Jennifer Hudson to guest star on ‘Smash’

London: Jennifer Hudson is scheduled to join US musical drama ‘Smash’ for a multi-episode storyline, during the show’s second season.

The 30-year-old will play the character of Veronica Moore, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star who ruffles the feathers of fellow characters Karen and Ivy. TV network NBC said that Hudson’s character would “represent someone who reached their Broadway dream but also paid a price for it”. The series is due to return to US TV screens early next year. “We’re thrilled to have Jennifer Hudson coming to ‘Smash,’” the BBC quoted Robert Greenblatt, chairman of NBC Entertainment as saying. “This series is a showcase for some of the best musical talent in the business and that’s a fitting description for Jennifer,” he said. Steven Spielberg, who serves as the executive producer on the show, further said that he was sure that Hudson will deliver inspiration to the audience. “First Dreamgirls, now Smash. I have no doubt Jennifer will continue to deliver even more inspiration to the audience responsible for giving us a second season on NBC,” he added. The show, which centres on the production of a Marilyn Monroe-based musical, also stars Angelica Huston, Katharine McPhee, Megan Hilty, Debra Messing and Jack Davenport. ANI