Billie Piper says she feared bringing daughter Tallulah into 'a man's world'

'I was delighted and relieved, frankly, when I knew I was having boys'

Sarah Young
Monday 16 September 2019 16:26 BST
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Billie Piper stars as her own fictionalised alter-ego in Sky Atlantic series I Hate Suzie
Billie Piper stars as her own fictionalised alter-ego in Sky Atlantic series I Hate Suzie

Billie Piper has revealed she was initially afraid of having a daughter who would be born into "a man's world".

In an interview with Stylist magazine, the 36-year-old admitted she had “always worried” about having a daughter, adding that she was “surprised“ by how sensitive her two sons have grown up to be.

“I was delighted and relieved, frankly, when I knew I was having boys. And I've adored having sons,” Piper told the publication.

“I have been constantly surprised by them - how emotional, sensitive and thoughtful they are.”

The Doctor Who actor has two sons with her ex-husband, actor Laurence Fox; Winston James, born in October 2008, and Eugene Pip, born in April 2012.

Piper is also mother to nine-month-old Tallulah, who she gave birth to earlier this year with current partner Johnny Lloyd, the former singer for Camden rock band Tribes.

The Secret Diary of a Call Girl actor added that she believes the problem with men begins when they are being raised as boys.

"We are too quick to shut them down as children and tell them to be strong when they feel vulnerable; to shame them and yet give them a false sense of entitlement,” Piper explained.

“This has contributed to the creation of a man's world and one I didn't want for my daughter.”

Piper later recalled how she had always been fascinated by men as a girl and that she often “mistook control for strength”.

“I often preferred their company because, on reflection, they had freedom and that was attractive,” Piper said.

"Men seemed to laugh more; they always ate the biggest plate of food and everybody had to wait for their word before any bloody decisions were made.

“I decided I'd try and copy men to get what I wanted. This would sometimes work and I'd feel victorious!”

Piper announced the birth of Tallulah on 16 January with an Instagram post featuring a photograph of herself holding her newborn daughter.

“Two weeks ago our little girl arrived. She has totally blown our minds. I didn’t know what I was missing but it was you Tallulah,” Piper captioned the post.

“Love you @johnny_s_lloyd wonderful daddy. And to my boys, who will never read this but anyway, two beautiful and attentive brothers. And to all you lovely lot - for messages of joy and luck and goodwill."

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