The voice of Mr Burns to leave The Simpsons

Harry Shearer, the voice of several main characters in The Simpsons has announced he is leaving the show.

Shearer's voice has been on the longest running animated TV show for over 25 years playing Mr Burns, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner amongst other characters but he hinted on Twitter that he would be leaving the hit TV series.

He first tweeted a quote from the show's executive producer, James L. Brooks' lawyer...

he continued hinting this was due to a contract dispute.

An hour later he tweeted.

It is not clear yet why he is leaving, but it is believed the 71 year old actor and comedian would like to work on other projects.

As well as The Simpsons Shearer has featured in a number of films and TV shows including Friends, ER and That's Life.