He won't be back! Nicole Kidman takes over from Arnold Schwarzenegger as latest Hollywood signing for price comparison ad... and goes on a date with a meerkat

By Sophia Moir For Mailonline

Published: 19:54 EST, 1 October 2015 | Updated: 01:23 EST, 2 October 2015

She said she wanted to push herself after signing up to appear in the West End after a 15-year theatre hiatus.

And it seems actress Nicole Kidman, 48, has certainly stepped away from her usual roles as she's just been unveiled as the new face of price comparison website comparethemarket.com, famous for its cuddly meerkat mascots.

The Oscar-winning star takes over fellow Hollywood superstar Arnold Schwarzenegger, 68, who fronted the campaign from April this year.

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Meerkat Rouge: Nicole Kidman, 48, has certainly stepped away from her usual roles as she's just been unveiled as the new face of price comparison website comparethemarket.com, famous for its cuddly meerkat mascots

Meerkat Rouge: Nicole Kidman, 48, has certainly stepped away from her usual roles as she's just been unveiled as the new face of price comparison website comparethemarket.com, famous for its cuddly meerkat mascots

In the 40-second television advert, mother-of-four Nicole is seen arriving at the door of meerkat Aleksandr's LA mansion - but she proceeds to go on a date with his pal, Sergei.

Much to Aleksandr's annoyance, the Australian actress finds Sergei adorable for using his Meerkat Movies code to take her to the cinema, and is seen stroking his face affectionately. 

The 40-second ad will air for the first time during The X Factor on ITV1 at 7.15pm.

Adorable: In the 40-second television advert, mother-of-four Nicole is seen arriving at the door of meerkat Aleksandr's LA mansion - but she proceeds to go on a date with his pal, Sergei

Adorable: In the 40-second television advert, mother-of-four Nicole is seen arriving at the door of meerkat Aleksandr's LA mansion - but she proceeds to go on a date with his pal, Sergei

Coming to TV screens: Seen getting her make-up done on set, the 40-second ad will air for the first time during The X Factor on ITV1 at 7.15pm

Coming to TV screens: Seen getting her make-up done on set, the 40-second ad will air for the first time during The X Factor on ITV1 at 7.15pm

Rumours began to circulate that Nicole would be fronting the campaign a few months ago, and an insider told The Sun that it would be a 'great coup' for the brand.

A source told newspaper: 'Nicole is one of Hollywood's finest so it'll be a great coup for the brand. 

Talks are ongoing, but if she does get the gig it's sure to be a lot of fun. She will be up for having a laugh with meerkats.' 

Meanwhile, the stunning actress - who's married to country singer Keith Urban - continues to perform in the hit play Photograph 51 at London's Noel Coward Theatre.

Surprise move: Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger were surprised to see the blockbuster tough guy appear in the company's adverts earlier this year

Surprise move: Fans of Arnold Schwarzenegger were surprised to see the blockbuster tough guy appear in the company's adverts earlier this year

Nicole assumes the role of Rosalind Franklin, a scientist whose research led to the understanding of DNA, in the sell-out play.

The actress previously told of her excitement at playing the legendary chemist, telling Vogue she was getting her 'PhD in DNA' through the production.

The role is particularly poignant for the Aussie star following the sudden death of her biochemist father last year.

It also marks her return to theatre after a 15-year hiatus, a prospect which she says was daunting before the three-month-run began.

'Even Keith was like, "Why are we doing this?"' she told the magazine.

'I need to now push myself into a place I haven’t been for a long time,' she continued. 

West End star: Meanwhile, the stunning actress - who's married to country singer Keith Urban - continues to perform in the hit play Photograph 51 at London's Noel Coward Theatre

West End star: Meanwhile, the stunning actress - who's married to country singer Keith Urban - continues to perform in the hit play Photograph 51 at London's Noel Coward Theatre

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