Minnelli lands hit sitcom role

Cabaret star Liza Minnelli has got herself a job – in the hit American television series Arrested Development.

The doe-eyed entertainer has agreed to do six episodes of the family comedy, which is executive produced by Apollo 13 director Ron Howard.

If the guest shots work out, Minelli’s contract could be extended.

Minnelli enthuses, "I'm having such fun doing it because I'm finally allowed to use my comic ability.

"When Ron Howard called me I was so surprised. He said, 'How would you like to do a couple of shows and see how you like it? You could be anyone you want to be. We'll figure it out.'"

The Arthur actress – who is currently going through a bitter divorce from fourth husband David Gest - will play a widowed socialite who develops a crush on Buster, the show’s neurotic student.