Rihanna confirms she is working on her new album

Artist appeared on the Graham Norton show to promote her new film Ocean's 8

Left to right: Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson, Rihanna and Helena Bonham Carter on the Graham Norton Show (BBC)

Rihanna has revealed that she is currently in the studio working on the follow-up to her latest album ANTI.

The pop star appeared on The Graham Norton Show on 15 June to promote Ocean’s 8 with her fellow co-stars Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett, Sarah Paulson and Helena Bonham Carter.

“I am actually in the studio at the moment,” she told Norton when he asked her about a new album.

When questioned whether the new LP could be out by Christmas, she laughed and asked how much a fan had paid Norton to ask the question, before teasing: “You’ll just have to wait and see.”

Last month, it was revealed that the ‘Umbrella’ icon’s next record would be reggae-influenced, with new material said to have been inspired by Bob Marley and influential producer Supa Dups.

Vogue writer Chioma Nnandi said during a cover feature with Rihanna: “She plans to make a reggae album.”

During the show Rihanna also met Years & Years frontman Olly Alexander, who performed on the show and gifted her with a vinyl copy of the band’s upcoming album Palo Alto.

Alexander confessed he had been unable to sleep after finding out who would be on the show, and called Rihanna an “inspiration” – later posting a photo of the two together backstage.

He tweeted: "Rihanna was so warm and kind and genuine and I got to thank her for being the inspiration of life! I am never coming down from this!"