United Kingdom, Sept. 8 -- Sherri Shepherd is the first woman ever to be cast as the Genie in Disney's Aladdin.

The 58-year-old talk show host is heading to Broadway in the iconic role popularised by Robin Williams in the studio's 1992 animated classic, and she'll be making theatre history in New York City this October.

Disney's production, which has been running for 11 years, will debut a new cast next month with Sherri taking on the beloved character.

As reported by Entertainment Weekly, this means she will be the first woman to play the role in any of Disney's 11 stage adaptations around the world.

The former View host said in a statement: "Joining Aladdin on Broadway is an absolute dream come true - and an incredible honour.

"The...