Harry Shearer will return to 'The Simpsons'

WASHINGTON, July 8 (UPI) -- Long time cast member of The Simpsons, Harry Shearer, will return to the show after he announced his departure from the long-running series 7 weeks ago.

Shearer, who provided the voice for Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders and Waylen Smithers in addition to others, has rejoined the long-running series.

Deadline reports all six original main voice actors have signed on for the 27th season.

The prospect of Shearer returning seemed unlikely in May when he tweeted he was leaving the show after a disagreement with the writers. Entertainment Weekly reports the issue had to due with scheduling, not money.

The deal between Shearer and producers was reached in enough time for production to remain on track. Even if Shearer hadn't returned, producers planned to recast many of his roles instead of getting rid of characters. Season 27 of The Simpsons starts Sept. 27 on Fox.