The makers of The Simpsons have announced that white actors will no longer voice characters of colour on the show.

The programme received criticism for years for Indian character Apu being voiced by white actor Hank Azaria.

Azaria quit the role at the beginning of 2020.

In a statement, the producers of the show said: "Moving forward, The Simpsons will no longer have white actors voice non-white characters."

The decision from The Simpsons comes after the voice of black character Cleveland in fellow American cartoon comedy Family Guy decided to leave the role.

Mike Henry, who is white, said: "I love this character, but persons of color should play characters of color. Therefore, I will be stepping down from the role."

In the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement, a number of comedies have been taken down from various platforms due to racial controversy.

Little Britain, Come Fly With Me, Fawlty Towers and The Mighty Boosh have all been put under the spotlight and had episodes taken down as a result.