[devilincarnate]

US TV network Fox has said it can no longer afford to produce long-running animated comedy The Simpsons without a pay cut for its cast.

In a statement, it said although the series "can and should continue", it could not produce future seasons "under its current financial model".

Fox made the comment after reports it threatened to end the series unless its voice actors took a 45% pay cut.

The cast reportedly earn $8m (£5.2m) each per series.

US news website The Daily Beast reported that the principal voice cast members, including Dan Castellaneta, Julie Kavner, Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith, were having difficulty agreeing contracts for the next series.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-15179431