Forthcoming movie Arthur and the Minimoys features Bowie's voice

Bowie lends his voice to a character called Lord Royal Highness for an episode of the sea bed-set series to be shown next year.

"At last. I've hit the Holy Grail of animation gigs," said the 59-year-old wrote on his website.

He has appeared in BBC sitcom Extras, as well as films including Labyrinth and Merry Christmas Mr Lawrence.

On recording for SpongeBob SquarePants, Bowie said: "We, the family, are thrilled.

"Nothing else need happen this year, well, this week anyway."

SpongeBob SquarePants has been a worldwide hit with children and built up a cult following among adults since its 1999 debut on children's channel Nickelodeon.