Javicia Leslie is set to become the first black actress to play Batwoman in the TV  show’s upcoming second season.

She will replace Ruby Rose who stepped down from the role in May, Warner Bros has announced. 

Leslie, 33, said: “I am extremely proud to be the first black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honoured to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.”

She will however not play Rose’s character Kate Kane, but will instead portray a new character named Ryan Wilder. 

Rose congratulated her on the role, writing: "OMG!! This is amazing!! I am so glad Batwoman will be played by an amazing Black woman. I want to congratulate Javicia Leslie on taking over the bat cape.

“You are walking into an amazing cast and crew. I can’t wait to watch season 2 you are going to be amazing.”

The show is expected to come to screens early next year.