"Secret Diary of a Call Girl" (2007) TV series

User Rating:

5.7/10   

Creator:

Lucy Prebble

Seasons:

1 | 2 | 3

Release Date:

September 2007 (UK)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

Based on the popular diary of the anonymous sex worker known only as Belle de Jour.

Plot Keywords:

Self Narration

Cast

Billie Piper	...	Belle / ... (16 episodes, 2007-2008)
Iddo Goldberg	...	Ben (15 episodes, 2007-2008)
Joanna Bobin	...	Jackie / ... (9 episodes, 2007-2008)
Cherie Lunghi	...	Stephanie (8 episodes, 2007-2008)
Callum Blue	...	Alex (8 episodes, 2007-2008)

Also Known As:

Belle de Jour (UK) (working title)

Runtime:

30 min (including commercials) (8 episodes)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Certification:

Australia:MA | New Zealand:R18 | Netherlands:12

Filming Locations:

Grand Union Canal, London, England, UK

Company:

Artist Rights Group (A.R.G)

Movie Connections:

Featured in The Big Fat Quiz of the Year (2007) (TV)

Soundtrack:

You Know I'm No Good

Deliciously wicked drama from ITV2

"Secret Diary of a Call Girl", Billie Piper's controversial and highly adult series, is the first home-grown drama from ITV2. Based on the blog and subsequent novel by the mysterious Belle de Jour, this is an insight into the life of a high-end call girl who turns normal prostitute stereotypes on their head. Annoyingly, the production has a slightly soft focus sheen which gives it a somewhat abstract (and low budget) feel. Visualise an '80s pop promo and you'll know what I mean!

It's only a matter of minutes before the first episode kicks into gear with Piper delivering energetic, simulated fellatio on a gawping customer. For British television, this is no-holds-barred stuff with "F" and "C" words, and relatively graphic imagery at every turn. I was pleasantly surprised at the bravery of this drama - it doesn't disappoint but despite the sexual gymnastics on display, the series lacks any real erotic content. It has the substance of a late-night MTV video.

Piper herself delivers a great performance. She's as likable as always as both Hannah and her late-night alter ego and she makes the most of the relatively light material contained within the script.

The beautiful Cherie Lunghi plays Piper's agent, Stephanie, a no-nonsense, straight-talking businesswoman. Marvellous stuff.

8 out of 10. With this series, Piper has shrugged off the shadow of "Doctor Who"'s Rose and entered a whole new territory. Without a doubt, she's an actress that will continue to enjoy success in the fields of television and cinema.