Latino pop hunk Prince Royce and country star-turned-TV chef Trisha Yearwood are to lead the cast of a new TV Bible musical.

Yearwood will play Jesus Christ's mother Mary in the television event, while Prince Royce will take on the role of disciple Peter, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Tyler Perry was previously announced as the host and narrator for the live event, which will air on Palm Sunday (20Mar16).

Executives at Fox announced the casting news at the Television Critics Association's winter press tour on Friday (15Jan16).

The Passion chronicles the final hours of Christ's life on Earth, and follows the biblical events of the Last Supper, before Jesus was crucified and resurrected.

Set in modern day New Orleans, Louisiana, the TV event will also feature a procession of Christians carrying a huge illuminated cross from the city's Superdome venue to Woldenburg Park on the banks of the Mississippi River.