The Simpsons fans concerned about popular character as another is killed off show after 35 years

You give and you give and you give for 35 years, and what do you get? Killed off in Moe's Tavern.

The Simpsons fans have been left reeling this week following the loss of a long-serving character who has been on our screens since the animated sitcom's debuted in 1989.

Although he was a bit of a wallflower who barely uttered a word, the demise of Larry the Barfly, AKA Larry Dalrymple, hasn't been any easier for viewers to come to terms with.

Being a loyal regular at Moe's Tavern earned him his strange nickname and it looks like his excessive drinking habits are the only legacy he is leaving behind, seen as though people barely know anything about him.

The most Larry has been in the spotlight was during the latest episode of The Simpsons titled Cremains the Day that aired on 21 April, which was also when he was bumped off.

He suddenly drops dead in the middle of Moe's Tavern, much to the shock of his boozing buddies including Homer, Lenny, Carl and the landlord himself, Moe.

After attending his funeral, the group realise that they know almost nothing about their pal after 35 years.

The lads mourn the loss of Larry the Barfly in one of the latest episodes. (Disney)

Homer wonders if they are 'terrible people' for being so unaware of what was going on in Larry's life, especially after the late Barfly's mother describes the group as her son's 'best friends'.

The blokes manage to muddle through the funeral service by telling a vague story about a fishing trip, before later deciding to sprinkle his ashes at his 'special place', Serenity Falls.

Long story short, the urn containing the remnants of Larry ends up back right exactly where he belongs - on a stool in Moe's Tavern.

The Simpsons co-executive producer, Tim Long, told fans that the death of the longstanding character was supposed to evoke a strong response from diehard fans, as it 'speaks to how beloved the show still is'.

To be fair, a Springfield resident meeting their maker is a rare occurrence, so it's a huge deal when one does.

But now people have seen Larry's 35-year tenure wrap up at such short notice, fans of The Simpsons voiced their fears that a popular character might not be far behind him.

The quiet character used to booze alongside the likes of Barney Gumble. (Disney)

Concerns were raised for Springfield's resident drunk, Barney Gumble, after fans noticed that he didn't make much of an appearance in the Cremains the Day episode.

People shared their panic on social media following the news of Larry's death.

One person said: "When I saw that The Simpsons killed someone in Moe's Tavern and I didn't see Barney in the bar scenes, I was already preparing myself."

Another wrote: "Thought this news was about Barney Gumble for a second."

While a third added: "I thought it was going to be Barney with all the build up. Who tf is Larry?"

But it was the fourth person who put it best when they chimed in and said: "Nothing can kill Barney Gumble."

All the Duff Beer in the world couldn't drown this guy - and who else would Moe have for company if they killed off his most loyal customer?

For now, Barney lives to fight another day.