Harry Shearer quits 'The Simpsons' after 25 yrs post pay deal collapse

'The Simpsons' actor Harry Shearer, who voices Ned Flanders and Mr Burns among other characters, is quitting the show after 25 years.

The decision comes after Shearer, 71, had been offered a new pay deal, which he refused, and executive producer Al Jean said that show "will go on" and they would recast the actor's characters, the BBC reported.

However, Shearer had cleared on Twitter that his decision "wasn't about money" and he just wanted to do other things.

The actor had hinted towards his exit on the social media website, by claiming that executive producer James L Brooks' lawyer had said: "Show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best," after which Shearer wrote it was because they had "freedom to do other work."

Al Jean responded to the tweet by clarifying that "Shearer was offered the same deal the rest of the cast accepted, and passed."

Meanwhile, Debra Birnbaum, executive editor for TV for Variety magazine said that the star was a beloved voice actor and would certainly be missed.

The new series of the show, which has been running since 1989, will offer a 625 episodes in all.