Pamela Hayden has retired from 'The Simpsons' after 35 years.

The actress has worked on the US animated series since 1989 and appeared in nearly 700 episodes as the voice of Milhouse - who is Bart Simpson's best friend - as well as lending her vocal talents to a range of other characters including as Ned Flanders' sons Rod and Todd, school bully Jimbo Jones, Lisa Simpson's friend Janey, and Chief Wiggum's wife Sarah, but she's now decided to call it a day.

In a statement announcing her departure from the show, Pamela said: "The time has come for me to hang up my microphone.

"It's been an honour and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show... I'll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses."

Pamela admitted she "loves" her most famous alter ego.

When talking about voicing the character of Milhouse, she said in her departure video: "People would come up to me and they quote Milhouse lines. People are always saying what a nerd he is, but one thing that I love about Milhouse is he's always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up.

"I love the little guy. It's this wonderful analogy for life."

The show's creator Matt Groening paid tribute to the long-standing voice actress.

He said: "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."

Producers plan to re-cast the role in the near future.

Her final episode will be Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes which airs on Sunday (24.11.24).