Each member of the cartoon family is played by an actor

The live-action trailer was created by Sky One originally as an advert for the UK channel and was quickly circulated via e-mail across the world by fans.

Sky said it was delighted the creators of The Simpsons had loved the advert.

The trailer will be shown on Fox in the US on Sunday ahead of a high-profile episode written and starring The Office creator Ricky Gervais.

Nuclear rod

The episode, entitled Homer Simpson: This Is Your Wife, sees Gervais' character move into the Simpsons' household as the family take part in an episode of reality show Wife Swap.

The opening shot features Bart writing on a blackboard

The live-action trailer will not replace the traditional opening sequence, but will be shown beforehand.

Sky and advertising agency Devilfish created the live sequence, which was intended as an on-air promotion for Sky One.

It features The Simpson's memorable opening shots, such as Bart writing on the school blackboard, Homer discarding a nuclear rod and the family racing to sit on the sofa.

A Sky spokesman said: "The response to the trailer has been incredible. We never imagined it being so big - it's fantastic.

"It was great to hear that Fox and The Simpsons team loved it as well."