I'll keep my clothes on because I want to, says Billie.

2 April 1999 (c) 1999 Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd

BILLIE PIPER realised soon into her singing career that she wanted to keep her clothes on in public - or at least, most of them.

The teenager became an overnight pop sensation last summer when her debut single Because We Want To shot straight to No 1.

Billie said: "I would certainly not want to become famous for being the best woman at getting my clothes off."

The 16 year old has been sold on a cute cheerleader image.

Her mother, Mandy, has been closely involved in her daughter's rise from schoolgirl to one of Britain's hottest pop properties.

Mandy said: "Billie always loved dressing up and being the centre of attention. She would mime to Top Of The Pops with a broom handle or mop instead of a mike. We are very proud of our little girl today."

Billie went to London's Sylvia Young theatre school, which launched the likes of Emma Bunton, All Saints, Samantha Janus and Dani Behr.

She was chosen by Smash Hits magazine to appear in a television and print advertising campaign.

It was the key to success - she was spotted by Hugh Goldsmith, record company boss for the Virgin label, Innocent. Mandy put her trust in Goldsmith, who insists he had no plans to make Billie something she was not.

He said: "We're not big, bad record executives. I'd take no pleasure selling lots of Billie records if she ends up burning out or missing out."

Initially marketed at a six to eight-year-old audience, Billie's latest single Honey To The Bee is a lot more grown-up and the singer has grown up, too, dyeing her hair darker and wearing vest tops.

But rather than gearing her up for the lads' magazine market, her management have kept Billie looking and acting sweet 16.

She left school last spring, using a personal tutor to help with her education. The most important lesson she has learned.

(c) Scottish Daily Record & Sunday Mail Ltd, 1999.