The Simpsons fans shocked as producers permanently kill off beloved character after 35 seasons

Warning: This article contains spoilers for The Simpsons season 37.

The Simpsons fans have been left shocked after another long-time favourite was killed off in the latest season of the long-running show.

The American animated comedy has earned a reputation over the past 35 years for its ability to 'predict' obscure world events, whether it's Donald Trump becoming president, the Covid-19 pandemic or even Lady Gaga flying into a Super Bowl half-time performance.

After running for so long, it's perhaps no surprise that we've had to say goodbye to some popular characters along the way, with big names such as Maude Flanders and Edna Krabappel both killed off after marrying Ned Flanders.

We've also seen glimpses into the future in modern episodes, which shockingly suggested that Marge will die before Homer and subsequently re-marry Ringo Starr in heaven, while that episode also hinted that beloved bartender Moe Szyslak will also be killed off at some point.

The season 36 finale imagined what Marge Simpson's death would look like (Fox)

Long-term Simpsons fans will also remember the deaths of Bleeding Gums Murphy, Larry from the bar and Fat Tony over the past 37 seasons, and the latest season has just revealed that another long-running character won't be seen again, with producers confirming that she is 'dead as a doornail'.

Alice Glick, who you may recognise as the old lady and resident organist of the Church of Springfield, died suddenly in the middle of a sermon during the season 37 episode 'Sashes to Sashes', which aired on Sunday (16 November).

As per Simpsons Wiki, she made her first appearance all the way back in May 1991, in the 21st episode of season two, titled 'Three Men and a Comic Book', which saw her put Bart to work with some chores in the house as he looked to buy the latest comic book.

RIP Alice (Fox)

While there were some hopes that she could return, as she had actually appeared as a ghost in previous seasons after she was 'killed' by a rogue Robopet, executive producer Tim Long suggested that there would be no coming back this time.

He told People: "In a sense, Alice the organist will live forever, through the beautiful music she made. But in another, more important sense, yep she's dead as a doornail."

Fans were shocked by the news and paid tribute to the church organist, who was also revealed to have left her estate to Springfield Elementary's music programme.

"Oh my gosh," one person wrote on X. "Someone update The Simpsons wikis about Alice Glick."

"Rest In Peace Mrs. Glick!" added another, while a third shared: "I think it’s the second time they’ve killed Ms. Glick."

Someone else said: "1st Larry, now Alice Glick. The Simpsons are killing off everyone..."