David Beckham was approached by the creators of the popular animated series The Simpsons to make a cameo appearance, but was turned down as show's bosses didn't think he was famous enough.

Al Jean, the show's principal writer and executive producer, said: "We had a request from David Beckham and I had to phone him up and tell him sorry but I didn't want him on the show right now. I don't think he was a big enough star for American audiences."

The Simpsons have become famous for its cameo appearances, with The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson, Hugh Hefner and Richard Gere all turning yellow for the show.