ACTRESS/MUSICIAN BETH DITTO JOINS CAST OF FOX ENTERTAINMENT'S HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MIDSEASON DRAMA SERIES, "MONARCH"

All-New Country Music-Themed Family Drama, Wholly Owned and Financed by FOX Entertainment, Scheduled to Debut with Two-Night Premiere, Beginning Sunday, January 30, Immediately Following NFC Championship on FOX

Ditto to Play a Member of Country's Music's Leading Family, Joining Previously Announced Cast Members Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel and Trace Adkins

Musician and actress Beth Ditto has been cast in a leading role in MONARCH, FOX Entertainment's highly anticipated midseason drama from creator/executive producer Melissa London Hilfers, executive producer/showrunner Michael Rauch and executive producers Gail Berman, Hend Baghdady and Jason Owen. Ditto joins previously announced cast members Susan Sarandon, Anna Friel and Trace Adkins.

MONARCH is a Texas-sized, multi-generational musical drama about America's first family of country music. The series, 100%-owned by FOX Entertainment, debuts with a special two-night event beginning Sunday, Jan. 30, immediately following the NFC CHAMPIONSHIP, and continuing on Tuesday, Feb. 1.

In MONARCH, Ditto will portray GIGI TAYLOR-ROMAN, the younger daughter of country music legends DOTTIE CANTRELL ROMAN (Sarandon) and ALBIE ROMAN (Adkins). Although very close to her sister and heir to the crown NICOLETTE "NICKY" ROMAN (Friel), in a family of superstars, Gigi has always felt like a bit of an outcast, in spite of her incredible singing voice.

A talented musician and a burgeoning actress, Beth Ditto continues to make her mark on the entertainment industry. She recently was featured in the comedy "On Becoming A God In Central Florida," alongside Kristen Dunst and Mel Rodriguez. Ditto first emerged as an actress in director Gus Van Sant's "Don't Worry He Won't Get Far On Foot," alongside Joaquin Phoenix. The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. Ditto began her career as a multi-Platinum artist internationally, both as the frontwoman of Gossip and as a solo artist. She also has been an influential muse in the world of fashion -- having had two plus-sized luxury clothing lines, a cosmetic deal with Mac and performing/walking in shows for GUCCI, Marc Jacobs and Gaultier. As an outspoken LGBT and feminist icon, her hit song with GOSSIP, "Standing In The Way Of Control," was written as a response to the Federal Marriage Amendment, which would have constitutionally outlawed same-sex marriage in the U.S. It became an anthem, as well as the soundtrack for the teen drama "Skins."

MONARCH is produced by FOX Entertainment. Screenwriter Melissa London Hilfers serves as creator, writer and executive producer. Michael Rauch ("Instinct," "Royal Pains") is an executive producer and showrunner. Gail Berman and Hend Baghdady (The Jackal Group) and top music manager Jason Owen (Sandbox Entertainment) also serve as executive producers. Jason Ensler ("The Passage") will direct and serve as an executive producer on the series premiere. Adam Anders will serve as executive music producer on MONARCH. The series will feature original music and covers.

-FOX-