This eight-part drama series - starring Billie Piper (pictured) as an upmarket escort - was shown last year on ITV2. A big favourite with you (Piper was voted second Best Actress in the 2007 Digis), the drama now gets a re-run on the main ITV terrestrial channel.
It had a mixed reaction from the critics. On the one hand the former Doctor Who star was praised for not being typecast and turning in a mature performance as Belle, a character based on the real-life diaries of a high-class escort. On the other hand, it was felt that the programme was likely to attract a lot of viewers for obvious reasons (not helped by ITV's trailer campaign) and that consequently it was hard to warm to the series. The critics were in agreement that the bedroom scenes were fairly explicit, and therefore the programme was not suitable for family viewing, especially Piper's younger fans.
So, what's the, er, basic thrust? Belle introduces us to herself and her world. She's a high-class escort who enjoys what she does but has to keep it a secret from everyone in her personal life. Even her best friend Ben (Iddo Goldberg) thinks she's a night-time legal secretary.
Belle explains that it's crucial for escorts to find out what their client likes - and give it to them quickly. She demonstrates this with a first-time client who's too shy to admit that what really turns him on is the idea of having sex near over-excited horses in their stables. But Belle discovers his fetish and takes him through his fantasy.
The next customer is more elusive. He's a very attractive young man who Belle just can't seem to satisfy. Meeting her agent, Stephanie (Cherie Lunghi), the following day, Belle is disturbed to hear that this client asked to see someone else next time... someone more natural. Belle insists she sees him again.
This time there is no elaborate preparation, just au naturel. And he loves it. They have great sex and in an unguarded moment, Belle tells him her real name... Hannah. She realises she can't see him again because it's Hannah he wants - not Belle. And the most important lesson she's learnt: to do this job and keep sane, she has to keep Belle and Hannah separate...
Did you know? A second series of the drama, in which "Belle's life gets more complicated", is currently in production. It is likely to be shown later this year. The first series is about to be shown in the US on Showtime, with a commitment to a further 12 episodes.
(3 Star)
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