Ananova:

A US comedian claims he is the inspiration behind Moe the Barman, one of the best-loved characters in The Simpsons.

Rich Hall, 53, is best-known in Britain for his performances on Have I Got News For You and Never Mind The Buzzcocks.

He said he has always thought the cartoon landlord - who is obsessed with Homer's wife Marge - was rather like him.

"I suspected that Moe was based on me because I used to write with George Meyer back when he was one of the original writers on the show," he said.

"Matt Groening was a fan of my stuff. Other people said: "You look and sound just like Moe".

"Then Matt confirmed it. It's an honour, once you get over the shock of seeing yourself as a horrible, yellow caricature."