BILLIE Piper, the former Swindon pop princess who found love with maverick broadcaster Chris Evans, is to appear in a new British film.

Her role in The Calcium Kid marks the end of a year she has spent largely away from the public eye.

Billie, now 19, was just 15 when her first single, Because We Want To, began her brief stint at the top of the music charts.

She is taking a cameo role in the new film, which also features 23-year-old Lord Of The Rings actor Orlando Bloom. He plays a milkman who suddenly emerges as a championship-quality boxer.

Billie is a former Bradon Forest School pupil.

She grew up in a suburban Swindon house with parents Mandy and Paul, and younger siblings Charlie, Harley and Ellie.

In May of last year Billie married Evans, 36, at a ceremony in Las Vegas in front of a small group of friends, but not her family.

Mrs Piper said at the time: "We knew about it, but we simply couldn't make it.

"It all happened so quickly and we had responsibilities here, with three other children and my husband's job.

"I am just happy because Billie is happy. I definitely feel she is safer under Chris's wing, and he is looking after her well."

"I feel happier with her going out to all the trendy bars in London because at least she is surrounded by similar people.

"She was at the cricket at Lord's and even seems to be taking an interest in golf and football these days.

"Billie was never interested in sports it is a testament to their relationship that she is prepared to go with him."

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