The singer recalled being directed by Stiller in an unusual scene for Zoolander 2 while promoting their upcoming comedy Focker-in-Law alongside Robert De Niro.

Ariana Grande has shared the unusual story of how she first met actor and director Ben Stiller while working on the 2016 comedy Zoolander 2.

The singer and actress recalled the experience during an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she joined Stiller and Robert De Niro to promote their upcoming film Focker-in-Law.

Grande joked about her first encounter with Stiller, revealing that he was directing her in an unusual scene involving a hippo and Susan Sarandon.

“He was directing me in an orgy scene in Zoolander 2 with a hippo and Susan Sarandon,” she said.

She added that they immediately felt comfortable working together. Stiller playfully described their instant connection as a “connection”, adding to the humour of the conversation.

Grande made a cameo appearance in Zoolander 2, which Stiller directed and starred in.

The actress is now joining the popular Fockers franchise in its fourth instalment, Focker-in-Law. She plays Olivia Jones, who is dating Henry Focker, the son of Greg and Pam Focker.

Grande said she felt honoured to be invited to join the cast and praised the screenplay written by director John Hamburg.

During the programme, she also recalled meeting De Niro backstage on The Tonight Show around 11 years ago, when they took a selfie alongside her mother.

The reunion has added excitement to the promotion of the latest Fockers comedy.