Uchijima to secure Britain’s semi-final spot.
Sam Faiers and Billie Shepherd have reunited to star in a new ITV2 series titled Sam and Billie: Sister Act – and the first trailer has been released
12:11, 06 Aug 2025Updated 12:12, 06 Aug 2025
A sneak peek at Samantha Faiers and Billie Shepherd’s new ITV2 reality show has been released
A sneak peek at Samantha Faiers and Billie Shepherd’s new ITV2 reality show has been released.
The sisters have teamed up once again for a new venture titled Sam and Billie: Sister Act, four years after their shared series The Mummy Diaries concluded in 2021.
Sam and Billie are embarking on the next phase of their lives as they take on the world together.
Now that the children are a bit older, it’s time for them to concentrate more on themselves and enjoy some sisterly downtime, all while juggling motherhood, their careers and life in the spotlight.
As the girls set off on joint journeys of self-discovery, they delve deeper into their lives, grapple with health concerns and confront some startling truths, but as always, they pull through it together with plenty of love and laughter as they continue to create lifelong memories, reports OK!.
The sisters have teamed up once again for a new venture titled Sam and Billie: Sister Act
In a tribute to sisterhood and with a bond that’s stronger than ever, Sam and Billie open up like never before.
From emotional heart-to-hearts and healing past wounds to marking milestones and dealing with life’s unexpected twists and turns, the sisters unite to experience the glamorous highs and humbling lows.
With numerous trips abroad, glitzy events and family life back home, this series offers an all-access pass.
The Mummy Diaries began as a one-off special in 2018 when Sam announced she was expecting her first child, Paul, with her partner Paul Knightley.
The programme was later given the green light for a full series, before being rebranded as Sam and Billie: The Mummy Diaries for the third series to highlight Billie’s family’s increased participation.
Sam and Billie are embarking on the next phase of their lives as they take on the world together(Image: ITV)
In 2021, it was recently revealed that Sam was stepping back from reality TV and would no longer feature on the popular ITVBe show with her partner Paul and their children.
The format subsequently shifted, with Billie and her husband Greg Shepherd taking centre stage alongside their children Nelly and Arthur.
Sam & Billie: Sister Act kicks off on August 19 at 9pm on ITV2 and ITVX
Billie Piper was ‘revealed’ as the next Doctor when the latest series ended in May – and is set to reprise her role as Rose Tyler in a new audio drama series
22:24, 20 Jul 2025Updated 22:25, 20 Jul 2025
Billie Piper is returning to play Rose Tyler in an audio series with Christopher Ecclestone(Image: BBC)
Billie Piper has said making Doctor Who now would be ‘completely different’ to when she first appeared on the BBC show 20 years ago.
The 42-year-old joined as Rose Tyler, the companion to Christopher Eccleston, back in 2005. She remained on the show for another series in 2006 and returned for a special cameo appearance in 2010.
Though details have yet to formally be announced, it’s thought she will be the next Doctor if a new series is made. It comes after Ncuti Gatwa’s shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired in May.
If she is, Billie will make history as the second female actor ever to play the Doctor. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role. But before that, Billie is set to reunite with former Doctor Ecclestone for a new audio drama titled The Ninth Doctor Adventures.
Billie Piper is set to replace Ncuti Gatwa as the new Doctor (Image: PA)
Speaking to Doctor Who magazine, Billie reflected on their previous time working together and said: “If we just made the Doctor Who that we made 20 years ago now, it would feel slightly disingenuous, because things were so different then, even 20 years ago, to what we’re experiencing, what we’ve seen, what we’ve been exposed to since.
“God, we were so much more positive then. People have been profoundly affected by the material they see on social media. And it’s been so normalised; everyone is a lot more heavy-hearted.”
She added: “It’s not to say that we don’t have a capacity for joy, because I think we absolutely do, but to ignore where we are right now… it’s a completely different experience.”
