Whoopi Goldberg to guest star in Nicki Minaj's TV sitcom

Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg has signed on to make a guest appearance in Nicki Minaj's forthcoming TV comedy.

The rap superstar announced plans to develop an autobiographical family series based in her adopted hometown of Queens, New York in September (15), and now Nicki has revealed casting details for the show via Instagram.

According to a screenshot of a press release, up-and-coming child star Ariana Neal, who has appeared in the films Get Hard and Fruitvale Station, will portray the young Nicki onscreen, while model-turned-actress Selita Ebanks has landed the part of her mom, Grace.

The Originals' McCarrie McCausland will play Nicki's older brother Jaylen, while Wesley Jonathan from The Soul Man has been cast as their dad, Vincent.

Ghost star Whoopi will appear as Nicki's neighbor, Miss Martha.

"I am honored and excited to announce that I've literally hand picked the main characters of my scripted series Nicki," the Anaconda rapper writes in the caption.

"I've been going to the auditions falling in love with some incredible people. Looking forward to unveiling this groundbreaking new show for you guys in 2016!"

Nicki will serve as executive producer of the show, which will center on her childhood in Queens and her rise to stardom. It is expected to air next year (16) on America's ABC Family network, which is set to be renamed Freeform in January (16).

Nicki recently admitted she was being very hands-on with the comedy's creative process and had been attending casting sessions in person.

"I am maybe too involved," she told Billboard magazine. "Two days ago I was in casting. I'm going back tomorrow. I found one girl who I'm obsessed with who might play me, and someone who could rival her. So I've been coaching them both. I do a beat, let them rap. I do little dances with them. It has been magical. I didn't even know I had it in me, but I love children so much."