Ariana Grande returns to theatre for NBC's Hairspray Live

Ariana Grande is returning to her theatre roots for NBC's Hairspray Live. The 'Dangerous Woman' singer is set to play as Penny Pingleton for the live musical based on the 2002 Broadway musical. According to the Huffington Post, Grande took to Twitter to make the announcement and wrote, "I am now a checkerboard chick #HairsprayLive #Penny."

I AM NOWWW A CHECKERBOARD CHICK #HairsprayLive #Penny

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 7, 2016

She could barely contain her excitement as she reveals the role had been "a dream" of hers since the play opened on Broadway.

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 — Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 7, 2016

She then said, "I'm so honoured and beyond excited to be a part of this dream cast... I will for sure pass out at the table read."

anyway... 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. #HairsprayLive

— Ariana Grande (@ArianaGrande) July 7, 2016

NBC's Entertainment chairman Robert Greenblatt stated that NBC are "absolutely thrilled" to have Grande joining the cast. "She's also a Broadway baby at heart, having debuted on Broadway when she was 15, and will be fantastic in the delightful role of Penny Pingleton. We look forward to her millions of fans seeing yet another side of this multifaceted performer and we welcome her to this incredible ensemble of artists." Hairspray Live will premier on NBC in December. More stories: Transgender Eastenders star reveals how he came out to his parents in public Man who murdered teenage girl at Jerusalem Pride sentenced to life in prison