Closet capers in Springfield

One of the veteran cartoon stars of The Simpsons is coming out of the closet.

The betting on who might reveal his homosexuality seemed to favour snivelling yes-man Waylon Smithers, who for years has harboured a secret crush on his boss, the evil nuclear tycoon Mr Burns. But the show’s producers refused to tell the audience at Comic-Con in San Diego if he’s the one.

“We have a show where, to raise money, Springfield legalises gay marriage,” producer Al Jean told a gathering at the convention. “Homer becomes a minister by going on the internet and filling out a form.”