Branagh Joins Homer's Odyssey To Ireland

It has emerged that one of Northern Irealnd's best-known actors, north Belfast-born Kenneth Branagh is to be the voice of his cartoon persona - in an episode of The Simpsons.
The original 'Billy', in the Graham Reid-penned series of 'Billy' plays that put the young actor on the road to international stardom, the Shakespearean actor and lately director, Kenneth Branagh is perhaps now to get the final accolade, starring alongside Homer Simpson and his dysfunctional family as an Irish pub landlord in an episode of the hugely successful iconic animation.
The Oscar-nominated star has already recorded his contribution for the role.
The storyline sees Homer and his father travelling to Ireland to buy a pub, owned by Branagh.
Simpsons' executive producer Al Jean said he was pleased with the Ulster actor's contribution.
"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."
The north Belfast star's slot follows Ballymena's Liam Neeson, who has also featured in the family drama.
He played Father Sean, an Eminem-quoting Catholic priest, who used graphic stories and comic books to interest Bart on to the "cooler" parts of Catholicism.
(BMcC)