Actress Sofia Vergara set to join The Simpsons

Actress Sofia Vergara is set to join The Simpsons. Photo / Getty Images

Colombian beauty Sofia Vergara is getting animated and heading back to school as a new character on long-running cartoon series The Simpsons.

The Modern Family star has been cast as teacher Mrs. Berrera, who Bart Simpson starts to develop feelings for as he goes through early puberty.

The show's executive producer, Al Jean, says of the character, "She pays special attention to him."

Bart and his school head Principal Skinner subsequently become love rivals as they vie for Mrs. Berrera's affections.

Bart Simpson in a scene from The Simpsons.

Jean tells Entertainment Weekly, "We thought it'd be interesting if both Bart and Skinner have a crush on the same woman. She feels Skinner is a wounded soul that she wants to take care of."

Vergara's episode, titled Teenage Mutant Milk-Caused Hurdles, is set to air as part of the upcoming 27th season, and Jean reveals the actress could be back for future episodes: "(Vergara) was really funny and we were glad to have her."

Vergara, who previously voiced characters for Family Guy and The Cleveland Show, shoots Modern Family just steps away from The Simpsons' studios.

- WENN