‘Glee’ Casts Helen Mirren in Midseason Return

She’s played a black-op spy, nanny to a 30 year old and the Queen of England. Now, in a scheme characteristic of this quirky Academy Award winner, TVLine reports that Helen Mirren is to grace the stage of Glee; or, rather, the mind of an unknown gleek. Although co-director Ryan Murphy promised a season uncluttered by glamorous guest stars, we guess even Glee makes exceptions for Hollywood royalty.

Mirren, will be making her Glee debut in the show’s midseason return on Jan. 17 playing the “inner voice” of a character yet to be revealed. What is being told is who else will be in the episode with her. More star power? We’ll take it.

Real Housewives of Atlanta’s NeNe Leakes will also be making an appearance in the upcoming January episode entitled “Yes/No”. Leakes, who is known for her feisty outgoing nature on Housewives ATL, will be spicing up McKinley High as the new synchronized swim coach.

With these two fabulous leading ladies, Glee’s midseason return promises to be a night that will bring down the house. Forget the TiVo, this episode needs to be watched live. Long live the queen.

Lessons Learned from McKinley High

It’s hard to be the new kid at any high school, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned from Glee it’s how to survive the initiation period. To complete this transformation you’ll need a few essentials – mainly an amazing singing voice. Stir in a peppy attitude, some quirky physical features and you’re well on your way.

WARNING: This transformation is not for the weak of heart. New Directions members may (most likely) suffer locker throw downs, slushies to the face and borderline stalking via obsessive student media bloggers and/or Cheerios coach Sue Sylvestor. But, through thick and thin, leprechauns and student/teacher romances you’ll be well on your way to finding your place at McKinley, along with building friendships to last a lifetime. Good luck, fellow Gleeks. Here’s to senior year being the best Ohio has to offer.