Lady Gaga replaces Beyonce in A Star Is Born remake after wowing Bradley Cooper in audition

Lady Gaga has come to the rescue with reports that the pop star is replacing Beyoncé in the remake of A Star Is Born. The Born This Way hitmaker is said to have impressed lead star Bradley Cooper in auditions and is now set to star alongside the actor in the modern retelling of the Judy Garland classic.

Cooper, 41, has reportedly been instrumental in the casting process and was present at Gaga's first audition for the film, according to the New York Post's Page Six. A source told the publication: "Bradley flew out to direct Gaga, 30, in the audition himself, and she knocked it out of the park. Then he personally took the tape to Warner Bros. to get approval."

In November 2015, it was reported that Beyoncé was on-board for the Warner Bros film but her departure from the project was revealed four months later in March 2016. Sources alleged that the Formation singer had demanded an $8 million (£6m) salary "plus all the perks" but the studio was not willing to dish out such a hefty pay cheque.

An insider told Page Six at the time: "Beyoncé wanted too much money, and Warner Bros balked at her price. The production budget was also said to be an issue with the studio." The budget for the remake is said to be $40m.

The classic remake of A Star Is Born (first made in 1937) was released in 1954 and featured Judy Garland, James Mason and Jack Carson in the lead roles. The story centres on an ageing, struggling movie star with alcohol addiction who begins a romance with a young actress while helping to propel her career. The remake will be Bradley Cooper's directorial debut and he is also expected to star in the film.

Since 2011, the reboot has suffered many delays with legendary film star Clint Eastwood originally lined-up as director and actors Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Cruise, Christian Bale and Will Smith among those rumoured for the lead role.

Lady Gaga, real name Stefani Germanotta, has enjoyed a successful transition from music to acting with her critically-acclaimed role in American Horror Story: Hotel earning the singer a Golden Globe award for best actress in a mini-series or television film. The Applause hitmaker has also starred in the films Sin City: A Dame To Kill For and Machete Kills.

Beyoncé, 34, is said to be intent on reviving her acting career after a string of film roles, including Dreamgirls, Cadillac Records, Obsessed and The Pink Panther. The singer is currently performing on the Formation World Tour in promotion of her sixth album Lemonade.