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.

Celebrity fans include Austin Powers actor Mike Myers, Oasis's Noel Gallagher and pop stars Justin Timberlake and Britney Spears.