The Simpsons' Sideshow Bob will FINALLY murder his nemesis Bart... 22 years after first attempt

Bart Simpson will be killed off in The Simpsons.

The cartoon schoolboy is set to fall victim to a diabolical plan by arch rival Sideshow Bob in the upcoming Halloween special, Treehouse of Horror XXVI,  which will be broadcast in the autumn.

The show's executive producer Al Jean revealed the news during an ATX Festival panel in Texas, where he admitted he was inspired to air the dramatic scenes because he felt 'frustration' when the Coyote never killed the Road Runner in the animated children's show Looney Tunes.

He said: 'I hated frustration comedy so we'll scratch that itch.

'So Bob will finally somehow actually execute Bart - and then won't know what to do with himself after his life's mission has been accomplished.'

However, fans can rest assured the murderous scenes will not mean the end of the show or the son of Homer Simpson, as the episode is a one-off Halloween special, meaning he will be back to normal in subsequent episodes.

 

Kelsey Grammer, 60, will return to play the evil genius, who first hit screens in 1990 before beginning his quest to murder Bart in Cape Feare in 1993, having also attempted to kill Bart's aunt Selma the previous year in Black Widower.

Producers sparked fears Krusty the Clown could be facing the axe last year when they teased the death of a show favorite in Clown In The Dumps, although it was later revealed it was Krusty's father, Rabbi Hyman Krustofsky - voiced by Emmy winner Jackie Mason - who was set to die on screen.

The news of Bart's temporary demise comes just weeks after the future of a host of characters were put in jeopardy with the revelation that voice actor Harry Shearer is leaving the show. 

Cartoon veteran Shearer, who voiced Mr Burns, Ned Flanders, Principle Skinner and over 100 Springfield citizens in his 26 years, tweeted to confirm the news, saying that he wanted 'freedom to do other work'.

TMZ reported that the 71-year-old quit following issues with his new contract, though the attorney for Simpsons writer and director James L. Brooks made it clear that 'the show will go on' for the animated comedy.

Sharing a message from Brooks' lawyer, Shearer quoted the team as saying that his contract had not been renewed following private negotiations with producers.

He wrote: 'from James L. Brooks' lawyer: 'show will go on, Harry will not be part of it, wish him the best.' 

In a second tweet, Shearer continued: 'This because I wanted what we've always had: the freedom to do other work. Of course, I wish him the very best.' 

Shearer may be responsible for a number of integral characters - also including news anchor Kent Brockman and Mr Burns' sidekick Smithers - but show runner Al Jean told CNNMoney that the familiar faces won't be 'killed off'.

Jean said: 'We do not plan to "kill off" his characters but replace them with the most talented members of the voice over community.'

He continued that Shearer was 'offered the same deal as the rest of the cast, but turned it down. We wish him well,' and then quipped, 'Maggie took it hard.'

When long-serving cast members Phil Hartman and Marcia Wallace died, the characters they voiced including Troy McLure, Lionel Hutz and Edna Krabappel all disappeared. 

 Well i cried a little, after reading this. I didn't notice that Edna Krabappel was gone. Lolzzz.

Kinda like when they Killed "Brian, the dog from family guy". Fans couldn't handle it...