Harry Shearer to leave The Simpsons

Harry Shearer, a key voice actor in The Simpsons is to leave the show ahead of the 27th season. Shearer, who brought characters such as Mr Burns and Ned Flanders to life has revealed via Twitter that he'll not be returning for the recently renewed series.

Posting on Twitter, Shearer reveals that he's decided to depart due to restrictions being placed on the cast that would prevent them working on other projects as they have done in the past - hinting that the split isn't entirely without animosity.

from James L. Brooks' lawyer: "show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.". (1/2)— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work.
Of course, I wish him the very best. (2/2)— Harry Shearer (@theharryshearer) May 14, 2015

Now, the question is what will happen to Shearer's characters - many of which have been integral to the show since it started.