Instead, The Ninth Doctor Adventures audio series will feature the Doctor and Rose. Set within the timeline of their original season together from 20 years ago, fans will be treated to 12 new stories.
And it might not be long before Billie is back on TV screens. Appearing to confirm she is the new Doctor, she said in a statement last month: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse, as I have some of my best memories there. So to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
Asked if she would ever make a comeback in an interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: “Yeah I would… I would come back. What’s funny is that I never feel like I’ve left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife.”
She continued: “Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it’s a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there’s always features. It’s always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it’s over, like it does with all the other jobs I’ve done.”
It’s been reported that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the TV show. A source told The Sun: “The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary.
“David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who. With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.
“It wouldn’t be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.”
Billie Piper will be the next Doctor after it was revealed in the finale episode of the latest series last weekend – but she accidentally ‘shared’ the news weeks before
Billie Piper will play the 16th Time Lord in the upcoming series of Doctor Who (Image: BBC)
Actress Billie Piper appeared to let slip she was returning to Doctor Who weeks before it was revealed. The 42-year-old will become the second female Doctor in the next series. So far, Jodie Whittaker is the only female to take on the iconic role.
It comes after Ncuti Gatwa’s shock exit during the finale of the latest series when his character regenerated into Billie in his final episode, which aired on the BBC on Saturday, May 31.
Speaking in BBC Three’s Doctor Who: Unleashed to mark the 20 years since the show was revived, Billie dropped a huge hint she was returning to the show for the third time, following her original appearance as Rose Tyler from 2005 to 2006 and a cameo in 2010.
Asked if she would ever make a comeback in the interview filmed weeks before the news was officially announced, she said: “Yeah I would… I would come back. What’s funny is that I never feel like I’ve left Doctor Who, because there is this huge Doctor Who afterlife.”
Fans were shocked when Ncuti regenerated into Billie in the finale episode of Doctor Who(Image: PA)
She continued: “Obviously people still really want to talk about it, it’s a massive fandom, so we do conventions and we meet lots of the fans, and there’s always features. It’s always on the TV on some channel, and a new generation pick it up, so it never feels like it’s over, like it does with all the other jobs I’ve done.”
Billie then accidentally blurted out: “So coming back is really good fun.” Quickly correcting herself, she added: “So I would do it, but I still feel like I’m in it. Just a lot older.”
Now cat is out the bag, Billie has since said it was too good of an opportunity to turn down. In a statement, she shared: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse, as I have some of my best memories there. So to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
Now it is rumoured that the 10th Doctor, played by David Tennant, could also return to the show alongside Billie 20 years after they first appeared on screen together. Though if Billie is the new Doctor, it’s unclear what role David would take on.
A source told The Sun: “The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in a golden age of Doctor Who.
“With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about, with the thought of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah. When David’s Doctor bi-generated in the 60th anniversary special, his ‘half’ went on to live a normal life in an alternative universe while Ncuti Gatwa’s carried on as the Time Lord.
“It wouldn’t be beyond the realms of imagination for him to return with Billie as Rose for a one-off special to celebrate not only their partnership, but the anniversary of BBC bringing back Doctor Who.”
David, 54, played the 10th Doctor from 2005 to 2010 and appeared in three specials returning as the 14th Doctor before handing the role over to 32-year-old Sex Education star Ncuti.
Speaking about his exit from the show after just one season, Ncuti told fans: “You know when you get cast, at some point, you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it. This journey has been one that I will never forget and a role that will be part of me forever.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
Explaining his reasons for leaving, he added: “It’s a role that demands a lot of you physically and emotionally and mentally. The actors playing the Doctor are only actors playing the Doctor. Unfortunately, we are mere mortals. I would love to have the energy and the youth to be able to do this full time for the rest of my life, but my knees are telling me it’s time.”
However, die-hard fans think there may be another reason behind his exit. Taking to X, a fan named Mr Tardis wrote: “In October 2024, Ncuti Gatwa was on ‘The Graham Norton Show’ saying he was going to be filming another series of DW next year. In June 2025, he officially leaves the show and regenerates. This was never the plan. What a shame. He deserved so much better.”
