Homer and Marge Simpson to legally separate in The Simpsons?

In quite possibly the most shocking storyline in the cartoon’s 26-year history, Marge and Homer Simpson are set to legally separate.

Marge and Homer’s marriage hits the rocks due to Homer’s sleep condition narcolepsy and he soon falls in love with another woman – a pharmacist played by Lena Dunham (pictured).

Producers are yet to reveal whether the split will last but, given the show’s history, it’s highly likely they will have resolved their troubles by the end of the episode.

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Speaking of the upcoming season, which debuts in America in September, Simpsons producer Al Jean told Variety: "In the premiere, it's discovered after all the years Homer has narcolepsy and it's an incredible strain on the marriage.

"Homer and Marge legally separate, and Homer falls in love with his pharmacist, who's voiced by Lena Dunham. We'll have cameos from the other women from 'Girls.'"

Feigning outrage at the storyline this week, comedian Whoopi Goldberg said: “What the hell? Homer, what about a sister? In the time that I’ve seen you, I’ve never seen you with a black woman. Or maybe Marge is just a light-skinned sister and they haven’t said it. I don't know.”

However producers are still looking to cast some doubt and released an image on their official Twitter account of Bart writing on the infamous blackboard from the opening credits with the words 'Homer and Marge are not breaking up.'

Last month, Harry Shearer, who voices Ned Flanders, Mr Burns, Principal Skinner and many more pivotal characters, announced he was exiting the show over a contractual dispute.