BACK FOR GOOD

Cynthia Erivo chats about her bond with Ariana Grande and the special way her devoted fans express their love

- KATIE ELLIS

After finding worldwide fame playing the witch Elphaba Thropp in the multiple award-winning film Wicked, Cynthia Erivo is now reprising her role in the movie's much anticipated sequel, Wicked: For Good.

The British actress and singer stars alongside the singer Ariana Grande, who plays Glinda in this prequel to the story of the Wizard of Oz.

Here, Cynthia, 38, discusses her close bond with her co-star, how Wicked changed her life and the possibility of adding an Academy Award to her haul of accolades.

Cynthia, what is it like to experience so much love from fans of Wicked?

"It's overwhelming. To hear people express what Wicked means to them, what our movie and the songs mean to them, is so special. It's happened since the first film and it's about to happen all over again.

"I'm excited to be out there with a very different movie, one we are so proud of, and for everyone to see it and enjoy it."

Your character had green skin in the first film and you agreed to have your head shaved to help with the make-up process. What made you keep the look?