But the BBC were quick to shut down those claims. A spokesperson said: “Whilst we never comment on the future of the Doctor, any suggestion that Ncuti Gatwa has been ‘axed’ is pure fiction.”
Just days after it was revealed that Billie Piper was returning to Doctor Who, replacing Ncuti Gatwa as The Doctor, another legendary name has been tipped to make a comeback
22:53, 06 Jun 2025Updated 23:03, 06 Jun 2025
Doctor Who’s Billie Piper and David Tennant could reunite(Image: PA)
Doctor Who fans may be in for another huge surprise, as another fan favourite is rumoured to return to the series for a one off episode. Fans are still recovering from the news of Billie Piper’s return – and now show legend David Tennant has now been tipped reunite with her onscreen for “one last hurrah”.
David, who played the role of the Doctor between from 2005 to 2010, is rumoured to be in talks to star in a one off special with co-star Billie. The actress previously appeared as Rose Tyler, companion to the doctor between 2005 and 2006.
The pair recently reunited for the BBC special, Doctor Who: Unleashed, 20 Years in Wales where they reflected on their time together. In a sneak preview, Billie and David gushed over how much fun they had on set. Now, it looks like they could be having even more fun – by reuniting for a special anniversary episode.
David is rumoured to star in a one off special with Billie(Image: PA)
“The BBC brought Doctor Who back in 2005 and there is talk about a possible one-off project to celebrate the 20th anniversary. David and Billie were a hugely popular partnership and he brought in the golden age of Doctor Who,” a source told The Sun.
“With the anniversary of the reboot this year there have been some ideas floated about with the idea of maybe bringing David and Billie back together for one last hurrah.”
It’s not the first time David would be making a shock return. In November 2023, he was officially revealed as the Fourteenth Doctor before handing the role over to Ncuti Gatwa.
Recently, Doctor Who fans were left stunned when it was announced Billie Piper had replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor, with the character regenerating during the finale of science-fiction series Doctor Who.
Fans were left shocked when Billie’s Doctor Who return was announced(Image: PA)
Speaking about her return, Billie said: “It’s no secret how much I love this show, and I have always said I would love to return to the Whoniverse as I have some of my best memories there, so to be given the opportunity to step back on that Tardis one more time was just something I couldn’t refuse.”
In a statement released by the BBC, Ncuti Gatwa said: “You know when you get cast, at some point you are going to have to hand back that sonic screwdriver and it is all going to come to an end, but nothing quite prepares you for it.
“This journey has been one that I will never forget, and a role that will be part of me forever. There are no words to describe what it feels like to be cast as the Doctor, nor are there words to explain what it feels like to be accepted into this iconic role that has existed for over 60 years and is truly loved by so many across the globe.
“The fans are truly the final character and beating heart of this show, and I can’t thank the Whoniverse, and the Whovians, enough for welcoming me in and making this such a touching experience.
“I’ve loved every minute of it, but now is the time to hand over the keys to that beloved blue box and let someone else take control and enjoy it every bit as much as I have. I’ll truly miss it, and forever be grateful to it, and everyone that has played a part in my journey as the Doctor.”
Doctor Who star Billie Piper has had an eventful and dramatic life off screen – including teen pop success followed by death threats and two controversial marriages
12:44, 01 Jun 2025Updated 12:52, 01 Jun 2025
Billie Piper has returned to Doctor Who (Image: Justin Ng / Avalon)
It’s fair to say Billie Piper has had a very rocky road to achieving stardom as a critically acclaimed actress, and her love life hasn’t been easy either. But she’s also amassed an impressive net worth and has welcomed three children.
The 42-year-old, who hails from Swindon, first became famous almost thirty years ago – as a mid-teens pop sensation. She then reinvented herself as an actor, playing companion Rose Tyler to Christopher Eccleston’s Doctor in the 2005 reboot of Doctor Who. Surprising critics and viewers with her screen talent, she continues to do so today.
