Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons has opened up about his relationship with longtime boyfriend Todd Spiewak for the first time(Reuters)
Big Bang Theory star Jim Parsons

An article circulating online claiming that Jim Parsons, has left the popular CBS sitcom The Big Bang Theory, following an argument with co-star Johnny Galecki is a hoax.

The fake story posted on Empire News, a satirical website, claimed the 41-year-old actor, who plays Sheldon Cooper on the hit show, will not be returning for the eighth season.

The bogus report read: "It looks as though the most beloved characters on television today, Sheldon Cooper, won't be returning to The Big Bang Theory for its 8th season, after actor Jim Parsons has walked-off set and quit the show because of an on-set fight with co-star Johnny Galecki.

"According to sources on the show, which has been in the process of filming since June, tensions behind the scenes have been extremely high. Last year the show was nearly cancelled after several members of the main cast demanded massive pay raises, forcing producer and creator Chuck Lorre to choose between keeping his show on the air or letting it taper off."

The fake story also has quotes from Chuck Lorre, the executive producer of the show and Galecki.

However, there is no truth in the story, and a disclaimer on the website reads: "Empire News is a satirical and entertainment website. We only use invented names in all our stories, except in cases when public figures are being satirized. Any other use of real names is accidental and coincidental."

Few Twitter users were tricked by the fake news report and expressed their disbelief.

Is anyone actually going to watch Big Bang theory now that jim parsons has quit and there will be no more sheldon

— Charlotte 🏳️‍🌈 (@CharlotteDunstn) July 25, 2014

Jim Parsons quit the Big Bang Theory, meaning that there is no more epsiodes with Sheldon Cooper, NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

— Miss Layla (@Laylington) July 24, 2014

Jim Parsons can't surely quit The Big Bang Theory, it's nothing without Sheldon Cooper 😫

— Beth (@bethbethxoxo) July 23, 2014

Meanwhile, there are reports that the show's cast members are involed in contract negotiations.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Parsons, Galecki and Kaley Cuoco are demanding a huge pay hike, reportedly from $325,000 an episode to $1 million an episode.

"We're feeling very confident that everything will work out," CBS chairman of entertainment Nina Tassler said. "These deals manage to get done miraculously somehow year after year."

The Big Bang Theory Season 8 is scheduled to begin filming on 30 July. The new season is set to premiere on 22 September 2014.

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