William Shatner reveals why he hasn't said yes to The Big Bang Theory

William Shatner is bringing his one-man show, Shatner's World, to New Zealand this October. Photo / Getty Images

William Shatner has revealed why he's so far turned down offers to make a guest appearance on The Big Bang Theory.

The iconic entertainer, who is bringing his one-man show Shatner's World, The Return Down Under to New Zealand in October, told news.com.au why he has yet to be seen on the hit sitcom.

"Well, they have on more than one occasion asked me to be on the show and I've said, 'OK, Bob Newhart won an Emmy for guesting on that show. Write me something that I would have a chance to win an Emmy.' So they said they would and so far they haven't."

Shatner previously opened up to Digital Spy about the roles he's been offered on The Big Bang Theory. He said: "What they wanted me to do, didn't seem to be exactly right, so I said, 'Find something that's better.'

"They may have taken umbrage at that, I'm not sure.

"They wanted me to play myself a little obliquely, and they said it would work out, but I needed more assurance on that."

If Shatner does eventually agree to appear on the show, he'll join a long list of "geek gods" who have popped up on the sitcom. The list so far includes Buzz Aldrin, Stephen Hawking, Steve Wozniak, Bill Nye, Carrie Fisher, Elon Musk and even a couple of Shatner's former Star Trek pals, Leonard Nimoy and George Takei.

The latter stars are just two people who will undoubtedly get a mention in Shatner's World, a one-man show in which the 87-year-old will take the audience on a theatrical voyage through his life and career.

"It's a fun show. There are a lot of laughs and you get addicted to making people laugh and the good feeling that's generated by laughter," Shatner told news.com.au. "And then there's some meaningful moments."

Shatner's World - The Return Down Under:

• October 13 - Auckland, The Civic
• October 14 - Christchurch, Isaac Theatre Royal
• October 15 - Wellingotn, Opera House

For ticket details go to www.shatnerdownunder.com