The transgender actress will take on the role of the "sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania" in a new TV production of Richard O'Brien's cult movie musical.

Confirming the casting news via Twitter on Wednesday (21Oct15), Cox writes, "I am so excited to be a part of #RockyHorror legacy."

Tim Curry originated the role on stage and screen, and the mad scientist has also been played by Buffy The Vampire Slayer star Anthony Head, singer Jason Donovan and Jonathan Wilkes.

The 1975 movie, which also featured Meat Loaf, O'Brien, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick, is currently celebrating its 40th anniversary. The planned TV version, which will be directed and choreographed by High School Musical and This Is It mastermind Kenny Ortega, is expected to hit the small screen in America towards the end of next year (16).

Gail Berman and Lou Adler, who co-produced the original film, are attached as executive producers, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Further casting details have been kept under wraps.

In a recent cast reunion piece for Entertainment Weekly, Curry recalled seeing the 1975 film for the first time at a theatre in Greenwich Village, New York City.

"It was odd because I was living in the building behind the Waverly," he recalled. "I did go, and I was thrown out because they thought I was an imposter, not actually me. 'Get out of here' is exactly what they said."

The British actor also revealed he sang Little Richard's Tutti Frutti at his audition for the iconic role, and based the character's posh voice on a woman he heard talking about retirement on a London bus.