The story is that of a housewife in 1950’s Leeds who falls in love, and has an affair with, a [...]]]> Former pop star Piper, best known for perplexing her naysaying critics with a much-loved turn as Rose in Doctor Who, has been cast in a new BBC drama based on Kay Mellor’s play “A Passionate Woman”.

The story is that of a housewife in 1950’s Leeds who falls in love, and has an affair with, a Polish neighbour. The drama was inspired by the revelation that Mellor’s mother had a similar affair before the writer was born.

Piper will play the lead, Betty, whilst the 1980’s incarnation of the character will be portrayed by Sue Johnston. Filming starts in Leeds soon, ready for broadcast on BBC One next year.