DENISE SLAMS BILLIE'S SCHOOL JIBE

Outspoken Denise has expressed her disappointment with Billie’s comments, warning her that she could deter budding stars from entering showbusiness.

In her autobiography Growing Pains, former teen pop singer Billie claimed that eating disorders were rife and unchecked at the drama school, and this helped spark her own problems with anorexia.

She also claimed that most of the pupils at the school were rich and she felt working class.

“I was a big Billie Piper fan but in her book she was very negative about Sylvia and the school and I think that is wrong and unfair,” says Denise, who is appearing in Rent in London’s West End.

“If it was not for Sylvia, she would not be where she is because she got all her breaks during her schooling years. I think people should always remember that.

If it was not for Sylvia, she would not be where she is now

Denise Van Outen

"I am not knocking Billie because I like her and I think she is a great actress but by saying that she is preventing others going into the industry.

“She is giving it a negative spin. You think, ‘You are still in the business and enjoying it. Don’t put people off.’”

The former Big Breakfast presenter, 33, adds that school founder Sylvia cont­inues to support her career and even flew
out to see her on Broadway.