Billie Piper recalls initial fear of having daughter

The Bafta-nominated actress, 36, shares 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 shares with her partner Johnny Lloyd, the former singer for Camden rock band Tribes.

She said she had “always worried” about having a daughter and that she had been “constantly surprised” by how sensitive her sons had grown up to be.

Piper is the cover star and guest editor of this week’s Stylist magazine.

“I always worried about having a little girl,” she told the publication.

“I was delighted and relieved, frankly, when I knew I was having boys. And I’ve adored having sons.

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

“The problem with men begins with the raising of boys, in my opinion. 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.

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

The Doctor Who star, who was also previously married to the radio DJ Chris Evans, added that she had been fascinated by men as a girl.

She said: “When I was a little girl, I said sorry all the time. I worked extremely hard at school. I was petrified of men but longed to be with a strong one. I always mistook control for strength.

“I was fascinated by men and often preferred their company because, on reflection, they had freedom and that was attractive.

“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!”

Read the full interview in Stylist magazine, out Wednesday.