ARIANA GRANDE has been busy working her magic.

I can reveal the star is about to land musical theatre’s most spellbinding part — her first as a lead on Broadway — bagging her dream role as the witch in Wicked.

16 Ariana missed the Brit Awards Credit: Getty - Contributor

The singer, who began treading the boards aged 13, made clear she had set her sights on playing the role of Elphaba when she joined SETH MacFARLANE on Apple’s ­Carpool Karaoke series last August.

She admitted she would “do it tomorrow” — and clearly caught the ears of Broadway bosses.

A source said: “This is a huge feat for Ariana. The role of Elphaba is one of the most coveted parts to play on Broadway. Only a very select group of actresses have been chosen over its 13-year run and Ariana is in talks to take the gig. Bosses believe she’s got the acting talent to take it on and think it’s a bonus that her pop star appeal can pull in fresh ­audiences.”

It’s a huge move for Ariana, who will take over the role from JACKIE BURNS.

16 The pop star will replace Jackie Burns Credit: Joan Marcus

The Grammy-winning production tells the untold story of the The Wizard Of Oz’s Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good, at the Gershwin Theatre in New York.

In the original ­production of the hit musical — now the seventh-longest-running in Broadway history — Elphaba was played by IDINA MENZEL, who won a Best Actress Tony Award for the part.

And with the role never before being going to a pop star, Ariana has big, pointy boots to fill.

The news comes after Ariana, who has also just wrapped up work on her fourth album, was forced to pull out of ­performing at the Brits awards last month due to illness, and was replaced by LIAM GALLAGHER at the last hour.

16 Ariana has yet to confirm the news Credit: Getty - Contributor

He could have given her some tips on how to be wicked.



Back in Nic of time for chart battle

NICOLA ROBERTS might be helping CHERYL craft her pop comeback, but she could soon be going into chart battle with her too.

The singer-songwriter has been so inspired while working with her GIRLS ALOUD bandmate she has decided to relaunch her own solo career. It comes seven years after Nicola’s debut record Cinderella’s Eyes flopped, peaking at No17 in the charts.

16 Nicola is taking a second chance at solo-stardom Credit: Getty Images - Getty

16 Nicola has even written songs for Little Mix Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Nicola said: “I’m currently writing my own record and also helping Cheryl with hers. Both are going really well. I’m loving being creative for myself again and it’s also great that me and Cheryl get to continue to work on music together.

“I get to experiment with my own music, which I love to do, and I get to make big pop songs with her. Best of both worlds.”

As well as penning hits for LITTLE MIX and LETHAL BIZZLE, Nicola was behind four tracks on Cheryl’s last album Only Human.

Cheryl will be hoping Nicola doesn’t keep the best material for herself.

Bizbit 50 CENT has been slammed for a cheap online post mocking hospitalised hip-hop rival RICK ROSS. Fiddy shared an Instagram snap of a scene from Rocky IV in which character Ivan Drago says: “If he dies, he dies.”



Becks boy's blush

16 Mum Victoria took to Instagram to wish her eldest son a happy birthday

HE turned 19 yesterday but I doubt BROOKLYN BECKHAM will grow out of being embarrassed by his famous parents.

POSH, pictured in New York on Saturday, sent her eldest birthday wishes with an Instagram snap of him and siblings ROMEO, CRUZ and HARPER, before DAVID added a gushing post: “So proud of the man you’ve grown into . . . Be passionate, be proud, be humble & be you . . . Love u bust.”

That came days after the ex-footballer was snapped with cheerleaders in Florida.

They could just write a ­private card like the rest of us.

Angie's angel delight

CONGRATULATIONS to ANGELA SCANLON. I am thrilled to reveal that the Irish TV presenter has given birth for the first time – and it’s a baby girl.

16 The TV presenter has welcomed her first child Credit: Getty - Contributor

Angela and her husband, eco-entrepreneur Roy Horgan, welcomed their daughter into the world on February 25.

A spokesman for Angela said: “They’re delighted. Everything went really well and mother and baby are doing great – the couple are so happy to be home with their bundle of joy.”

The broadcaster broke her shock pregnancy news to fans on Instagram in November, writing: “So, I’ve been baking for six months now... and I’ve made a bun!”

What wonderful news.



Craig's chic coup

CRAIG DAVID is rewinding – back to the disco era.

16 The garage singer has been busy in the recording studio Credit: Splash News

The singer has revealed he has recorded new music with CHIC legend NILE RODGERS.

In an exclusive chat, Craig said: “I was with Nile recently and it was incredible. We were in the studio.

“Hopefully, if we both like what came out of the session … there was a full song finished and another we are going to finish.” It’s a huge coup for Craig but he says he wants future collaborations to reflect the best of rising talent.