And now, 20 years later, she has shocked us again. In this series finale,Ncuti Gatwa’s current Dr Who was regenerated to reveal Billie, thought to be the new doc. It’s a stunning return to the series that first made her acting name.
But off screen, Billie has endured some tough times. Here, the Mirror looks back at her life so far, from her difficult teenage years, popstar fame, turbulent romances and impressive net worth…
Billie Piper is thought to have replaced Ncuti Gatwa as the Doctor in Dr Who(Image: PA)
School friends with Amy Wineh
Billie’s gifts were evident at a young age, and at 12 years old she made the move from Swindon to London to attend the prestigious Sylvia Young Theatre School. Aimed at nurturing future talent, the institution has produced many household names, but not all pupils had an easy time of it – including Billie’s childhood friend Amy Winehouse.
During a recent episode of Jessie Ware’s Table Manners podcast, Billie offered some insight into what Amy was really like as a young girl. Remembering her as ‘super clever, super bright’, Billie revealed: “She was always cheeky. She was always like that, you know. She would do abstract stuff, and I really loved it.”
Billie was school pals with Amy Winehouse (Image: Mirrorpix)
Amy had a difficult time at school(Image: Getty Images)
Sadly, Amy’s differences didn’t always go down well with her fellow pupils, and Billie remembers the iconic singer being badly bullied. She continued: “She got bullied quite a lot at school because she was doing her own thing, and she liked to push buttons, and do weird stuff. And I had a lot of space for that, but not many of the girls did. It wasn’t the easiest ride.”
Teenage fame struggles
At 15, Billie was a famous popstar living in her own flat(Image: Mirrorpix)
Billie skyrocketed to pop stardom at the age of just 15 with her infectiously catchy 1998 anthem ‘Because We Want To’. She became the youngest artist to debut at number one in the UK Chart with the hit, and singles ‘Honey to The Bee’ and ‘Girlfriend’ followed.
Although many ’90s teens would have been green with envy, topping the singles chart at such a young age came with its challenges.
During a 2021 episode of Desert Island Discs, she recalled how strange it felt moving to her own flat before her 16th birthday, all while dealing with the surrealness of overnight fame. Speaking of her regrets, Billie told Lauren Laverne: “At the time, it felt really exciting and liberating and satisfied me with this quest to be a grown-up. It also felt extremely desperate and lonely sometimes.
“I was seeing and experiencing a lot of life at a very young age. Now, when I look back at it now that I have my own children, it seems unbelievably unsafe and plays in unhealthily to my parenting.”
Death threats
Billie also endured a horrific campaign of harassment in her younger years as a star. In 2001, a woman penned abuse-laden messages which she then read down the phone to Billie’s record company, Blackfriars Crown Court was told in 2001.
She called the teenage chart-topper a “whore” and warned of decapitation, dismemberment, burning, flogging and shooting. The abuse reportedly began because the woman thought the performer had given her a “dirty look” during a recording of a TV show, which she attended as an audience member.
Boyband heartache
Billie dated Ritchie Neville of the boyband Five when she was a teenager (Image: GETTY)
Billie met Five singer Ritchie Neville when they were teenagers, having just been thrust into the spotlight with their respective pop careers. They were love’s young dream until Ritchie broke Billie’s heart when he cheated.
Ritchie said he was full of “regret” over his betrayal with a Russian beauty while on tour in the country – who subsequently sold her story to a British newspaper in 2000.
Speaking on the BBC documentary Boybands Forever he said: “It massively hurt somebody that I loved. I regret any pain I caused but equally I was 19 you know? I made a mistake. It ended a relationship.”
Wild age gap marriage
Her whirlwind marriage to Chris Evans proved to be a healing period(Image: Steve Bell/REX Shutterstock)
Billie married her first husband, Chris Evans, in 2001 when she was just 18 years old, a mere five months after their first date. Given that Chris was 16 years her senior, the age gap romance raised eyebrows at the time, but Billie looks back on their time together as a period of fun and healing.
