Billie Piper and Potter’s theatre magic big winners at West End Olivier Awards

BILLIE PIPER admitted the stage is where her heart really lies as she was named best actress at the Olivier Awards.

The former Doctor Who star said she had become more passionate than she thought possible about performing for a live audience, as she picked up the award for her role in Yerma last night.

The 34-year-old broke down in tears as she accepted the award at London’s Royal Albert Hall, beating competition from double Academy Award winner and exLabour MP Glenda Jackson.

She described her joy at winning, saying: “Before they announced it I couldn’t feel my hands and feet.”

The mother-of-two dedicated her award to her sons, even though she admitted it would mean nothing to them yet.

“Everything I do, I do it for them,” she added.

But the night ultimately belonged to Harry Potter And The Cursed Child, the most nominated new play in Olivier history. It swept the board with nine awards including best new play, best actor, best supporting actor and actress, best director, best set, lighting and costume design.

Hosted by comedian Jason Manford, the annual ceremony was broadcast across the globe from London’s Royal Albert Hall.

Audiences were also treated to performances from Gary Barlow and the company of The Girls.

The event will be aired ITV and Facebook from 8pm tomorrow. It will also stream to China for the first time ever via YouKu. Visit www.yorkshirepost.co.uk for full details of the winners.