Marge Simpson to pose for 'Playboy'

Marge Simpson has been selected as the cover star for an upcoming issue of Playboy, according to reports.

The matriarch from long-running animated comedy series The Simpsons will reportedly strip off for the November issue of the men's magazine.

Rumours that the character would appear nude were fuelled by Hugh Hefner, who had promised a "surprise" for fans of the cartoon.

Speaking to the Chicago Sun Times, CEO Scott Flanders branded the photoshoot as "obviously somewhat tongue-in-cheek".

He went on to say that he hoped the spread would help attract readers in their 20s, adding: "It had never been done, and we thought it would be kind of hip, cool and unusual."

Her appearance in the magazine will coincide with the 20th anniversary of the show.