(BANG) -Katy Perry wants to work on her acting career.

The 27-year-old star intends to follow in ex-husband Russell Brand's footsteps and appear on screen portraying different characters.

The 'California Gurls' singer is secretly taking acting lessons in the hope of landing a sitcom role.

A friend told the Daily Star newspaper: ''Despite her pop success she knows her music career won't last forever. And as she found out with Russell, all that touring isn't good for maintaining a relationship.''

Katy split from 37-year-old Russell in December and has since been coached in serious drama and comic acting.

The friend continued: ''She'd love to be in a sit-com.''

Katy recently enjoyed a romantic date with John Mayer at the Four Seasons hotel.

She was spotted heading into the luxury Beverly Hills hotel just minutes after the infamous womanizer - who she has been spotted with several times since last week - had stepped through its doors.

Katy was smiling and carrying a small wrapped gift as she entered the lobby to meet the long-haired singer.

The couple were first romantically linked last Wednesday (01.08.12) when they were spotted leaving exclusive Hollywood nightspot Chateau Marmont.