Billie back on stage after flu bout

Billie Piper returned to the West End stage after a bout of flu forced her to miss two performances of her new show, Treats.

The play, by Christopher Hampton, will open formally at the Garrick Theatre today, a week later than originally planned.

The former Dr Who star failed to appear on stage at one of the preview performances on Tuesday.

Ten days ago, the actress missed another preview performance after collapsing shortly before she was meant to appear.

Last night she looked well as she took to the stage in front of a full house.

She later blamed her absences on gastric flu as she signed autographs for fans who gathered after the performance.

She said: “I’m very well. I had gastric flu but I’m better now.”

Piper co-stars in Treats with new boyfriend Laurence Fox, and the pair sped off on his motorbike after last night’s show.

A spokeswoman has denied reports that Fox, son of actor James Fox, and Piper were about to announce an engagement.

Concerns were sparked for the former pop star’s health after she was seen sobbing in the street with ex-husband Chris Evans, who came along to watch Monday night’s performance.

She recently said: “It’s really hard in the theatre and the level of concentration is terrible. I’m still working it out and trying to find my feet.

“The first thing you think about in the day is the play but it’s seven hours before you do it.

“I’m quite stressed out and I’m having a tough time. I’m still very green.”

Piper appears as Ann, a young professional at a struggling newspaper who replaces her arrogant boyfriend Dave (Kris Marshall) with Patrick the office bore (Fox).

The play follows Ann as she chooses between Patrick and her abusive relationship with Dave.

Jane McKay, 55, from London, said she enjoyed Piper’s performance.

“I think she could have had a meatier role. She’s a very accomplished young actress and I think she’s got a lot more to do.”

Another audience member, Jill Towner, from Cambridge, said: “It was a tough one for her first West End performance but I thought she was very good.

“It’s not easy for three people to fill a stage for two hours. I thought they were all very good.”

Piper is the latest star to fall ill while performing in the West End.

The Sound Of Music star Connie Fisher will be absent from the hit production for the next fortnight after damaging a vocal chord.

Fisher, who has proved a huge draw with audiences after winning the part in a BBC talent show, has missed several performances over recent months through poor health.

Richard Griffiths, appearing as a psychiatrist treating Daniel Radcliffe in Equus, has also been recovering from the flu.