The cast of Glee are to pay respect to the late Whitney Houston in a special tribute episode to be aired later this series.

The Hollywood Reporter confirmed yesterday that the show will feature eight of the soul diva’s classic songs in a storyline centred around several of its graduating seniors including Rachel (Lea Michele), Finn (Cory Monteith) and Kurt (Chris Colfer).

The hit musical comedy, which in the past has dedicated episodes to the likes of Lady Gaga, Britney Spears and Madonna, had previously honoured Houston with a memorial card following Amber Riley’s performance of ‘I Will Always Love You,’ coincidentally screened just days after the star’s death.

But Glee musical supervisor, P.J. Bloom, revealed soon after that a further celebration of her work was likely to follow: "As soon as the news hit, I texted Ryan and said, 'We should do something.” If we don't celebrate her in one complete episode, I'm sure we'll continue to acknowledge her music in the show."

The news comes less than 24 hours after Lea Michele hinted about the show, tweeting: “Starting a new episode today. A very special tribute to one of the world’s most amazing singers. Very excited about this one.”