Opening up with her former Doctor Who co-star on David Tennant Does A Podcast With…, Billie reflected: “I went and got completely hammered for three years with Chris Evans. So much fun – just living very hard. But with a lot of love and a big dose of curiosity and just, yeah – amazing time.
“It’s funny because everyone framed that period in my life as these sort of horribly debauched, irresponsible, me falling apart looking like s***, putting on weight. That was really important to me, that period of my life. I needed that. Me not looking perfect every day in a tabloid was the best way for me to heal.
“Every time there would be a picture of me looking completely groomed and manicured within an inch of my life, I can tell you I was completely unhappy and starving and dark on the inside. And I haven’t brushed my hair since!”
She added: “We really had a really amazing time together. I imagine it’s what your uni years feel like – sort of reckless, but you’re learning a lot. It was an incredible time and, not to undermine our relationship because we also had a very loving relationship. It wasn’t just ‘oh, we’re going out and getting f*****’ – we had a very caring and loving relationship.”
Their whirlwind marriage came to an end in 2004, amid rumours of ‘screaming rows’, but Billie and Chris are said to remain close friends to this day.
Kids and splits
The mother-of-three has previously spoken candidly about the difficulties of parenthood(Image: WireImage)
In 2006, Billie entered into a relationship with Lewis actor turned right-wing activist Laurence Fox, with the couple tying the knot one year later. They went on to welcome two sons, Winston and Eugene before calling time on their marriage in 2016.
In a recent interview with British Vogue the mother-of-two said of her controversial ex: “I’ve had to make some choices and a divorce speaks for itself. Or at least it should.” Laurence is often in the spotlight for his much-criticised views.
In the interview, she added: “I close everything down and keep a very strict routine with the kids so that there’s consistency.
“I keep them close. That’s all I can do. I try to keep people from telling me stuff but it’s really, really hard. I don’t read it but everyone wants to talk about it. Sometimes I have to say to people, ‘Please don’t bring this to me, now or ever’.”
She’s previously penned an emotional open letter to daughter Tallulah
She went on to have a relationship with former Tribes frontman Johnny Lloyd, and they welcomed their daughter, Tallulah, who they welcomed in 2019. After eight years together, they split in 2023, citing that their ‘relationship ran its course’.
In a candid chat aired on Fearne Cotton’s Happy Place podcast in 2021, Billie spoke about the difficulties of juggling motherhood with a hectic career. Billie shared: “Striking a balance is unachievable and as soon as you let go and just accept that, there are useful changes… I cry at the end of every day and spend an hour in bed saying, ‘I’ll be better tomorrow, I swear. I’m going to read my parenting manual tonight and everything will be better tomorrow.'”
In an open letter to Tallulah, published in Stylist, Billie reflected that she’d been so fearful of having a daughter, anguished by all she didn’t want her to experience, that she didn’t realise just how overjoyed she’d be by her arrival.
She wrote: “You have restored – without knowing it – all my faith in strong female energy. I want to learn from you and revel in your beauty. You are not just female, you are other. And from listing all of my anxieties above (there are many and I promise to always work on myself), I’m at my most calm and able around you. You are powerful.”
Huge net worth
Billie has an impressive net worth (Image: PA Wire)
After her time on Doctor Who in 2005, Billie picked up leading roles in Secret Diary of a Call Girl and I Hate Suzie, which she co-created alongside playwright Lucy Prebble, as well as starring in the Netflix drama, Scoop.
Not to mention her glittering stage career – winning Best Theatre Actress for Great Britain in 2014 and being honoured with a Laurence Olivier Award among countless other accolades for her lead performance in Yerma in 2017.
Following her impressive career, she has amassed an impressive net worth. The actress is estimated to have a net worth of $12 million (around £9 million), according to Celebrity Net Worth.
