Lady Gaga denies Cilla casting in Dionne Warwick biopic

A representative of Lady Gaga has quashed reports the singer has been cast as Cilla Black in a film based on the life of soul singer Dionne Warwick, as previously reported.

Speaking to Variety, the singer's publicist said: "Lady Gaga is not attached and will not appear in the project.

"Reports of Gaga starring in the project are false."

Warwick was not on good terms with British singer Black, who died last year at the age of 72. She felt that Black's version of Anyone Who Had A Heart, which shot to number one in 1963, eclipsed her original.

Dionne Warwick had announced details of the film and its cast at the Cannes film festival on Friday.The film will cover the early part of her career in the 1960s.

It was announced that former Destiny's Child singer LeToya Luckett will play Dionne Warwick, with Danny Glover starring as her father.

Lady Gaga's name did appear on a poster for the film which was unveiled at the festival.

It had been reported that Cilla Black's representatives were fully onboard with the casting. A statement released by her estate said:

“We think Lady Gaga is fabulous! She’s a great actress and we really look forward to seeing her portrayal."