Cartoon favourite to come out the closet

One of the regular characters in The Simpsons is to surprise fans by revealing they are gay.

And the cartoon will stage the first animated gay marriage on TV, as the show tackles the issue currently causing controversy in the States.

Producer Al Jean said "We have a show where, to raise money, Springfield legalises gay marriage.

“Homer becomes a minister by going on the internet and filling out a form. A longtime character comes out of the closet, but I'm not saying who."

Show creator Matt Groening joked: "It's Homer!

Waylon Smithers is favourite – although his coming out of the closet would hardly come as a shock.

Other candidates include fellow nuclear plant workers Carl and Lenny, bartender Moe, Comic Book Guy or even Marge's sisters Patty or Selma.

 The episode should air in January.

Published: 28 Jul 2004