Ariana Grande can’t hide her delight as she’s named to star in Wicked film

Ariana Grande is set to star as Glinda in the upcoming film adaptation of blockbuster musical Wicked, with Cynthia Erivo to play Elphaba

Ariana Grande was overjoyed to discover she’d landed a part in a film adaptation of blockbuster musical Wicked.

The singing sensation, 28, and Cynthia Erivo were told via video call that they’d be the new stars in big production and announced their exciting news on Instagram on Thursday.

Ariana has been named in the role of Glinda while Oscar-nominated actress Cynthia, 34, will appear as Elphaba.

The movie is set to bet directed by Jon M Chu, the filmmaker best known for Crazy Rich Asians and In the Height.

The Thank U, Next singer posted screenshots of the moment she found out she’d landed the role with her 237 million Instagram followers.

Alongside the images of her call with Cynthia, Ariana wrote: “Thank goodness @jonmchu @cynthiaerivo @wickedmovie.”

Within an hour over two million people had liked her post, with stars such as Colleen Ballinger, Tori Kelly and Alfredo Flores leaving congratulatory comments.

Cynthia also shared a shot to Instagram showing the moment she found out about the role alongside a handwritten message from Ariana, which read: “Dear Cynthia, honoured doesn’t even begin to cover it. I cannot wait to hug you. See you in Oz. All my love, Ari.”

Her message to the singer said: “Congratulations Miss A, the part was made for you, I look forward to sharing this musical journey with you. Love, Cynthia.”

On his own account, drector Jon wrote: “These two witches!! The emotional moment I got to tell @cynthiaerivo and @arianagrande that they were our Elphaba and Galinda in the @WickedMovie for @unistudios wait until you see what they bring!!

“It is other worldly. Ahhhhh!!!”

The script follows that original story which is based on The Wizard of Oz and what happened before Dorothy arrived in the enchanted world.

It made a Broadway debut in 2003 and is currently only one of three shows to surpasses one billion dollars (£742 million) in revenue.

The other two shows to do so are The Phantom Of The Opera and The Lion King.

Grammy-winner Ariana may be well-known for her vocal talents, but she has an impressive acting background too.

She is set to appear in the upcoming black comedy Don’t Look Up alongside the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio and Timothée Chalamet.

Londoner Cynthia is accomplished on both the stage and screen having won an Emmy, a Grammy and a Tony Award, as well as earning a best actress nomination at the Oscars for 2019 biopic Harriet.