Belfast-born actor Kenneth Branagh has landed a role in The Simpsons, appearing as an Irish pub landlord.

The Oscar-nominated star, who’s most famous for his Shakespearean roles, has already recorded his part for the episode which will be screened shortly.

Executive producer Al Jean revealed the storyline involves Homer and his dad travelling to Ireland where they buy a traditional Irish pub.

“Homer and Grandpa go to this bar that Grandpa went to 40 years ago and it was the happiest night of his life,” he said.

But Ireland’s smoking ban scupers their chance of success.

“They get drunk, they buy the bar, and then they find, as it turns out, in Ireland, pubs aren’t so popular anymore because you can’t smoke in them, so they’re really up a creek.”

The executive producer, who has been the show’s chief writer since 1989, said he was impressed with Branagh’s performance.

“We just had Kenneth to record — he’s the pub owner that sells them the pub, and he’s actually Irish, so he was really nice and really great, of course,” he added.

Branagh, married to art director Lindsay Brunnock, joins a host of stars who have guested on the popular Matt Groening animated show which is now in its twentieth season.

Others who have appeared on the show include Tony Blair, Danny DeVito, Ringo Starr, Aerosmith and U2.