Pamela Hayden, the voice behind The Simpsons character Milhouse, has revealed that she will retire from the show after almost 700 episodes, and 35 years.

In a statement made on Wednesday, Hayden said: “The time has come for me to hang up my microphone. It’s been an honor and a joy to have worked on such a funny, witty, and groundbreaking show … I’ll always have a special place in my heart for that blue-haired 10-year-old boy with glasses.”

Depicting Bart’s best friend Milhouse Van Houten since The Simpsons premiere in 1989, Hayden has been a mainstay on the show. She also voiced the characters of school bully Jimbo Jones, Lisa’s friend Janey Powell, Ned Flanders’ sons Rod and Todd, and Chief Wiggum’s wife Sarah.

However, in a video tribute shared by the show, Hayden labelled Milhouse her “main guy”.

In the video, Hayden revealed that he was a fan favourite: “People would come up to me and they quote Milhouse Lines”.

Simpsons creator Matt Groening said: “Pamela gave us tons of laughs with Milhouse, the hapless kid with the biggest nose in Springfield. She made Milhouse hilarious and real, and we will miss her”.

Milhouse is often led astray by his best friend Bart, due to his somewhat gullible nature. He is a clever and shy character who is often targeted by bullies.

Hayden also commented: “People are always saying what a nerd he is, but one thing that I love about Millhouse is he’s always getting knocked down, but he keeps getting up. I love the little guy. It’s this wonderful analogy for life.”

Hayden has also worked on the shows Lloyd in Space and Pound Puppies, as well as video games such as Lego Dimensions.

She has said that she is retiring from The Simpsons in order “to pursue other creative outlets”.

Her final episode: Treehouse of Horror Presents: Simpsons Wicked This Way Comes, will air November 24.