Algorithm pushes new generation of viewers to the old ITV2 drama starring Billie Piper

Netflix viewers could be forgiven for doing a double-take as they idly browsed the homepage earlier this month. Amid the latest releases and newest releases, an old ITV2 drama appeared in the UK’s top 10 programmes.

Secret Diary of a Call Girl, based on the anonymous blog and books by Belle de Jour – later revealed to be a pseudonym of research scientist Dr Brooke Magnanti – has found a new fanbase on the streaming platform, 17 years after it first aired. It peaked at third on the most-viewed list this month, behind only Bridgerton and Benedict Cumberbatch’s thriller Eric.