Professor Brian Cox makes space for role in Postman Pat

Postman Pat with space expert Professor Farrow

It's not a star role, but Professor Brian Cox has landed a part in children's TV show Postman Pat.

The physicist, 49, appears in animated form, voicing the role of space expert Professor Farrow in an episode of the show which airs on Wednesday.

In real life, the pop star turned TV presenter is in Australia, filming Stargazing Live.

In the CBeebies show's Greendale setting, Professor Cox's alter-ego Professor Farrow recreates the surface of the moon.

Brian Cox with models of Postman Pat and his cat Jess

The episode will see Postman Pat, who has always yearned to be an astronaut, attempting to make a special delivery of a space suit after his van breaks down.

:: The new episode airs at 7.25am on Wednesday.