Since I’m studying abroad in London this term, I figured I should recap a few British programs. Luckily, this one airs in the States on Showtime, so I won’t be spoiling you all.

When we last left Hannah, a.k.a. Belle de Jour, she signed a book deal to write about her experience as a high-class London call girl. The series premieres with the book launch. Hannah’s identity as Belle is still a secret, so she attends her own launch party pretending to be a waitress. Billie Piper (Hannah/Belle) can officially make a dowdy waitress uniform look sexy.

Unlike the real-life Belle de Jour, recently outed as Dr. Brooke Magnanti, who quit prostitution once her book deal came through, Hannah decided to keep her day job (or night job as the case may be). Sleeping with clients is no longer just about getting paid; it’s now “research.”

“Secret Diary of a Call Girl” aired in the UK the same night as the Brit teen drama “Skins.” Without spoiling the latter, I can say that “Call Girl” was by far the more entertaining program of the evening. “Call Girl” has always been a titillating blend of sex and wit. Billie Piper, now back in shape after the birth of her child, shines as a proud and confident Hannah with one very big secret. Adding to the drama further, Hannah’s sisters come to live with the secret escort. How does one go about being a secret whore when your sister is all up in your business? I suppose you’ll find out next week. That episode already aired here, but I’ll keep mum for now.