Cleese has made a string of recent film cameos

He has become the latest big name to join the cast of the show, which has become well known for its guest roles from A-list celebrities and actors.

The roll call so far includes Demi Moore, Madonna, Gene Wilder, Sir Elton John and Michael Douglas.

Among those expected on the show this season are Mira Sorvino and Dylan McDermott.

Cleese, a co-founder of Monty Python's Flying Circus and creator of Fawlty Towers, was cast partly because of an earlier Emmy-winning performance in an episode of US sitcom Cheers.

He recently appeared on the big screen in Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle, Die Another Day and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

In Will & Grace, Cleese will play Lestor Finster, father of Lorraine Finster, played by Minnie Driver.

His character will have a romantic relationship with Karen Walker (Megan Mullally) - whose late husband was having an affair with Lorraine.

The plot twist involving Cleese puts Lorraine and Karen in the strange position of daughter and stepmother.

"The budding and perverse romance between Lestor and Karen is going to span the whole season," the show's executive producer Jeff Greenstein said.

Driver is also returning to the show for up to six episodes for more comic clashes with Mullally's character - Lorraine tried to murder Karen in the finale of the show's last season in May.