» Billie took the role of Rose in Doctor Who when it was brought back in 2005. She starred opposite Christopher Eccleston, and is staying on as the Doctor's sidekick when David Tennant takes over as the Doctor for the next series.

   » This autumn, she starred in a modern-day adaptation of the Shakespeare classic Much Ado About Nothing, written by David Nicholls and set in a regional TV station. She plays TV weather girl Hero, appearing alongside Cutting It star, Sarah Parish and Damian Lewis.

   » She starred in an episode of the Canterbury Tales, a series of modern day versions of the classic stories. Billie played a karaoke singer who got lured away from her home life and husband (Dennis Waterman) by a mysterious stranger played by James Nesbitt.

   » Billie also appeared as a troubled teenager in the TV drama Bella and the Boys. She won rave reviews for the role which was shown as a part of a BBC season about children growing up in care.

   » Before turning to acting Billie had a very successful pop career. She had been talent-spotted while studying at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and recorded an album while still at school. She became the first UK female solo artist to have two Number Ones in the same year since Cilla Black way back in 1964.

   » While she was a child actress Billie had a bit-part in EastEnders.

   » When her single Because We Want To hit Number One in 1998, Billie was the youngest artist to have a number-one for 40 years.

   » Chris Evans wooed Billie by giving her a sports car filled with roses. She couldn't even drive!

   » Before dating Chris Evans, Billie went out with Richie Neville from the boyband Five.

   » Billie used to live next door to Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston in LA.

   » She was born on September 22nd 1982 in Swindon.

   » Billie married Chris Evans in Las Vegas in 2001 - they split three years later in 2004, but remain friends.


Source: BBC.co.uk