It was literally the love that dare not speak its name. But after 27 seasons of unrequited love - the worst kept secret in Springfield is about to revealed - with news that Mr Smithers will finally admit he's gay.
Writers on The Simpsons have announced that the long suffering assistant of the evil Mr Burns will finally come out of the closet in a two episode special, although we’re not sure how many Springfield inhabitants will be surprised.
Smithers’ unrequited love for his boss Mr Burns has been apparent for years now, well to everyone except Burns that is. According to Simpsons executive producer Al Jean, that’s about to change.
“In Springfield now, most people know he’s gay, but obviously Burns doesn’t," he told US magazine TVLine.
“We deal with that in two episodes. We actually do a lot with Smithers this year; he gets fed up with Burns not appreciating him and considers his options.”
The mutli-voiced Harry Shearer
Fans breathed a sigh of relief earlier this year, when it was confirmed that Smithers would not be leaving The Simpsons after the character’s voice actor, Harry Shearer, signed a last-minute deal to return to the animated show.
Shearer voices a number of other iconic characters on the animated show including Mr Burns, Ned Flanders and Principal Skinner had announced plans to leave the show following the breakdown of contract negotiations in May. The actor will reportedly earn a massive $300,000 per episode.
Mr Smithers’ sexuality and devotion to Mr Burns has been one of the mainstays on the show with quotes like "No, don't make me take a vacation Mr Burns. Without you I'll wither and die!"
However Mr Smithers won't be the first character to publicly come out as gay on the show. Marge’s sister Patty came out as a lesbian in 2004, while Duffman was also outed as gay in 2008.
Simpsons co-creator Sam Simon, who passed away in March, also famously paid €5,000 to rescue the Irish ‘gay’ bull Benji from the slaughter last year.
The Simpsons can be seen daily on RTÉ 2.
