The Simpsons just said goodbye to beloved character after nearly 30 years

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Simpsons season 37.

The Simpsons has said goodbye to yet another iconic character, who's been part of the TV show for almost three decades.

The fan-favourite American sitcom first debuted back in December 1989 and since then, more than 800 episodes have been broadcast - and it's not going anywhere anytime soon.

As per The Guardian, Fox has commissioned four more seasons, meaning when it's season 40 in 2028, The Simpsons will be the same age as Homer is in the show.

So, with this taken into consideration, it's understandable that writers would need to kill off a character or two as the years have gone on.

Recently, fans said goodbye to Alice Glick, an old lady and resident organist of the Church of Springfield, who was officially killed off during an episode in November, which saw her suddenly collapsed onto the piano and die during Reverend Lovejoy's sermon at the church.

The Simpsons fans have had to bid farewell to yet another character (Disney)

Not to mention the scare viewers got when the show 'killed off' Marge, in a flash forward - don't panic though, producers have since clarified that this was not canon and was simply speculative of what could happen.

However, another character recently departed from The Simpsons, but they didn't die, they instead entered 'forever retirement'.

We're talking about Duffman - full name Barry Duffman, or Barry Huffman - the mascot and chief spokesperson for Duff Beer.

He's recognisable by his 'Duff'-branded cap, sunglasses, red cape, light blue bodysuit, and utility belt stocked with Duff beer and is known for speaking in the first person, along with his catchphrase: "Oh yeah!"

He's been on our screens since 1997 (Disney)

In the episode that aired on Sunday (4 January), titled 'Seperance', a parody of Apple TV+ series Severance, he told the Simpsons family - AKA Homer, Marge and their children - that the company mascot was retired.

He announced: "The Duff Corporation has retired that character forever. All the old forms of advertising are now passé. Corporate spokesmen, print ads, TV spots. Today's kids can't even sing the jingles."

His first appearance was in the 1997 episode titled 'The City of New York vs. Homer Simpson' and he continued to pop in the show all the way up until the last season, with his final appearance taking place in season 37.

Duffman has said his final: "Oh yeah!" (Disney)

Fans of the show have been left rattled by the news and some have even theorised that it could mean the end of The Simpsons, although given it's been renewed to continue for a few more years, at least that can be ruled out.

One viewer wrote on Twitter: "An end of a era guys pour one for Duffman's retirement 1997-2026."

A second added: "Pour one out for corporate mascots everywhere: the suit is finally hung up."

While a third claimed: "Duffman deserved better than a quiet exit."

Another fan commented: "Thats a big change bro gonna miss duffman."

Someone else penned: "End of the era. He shall be missed."