Groening wants Madonna for 'Simpsons'

Madonna has been chased by the creator of hit TV series The Simpsons to appear in a cameo role as herself in an upcoming episode.

Matt Groening is said to have been desperate to sign the singer up and if she agrees she would join a host of celebrities that have already appeared as themselves in the animated series.

Simon Cowell, Michael Jackson, Sir Paul McCartney and former Prime Minister Tony Blair have all appeared in episodes alongside Homer and Bart.

Groening said: "We would love her to do the show. She's one of the people we haven't been able to get yet."

He also denied that the show would be ending following the release of a movie version of the cartoon. He said: "It's going to carry on for another few years at least. There is no reason to stop. Our goal is to keep surprising people."