BARACK OBAMA - OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ASKED TO APPEAR ON HANNAH MONTANA

OBAMA'S DAUGHTERS ASKED TO APPEAR ON HANNAH MONTANA

The two daughters of president-elect Barack Obama have been invited to appear on the hugely successful Hannah Montana show.

According to Billy Ray Cyrus, former country music star and father of the programme's lead actress Miley Cyrus, Malia, 10, and Sasha Obama, seven, have been invited to participate in an episode to be filmed in 2009.

"They probably will. The invitation is there," Billy Ray Cyrus told Access Hollywood in an interview. "You know the Hannah Montana film comes out in April. Maybe something might happen around then."

When asked for more details, he replied: "I can't, I can't. I have got to keep a secret."

With a merchandising empire worth around $1 billion, Hannah Montana is one of the most popular children's shows on the planet.

The Disney channel series has sparked tours, albums and a spin-off concert film while its teenage star Miley Cyrus has released two solo albums.

The young actress and singer, who turns 16 this month, said it would be "really cool" if the Obama girls were able to star in the show or visit the set.

Mr Obama has previously said that Malia is a big fan of the series, though it is not yet known how much media exposure he will permit his daughters once he is inaugurated.