Javicia Leslie 'extremely proud' to be first black actress to play Batwoman

US actress Javicia Leslie will replace Ruby Rose as Batwoman, Warner Bros has announced.

Ms Leslie said she is “extremely proud” to be the first black actress to play the character and will make her debut in the show’s upcoming second season.

She was cast in the role after Ms Rose announced in May she was making the "very difficult decision" to step down.

In a statement, Ms Leslie 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.”

Ms Leslie is best known for starring in two seasons of TV comedy God Friended Me.

But she will not take over Ms Rose's character as Kate Kane in Batwoman. Instead, she will portray a new character named Ryan Wilder, described as "likeable and messy".

She will become the first black actress to play Batwoman in a live-action television or film production.

Ms Rose congratulated Ms Leslie on the role.

She wrote on Instagram: “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!”

Following Ms Rose’s departure, network The CW, Warner Bros Television and Berlanti Productions said they were "firmly committed" to Batwoman, confirming they would re-cast the role with another member of the LGBTQ community.

Announcing her decision to stand down from the role, Ms Rose said: “I have made the very difficult decision to not return to Batwoman next season.

“This was not a decision I made lightly as I have the utmost respect for the cast, crew and everyone involved with the show in both Vancouver and in Los Angeles.”

Batwoman airs on E4 in the UK.