Even with Fox currently producing a fifteenth season of the cartoon classic after having run more than a decade. News about a big screen 'The Simpsons' movie never turned out to be more that one of the countless rumours ciculating. Until now.

The Simpsons are finally to appear on the big screen!

After one of the writers let the cat out of the bag in an interview with DVD Fanatic yesterday, the creators of The Simpsons have officially confirmed to industry paper Variety that a big screen version is on its way. According to James L Brooks, the film is still in the very early stages but pieces are already falling into place. "We've got a very good and interesting idea, and it's different from the show," he told Variety. "You know, it's like the South Park movie where it's just a bigger, longer, amplified version of the show. I can't tell you anything specific about it. My wife doesn't even know the secret."

"They've wanted to do this since season two," said writer Mike Reiss. "It's been 13 years of wanting to do The Simpsons movie. Finally Fox said, 'Let's just do it!' We never had the greatest idea that was compelling but Fox said, 'Maybe if we start paying you, you'll get inspired.' And sure enough, it worked!"

There is no clue yet as to a release date on the movie, but it is expected to be at least two years off. Keep your fingers crossed.