Harry Shearer Returning to “The Simpsons”

Sorry, Ted Cruz, it looks like you’ve lost your chance — Harry Shearer isn’t leaving “The Simpsons” after all.

Back in May, the voice actor behind Mr. Burns, Ned Flanders, Smithers and a host of other “Simpson’s” characters tweeted that he would be leaving the show:

Though he’s battled with the studio over money before, Shearer indicated that his departure was about flexibility in his schedule. Today, Entertainment Weekly reports that Shearer has signed the same contract as the other primary voice actors — Dan Castellaneta, Yeardley Smith, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright, and Hank Azaria — keeping the show’s original cast fully intact.

Simpsons executive producer Al Jean tweeted that he may have requested material from Shearer during a period when Shearer thought he had five weeks off. “If so, my bad. I am truly glad he is returning to the show.”

Cue all the “exxxxxcellent” jokes.