The former Doctor Who star’s ex-husband Chris Evans joined the pair for celebratory drinks in the run-up to their wedding today.

Radio 2 DJ Chris, accompanied by his third wife Natasha Shishmanian, arrived in style in his red Ferrari. Chris and Billie, 25, have stayed good friends since their marriage broke down four years ago.

The actress and 29-year-old Laurence were celebrating with family and friends at the White Horse in Midhurst, West Sussex.

The New Year’s Eve ceremony is set to be a traditional country wedding attended by a host of showbusiness stars.

Earlier, Billie and fellow actor Laurence strolled to a supermarket and emerged with bags of shopping. Wearing sunglasses, jeans and a black top, the bride-to-be looked relaxed as she prepared to tie the knot at the nearby village of Easebourne.

Billie fell for Laurence while they were rehearsing for the stage show Treats a year ago. He moved into her flat and the couple soon discussed marriage.

By the summer, she was sporting an antique diamond ring bought by Laurence, son of actor James Fox. They then splashed out £750,000 on a cottage in the country, where they will escape from their busy working lives in London.