SWINDON’S very own Billie Piper will be going head to head with Helen Mirren for the best actress title at the London Evening Standard Theatre Awards.

Billie, originally from West Swindon, will go up against Dame Helen for the second time after they previously fought it out at the Olivier Awards. Billie was beaten to the prize by Dame Helen’s portrayal of the Queen in The Audience.

Also nominated for the award are Kristin Scott Thomas, Linda Bassett and Lesley Manville.

The awards, now in their 59th year, will be hosted by Homeland star Damian Lewis at the Savoy Hotel on Sunday, November 17.

The current director of the National Theatre, Sir Nicholas Hytner, is nominate for best director along with one of his predecessors - Richard Eyre - and the man set to replace him, Rufus Norris.

The awards also include best musical and best design.

Evening Standard editor Sarah Sands said: “This shortlist is one of our strongest in years.

“The West End is in rude health. Established schemes such as NT Live have really come into their own, bringing theatre to a wider audience and inspiring others to come up with new ideas.

“The Evening Standard is proud to play a part in London's theatrical life with these awards at a time when it is buzzing with so much creativity.”

Last month, it was announced that former Diary of a Call Girl star Billie will return to our screens as companion Rose Tyler in Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary show.

The show, which will be screened on November 23, will appear in more than 70 countries simultaneously.

Tens of millions of people around the world will watch the global premiere of The Day Of The Doctor – which will star Matt Smith and David Tennant.

Billie, mother to Winston and Eugene, married actor husband Laurence Fox in 2007.