Ariana Grande cast as Penny in Hairspray TV revamp

Ariana Grande has joined the cast of the Hairspray TV event.

The pop star announced she'll be playing Penny Pingleton in Hairspray Live! on Thursday (07July16).

"hi i have to tell you something very very exciting today," the 23-year-old wrote on Twitter. "Most of you know that I’m really just a musical theater geek. Like a really big one... so... my heart is very full re: this announcement.

"I AM NOWWW A CHECKERBOARD CHICK. Penny has been a dream role since Hairspray opened on Broadway. At 9, I was (and still am) in LOVE w @KerryButlerNyc. hope to make u proud."

Butler first played the role when John Waters' 1988 movie was turned into a hit Broadway musical. Penny has also been played on the big screen by Amanda Bynes and Leslie Ann Powers.

"I'M GOING TO BE IN A SHOW WITH @HarveyFierstein AND @KChenoweth IS THIS AN ACTUAL JOKE...," excited Ariana tweeted in another message. "I'm so honored and beyond excited to be a part of this dream cast... I will for sure pass out at the table read."

As well as Kristin Chenoweth and Harvey Fierstein, Jennifer Hudson, Derek Hough, Martin Short, and newcomer Maddie Baillio will also star in the live show, which will air on 7 December (16).

Grande isn't new to TV - she first became a star thanks to roles in Victorious and spin-off Sam & Cat, while she returned to the small screen last year (15) for a small role in Scream Queens. She also appeared in the Zoolander sequel.