Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson is set to make her Broadway debut in 'The Color Purple'.

The 33-year-old Oscar and Grammy winner will play Shug Avery in the revival of the musical, which will be co-produced by Oprah Winfrey, later this year.

Organisers for the production announced the 'Spotlight' hitmaker will take to the stage in New York City for the first time next autumn.

Sources told the New York Post that Oprah, who starred in the 1985 film adaptation of the musical, personally called Jennifer to ask her to star in the show.

The 'Dreamgirls' actress has been eager to star on Broadway for several years and recently admitted she wants to add a Tony award and an Emmy award to her collection.

She said: "I would love to do theatre and television.

"I should get two more dogs. I got a dog and I named it Oscar and then I won my Oscar. And then I got a dog and named it Grammy and then I won my Grammy.

"So I think I should get some dogs and name them Emmy and Tony - and it'll give me good luck and I'll win ... [They're] like my good luck charms."