He added: “I feel my responsibility is to bring through as many as I can.

16 Nile Rodgers is a great guitar player Credit: Splash News

“I’ve been given this opportunity to be on this platform. Let me have EGO ELLA MAY or AJ TRACEY, who people might not know. That excites me.

“It’s very easy to pull all the big names.”

Bizbit ASHTON KUTCHER says he and wife MILA KUNIS won’t be leaving their fortunes to their two children. Asked whether they had set up trust funds for them, he said: “We’ll end up ­giving our money away to charity.”



No Amber warning

AMBER HEARD might have expected to run in to ex JOHNNY DEPP over the Oscars weekend but it was businessman ELON MUSK, who she has split from twice, who she bumped into at the WME pre-Oscar party in Los Angeles.

16 Amber has been having trouble in the love department lately Credit: Splash News

The pair were first linked in 2016 then split in August last year due to their busy schedules. They briefly rekindled their relationship but they called it quits again last month.

After their first breakup Elon claimed Amber was the driving force in their split, saying: “I was really in love, and it hurt bad.”

Amber being dressed to impress in this glamorous beaded gown won’t have eased his heartache.



Rak-Su's big summer mix

THEY won The X Factor just three months ago, but RAK-SU are already mixing with the A-list.

16 Fans are hoping that Rak-Su will release music soon Credit: Splash News

The four-piece have the chance to learn from former winners LITTLE MIX, who have since gone on to become the world’s biggest girl band.

The girls are set to announce a greatest hits tour today and SIMON COWELL will be hoping some of their magic rubs off on his new recruits. A source revealed: “This is going to be an incredible opportunity for Rak-Su to get a feel for what life’s like at the top.

“There is already a lot of excitement about Rak-Su’s music and this will be a great opportunity to show it off.

“They’ve experienced The X Factor tour but this is a whole different level.”

16 The girl band will be going on a greatest hits tour Credit: Splash News

The Little Mix Summer Hits Tour kicks off on July 6 in Hove and winds up in Inverness on July 29. Count me in.

Bizbit MICHAEL SHEEN is ­putting his money where his mouth is. The Passengers actor says he would be prepared to take a pay cut to help achieve gender equality. Asked yesterday if he would take less money for a role to ensure equal pay for a female co-star, he said: “I think it’s absolutely imperative that . . . people should be paid the same for doing the same work. We’re not going to change anything unless that happens.”

Bizmeter: Dan's diary

Tuesday

16 Catherine Tate will be hosting this year's Olivier Awards

THE Olivier Awards nominations celebrating the best in British theatre are unveiled. Last week it was revealed that CATHERINE TATE will host the April 8 ceremony at the Royal Albert Hall, following her stage turns in Assassins, The Vote and Much Ado About Nothing, which also starred DAVID TENNANT.

Wednesday

16 The National Film awards take place this year Credit: Getty Images - Getty

LONDON’S Porchester Hall lights up for the National Film Awards. THE VAMPS, RICKY WILSON and, er, KEN LIVINGSTONE are among the guests who will see gongs doled out to winners of a public vote. HARRY STYLES, JUDE LAW and JULIE ANDREWS are among the stars shortlisted.

Friday

16 Una hopes to make it big as a country singer Credit: Getty Images - Getty

FORMER SATURDAYS singer UNA HEALY plays the C2C: Country To ­Country festival at the O2 Arena two years after entering the country music scene. Icons FAITH HILL, TIM McGRAW and LITTLE BIG TOWN will also perform. If, like me, you’re a huge fan of the genre, don’t miss out.

MOST READ IN BIZARRE Exclusive DELIVE-RAY Dancing On Ice winner Ray Quinn earning £11.40 an hour as Hermes delivery driver Exclusive A QUESTION OF COURTSHIP Alex Scott is dating Coronation Street hunk Sam Robertson Exclusive NOT THE END Rita Simons finds love with co-star weeks after revealing marriage split Exclusive TORVIL & 'LEENE Myleene Klass signs up for Dancing On Ice just weeks after getting engaged Exclusive MEL HELL 'Cheating' nanny helps Mel B's ex buy £1m pad while she lives in bungalow with mum Exclusive TO THE POINT If I ran BBC I’d remind them they're paid by licence fee, says Richard Osman

Sunday

16 The iHeartRadio Music Awards will see some big names performing this weekend Credit: PA:Press Association

AN array of stars descend on The Forum in California for the iHeartRadio Music Awards. ED SHEERAN, CARDI B, CHARLIE PUTH, CAMILA CABELLO will ­perform. Nominees include RIHANNA, SHAKIRA, DJ KHALED – who co-hosts with HAILEY BALDWIN – and CALVIN HARRIS.