Billie Piper looks set to conquer America.

The Swindon-born star's role in Secret Diary of a Call Girl was screened on ITV last year.

Now it is tipped to be this summer's big US TV hit, after high-flying New York politician Mark Spitzer was entangled in a sex scandal which mirrored that featured in the show.

An insider on Showtime, where the series is due to air, said: "Spitzer's resignation has given the best possible publicity.

"Billie is in the right place at the right time.

"The producers are ecstatic. The show is certain to be a hit. Everyone is talking about it before it is even on the screen."

There is even talk of Billie who plays escort Belle De Jour in the show, being lined up for a film version.