Harry's visa problems
Simpsons star loses BBC work
Simpsons star Harry Shearer has been forced to cancel an appearance on a Radio 4 comedy show because of problems with his work permit.
The Amercican actor, who also starred in Spinal Tap, had flown to the UK to record his part in Not Today Thank You last night.
However, his role had to be taken by Dead Ringers star Mark Perry at the last minute.
A BBC spokeswoman said: ‘The recording is still going ahead as planned - and we are doing all we can to resolve the problem.’
The 62-year-old was to play Nostrils, one of the bizarre tenants living in the house of a faded radio host played by Five Live's Brian Hayes.
The BBC hopes he will be able to star in the remaining five episodes, the next of which is due to be recorded next week.
Shearer, whose Simpsons voices include Monty Burns and Waylan Smithers, is also due to perform a full run at the Edinburgh Fringe this year with his British wife Judith Owen, which will not be affected by this work permit issue.
Not Today Thank You, written by former Morrissey drummer Andrew McGibbon, is due to air on August 22.
Published: 18 Jul 2006
