Voice of iconic Simpsons character quits after 35 years on show

The voice actor behind one of the most iconic characters on The Simpsons has quit after working for a staggering 35 years on the show.

The beloved cartoon programme, which first hit our screens way back when in 1989, has cemented itself as one of the longest-running sitcoms of all time, boasting hundreds upon hundreds of episodes.

And while we've all grown to love the weird yet wonderful chaos of The Simpsons family - Homer, Marge, Bart, Lisa and Maggie -, it's clear a number of the other supporting characters have also truly touched our hearts throughout the years.

One of these is none other than Bart's right-hand man, Milhouse Van Houten, who is famously voiced by Pamela Hayden.

Hayden has also lent her voice to play other characters on the show, such as teenage thug Jimbo Jones, Ned Flanders' son Rod, Chief Wiggum's wife and Ralph Wiggum's mother Sarah, and Lisa's pal Janey Powell.

However, after over three decades of bringing the blue-haired fourth grader's speech to life, she's decided to hang up her boots and start her retirement.

"It's been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show," the 70-year-old said in a statement.

Show creator Matt Groening added: "Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield.

"She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her."

The official The Simpsons Instagram page has since uploaded a touching tribute to Hayden, captioning the montage: "Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so many more, Pamela Hayden!

"Watch her final performance on #TheSimpsons this Sunday on @foxtv, next day on @hulu."

The voice actor commented: "After much deliberation, I have decided to retire from The Simpsons to pursue other creative outlets. Thanks to everyone for your love and support!"

Naturally, fans of the long-running cartoon programme were absolutely devastated by the news, with one Instagram user wondering: "Is this the untimely end of Milhouse???"

"We'll all miss Pamela voicing Milhouse & her other characters that she voiced on The Simpsons," penned a second, before adding: "I'm wondering who's gonna voice Milhouse & the other characters now."

A third praised: "Congratulations on your storied career as such an iconic character! Thanks for all the laughs."

"Thank you, Pamela, for all your years on The Simpsons!" gushed a fourth. "I will always appreciate and love your performance as Millhouse, and I wish you a happy retirement."

A fifth admitted: "Why am I crying??"

"Thanks for all the laughs. Enjoy retirement you’ve earned it!" echoed another before a final Instagram user resolved: "What a legacy!"

Indeed.