The Simpsons fans devastated as major voice actor leaves the show after 35 years

The Simpsons fans have been left devastated after learning the voice actor for a popular character is leaving the show after 35 years.

One of the most comforting things about the long-running cartoon is that none of the characters ever age, and very few main characters die in episodes - which makes the cartoon feel like a pretty comforting and familiar watch for fans.

However, today is certainly the end of an era, as the voice behind one of the show's most recognisable characters is stepping down.

Known for voicing the characters of Milhouse Van Houten as well as Rod Flanders and school bully Jimbo Jones, voice actress Pamela Hayden has been a part of The Simpsons since the very beginning. However, the 70-year-old has now confirmed that she is stepping away from the show in order to retire.

Confirming the news via social media, the official Simpsons Instagram account posted a montage to Hayden, featuring some of her most famous Milhouse moments.

"Thank you for 35 years of Milhouse and so many more, Pamela Hayden," the caption added, alongside confirmation that her final episode will be the upcoming Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes airing on Sunday, 24 November.

"The time has come for me to hang up my microphone, but how do I say goodbye to The Simpsons?……not easily," Hayden said of her departure in a statement.

Pamela Hayden has confirmed that she is retiring from The Simpsons (Instagram/thesimpsons)

"It’s been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show, and to give voice to Milhouse and Jimbo Jones, Rod Flanders, Janey, Malibu Stacy, and many others." she added.

"I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses."

Fans were of course devastated by the news, with one fan writing: "Whoa a retirement? Thanks Pamela for your years of commitment to the role," while a second added: "Everything is no longer coming up Milhouse."

Meanwhile, others were understandably concerned about the future of Bart's best friend, with several wondering if the character would be recasted.

"Is this the untimely end of Milhouse," one concerned fan commented, while another wrote: "Does this mean no more Milhouse?!"

Things are no longer coming up Milhouse (Instagram/pamelaahayden)

"Pamela’s talent and joy and love for her characters has added a magic to The Simpsons that will never be forgotten. Everything’s coming up Pamela," showrunner and executive producer Matt Selman said in a statement, while 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."

Casting for actors replacement actors is scheduled to take place in the near future, according to reports from Deadline and The Hollywood Reporter.