Fans are in a bother over Billie

9:08am Wednesday 25th October 2006

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By Stephanie Tye »

FANS of Swindon starlet Billie Piper were overjoyed that their idol visited her home town - but some left disappointed that she didn't pay them more attention.

The 24-year-old was at Asda Walmart, at the Orbital shopping centre, last night to sign copies of her autobiography Growing Pains.

Hundreds of people queued outside the store from 3pm, but after meeting the Doctor Who star, many said she was too busy talking with her friends to pay them much attention.

And the publicity officers with her insisted that she would only sign copies of her book, not other items that were brought along, leaving some people in the queue feeling they had wasted their time.

The Adver was also told that Billie was too busy to have a chat with us.

And there were angry scenes at the supermarket as nearly 300 people were turned away empty-handed at the end of the book-signing session after waiting for hours.

Six-year-old Grace Dabner was left in tears following Billie's appearance.

"We waited for two hours outside in the freezing cold to see Billie only to be told that she was going home and we were not going to get to see her," said Grace's dad, Derek, 36.

"Grace is a massive Doctor Who fan and she really wanted to see Billie. But all we got was a quick look at her through the window."

The Honda worker, of Kingshill, added: "I can't believe she went home when there were still loads of people waiting to see her.

"I had bought the book for Grace to get signed but we didn't get it and she was really upset."

Michelle Williamson, 26, had taken her eight-year-old son Tyler along to the event.

"She was too busy talking to the people sat at the table with her to say much to us," said Michelle, of Abbey Meads.

"I'm glad we came along because the kids seem to have enjoyed it, but it is a bit of a shame."

Rachel Evans, 16, had gone along to the signing with a group of her friends.

"She said hi to us then put her signature in her book while chatting to the girl next to her," said the hairdressing trainee, of Eldene.

"We expected her to at least say thanks for coming along. And I don't think it was just us, but she did the same to the people behind us too.

"I just think it is a bit off, not paying attention to people who have queued for hours to see you, especially as she turned up late."

Dave Harrison, of Moredon, was in the queue when he found out Billie wouldn't just give him an autograph.

"I'm at the back so it's not too bad," said the 25-year-old. "But I can imagine if I was a 12-year-old girl I would be heartbroken.

"Not everyone can afford her book, but I think most people in the town wish her well.

"It's a pity she doesn't seem to notice that."

However, not everyone was too upset, and Lilly Cox and Katie Hunter, both of Corsham, who were at the front of the queue, were delighted to have met their idol.

"I was really excited about meeting her because I'm such a big fan," said Lilly, nine.

"I really liked her in Doctor Who and David Tennant is gorgeous. I'm jealous that she got to kiss him and not me."

Katie, also nine, said Billie was really nice.

"I think she is really pretty and she signed my book for me," she said. "It was really nice to meet her."

Haydon Wick primary school pupil Mallory Nicholson was also really excited to meet Billie.

"I wrote her a letter and she said she was going to read it later," said the 11-year-old.

"The drama teacher that first pointed her into acting is my teacher now."

Mallory's mum Donna said it had been fun waiting in the queue. "She's been really excited about it all day," she said.

"It is great that a local girl can do so well and act as a role model for other youngsters in the town."

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