Every actor dreams of the day they're given the opportunity to tread the prestigious Shakespearian boards and in 2005 Billie put a 21st century spin on one of his most iconic plays when she starred in David Nicholls' Bard inspired BBC remake. The actress took on the role of Hero, Beatrice's cousin, in the modern adaptation which established her character as a whimiscal weathergirl at a local news station. A true romantic at heart, she inevitably falls for dashing sports reporter Claude and, if you're familiar with the classic story, you'll know all about the subsequent chaotic uproar that ensues. As with most of Shakespeare's contributions to the world of literature, it's completely bonkers but totally brilliant. The Empress of the Racnoss is in it, too. Billie gets to stretch her comedic muscles alongside an abundance of other fellow future Doctor Who alumni, including Olivia Coleman and Tom Ellis, but there are also some truly heartfelt moments in which she really gets to hold her own. One if you're a fan of Shakespeare, and even if you're not. (P.S. You should be.)
Dan Butler is the Doctor Who Editor at WhatCulture.com. When he isn't writing his own articles or editing other people's, he can be found trawling the internet for gifs of Steven Moffat laughing. Contact him via dan.butler@whatculture.co.uk.
