Joyful leading lady's part (4)

I believe the answer is:

glad

'joyful' is the definition.
('glad' can be similar in meaning to 'joyful')

'leading lady's part' is the wordplay.
'part' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'GLAD' is hidden within 'leading lady'.

(Other definitions for glad that I've seen before include "Feeling happy" , "Made up" , "happiness" , "Pleased, delighted" , "bright?" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.

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