Homer kicks unknown Becks into touch

Doh! Soccer star David Beckham has been kicked into touch for a cameo role on The Simpsons – because he is not famous enough.

Creators of the show were planning to approach him to see if he would agree to be written into the hit cartoon, celebrating its 300th episode on Sky One on April 20.

But executive producer Al Jean yesterday said he was barely known to audiences in the United States, where the series is made.

Speaking in London, Jean said: "We thought about Becks but soccer isn't as big over there. He's not really famous enough. We thought about it, we didn't ask. I've heard of him because my daughter plays soccer."

He was to be approached to appear in a special with Homer and co, set in Britain, when the dysfunctional family visits London.

Notable guest voices for the programme to be screened in the future include Ian McKellen and Harry Potter creator JK Rowling, both playing themselves.

Rowling recorded her part via satellite. Jean said: "Lisa asks her: 'Could you tell me what happens in the last Harry Potter book?' She replies: 'He grows up and marries you is that what you want to hear?'"

Another forthcoming guest is British actress Jane Leeves, one of the highest-paid women in TV due to her role as Daphne in comedy series Frasier. "She plays Homer's half-sister a female British version of Homer."

Al Jean was in London to celebrate the milestone 300th episode of The Simpsons which is one of the highlights of the spring and summer season of shows on Sky One.

Other programmes include The Rachel Hunter Documentary, in which the model discusses her life in a video diary-style show.