Stranger Things' Shannon Purser will join Kiwi actor KJ Apa in Riverdale

Shannon Purser (Barb from Stranger Things) is joining the Riverdale cast lead by NZ's own KJ Apa.

A fan favourite from hit series Stranger Things is joining the upcoming TV show Riverdale, led by Kiwi actor KJ Apa.

Shannon Purser played Stranger Things' alternative, no-nonsense speaker of truth known as Barb - best friend of main player Nancy Wheeler.

Barb won over fans with her alternative fashion sense and realist attitude in the Netflix hit, with many praising her relatability - which spawned the hashtag "We are all Barb".

It was Purser's first role and it's since seen her catapulted into internet fame, as well as a new role in Riverdale, the much anticipated TV adaptation of the Archie comics.

The 19-year-old actor took to Twitter to announce the role saying she will be playing Ethel Muggs, a character traditionally similar to Barb only more boy-obsessed.

She also told her followers how proud she was that someone one of her size and shape had made it in Hollywood.

Purser will join Kiwi actor KJ Apa, who is leading the cast as its main character Archie Andrews.

The show has been described as a "subversive take" on the comics, with Archie, Betty, Veronica and the rest of the gang exploring "the darkness and weirdness bubbling beneath Riverdale's wholesome facade".

Apa's Archie is reportedly an "intense, conflicted teen", juggling his passion for music with the interest of several girls, one of whom may be Purser.

Entertainment Weekly reports Purser will have a recurring role in the first few episodes in which she'll be involved in a romance with someone who isn't Jughead - her love interest from the original Archie.

The pilot for Riverdale is expected to air in the US in January or February 2017.