Excellent! Mr Burns back on The Simpsons after actor Harry Shearer signs new deal

Actor Harry Shearer will return to The Simpsons, Fox announced on 7 July, just two months after he said he would be leaving the show.

"Fox is proud to confirm that each and every member of the iconic series' voice cast will be returning in the roles they've brought to life since the show's beginnings as a series of animated shorts nearly 30 years ago," the network said.

In May, Shearer, who has spent almost 26 years voicing characters such as Mr Burns and Ned Flanders, said he had quit the long-running animated TV series because he wanted "freedom to do other work."

There was speculation that the 71-year-old, who also voices news anchor Kent Brockman, Mr Burns' flunky Smithers and Principal Skinner, had quit following a breakdown in talks over his contract.

In a series of posts in Twitter in May, he revealed that he had quit the hit show and quoted the team as saying that the show will go on without him.

The Simpsons, which was renewed by 20th Century Fox for two more seasons earlier this year, celebrated a milestone when it was added to Universal Studios Hollywood in May.

Nancy Cartwright (Bart), Yeardley Smith (Lisa) and Joe Mantegna (Fat Tony) joined executive producer Al Jean for the grand opening of a theme park dedicated to the show.

The attraction features major landmarks from the comedy favourite including Moe's Tavern, Duff Brewery and Krusty Burger.

The Simpsons returns for its 27th season on 27 September.