South Park shows Kenny’s face for the first time in years

Forget 'they killed Kenny' - that's old news. Now it's all about the fact South Park has shown Kenny.

For more than 25 years, Kenny has formed one of the show's main characters alongside Eric Cartman, Stan Marsh and Kyle Broflovski.

Kenny didn't exactly have it easy in the first few seasons, given that he died in nearly every episode, but the writers started to give him some slightly longer lifespans over the years, even if that meant showing his face less.

The character is recognisable thanks to his orange hoodie, which he typically wears pulled around his face so that only his cartoon eyes are visible.

Fans were given the occasional glimpse of Kenny's whole face in earlier seasons, but we're now on season 26, and it's been 10 seasons since he last took the hood off.

It's a long time for anyone to stay hidden, but that all changed in the fifth episode of the latest season, titled DikinBaus Hot Dogs.

The episode sees Kenny and Cartman plan to open a restaurant together, and as they read through the potential designs viewers are treated to a montage of the pair together, during which Kenny's face is seen in all its glory.

His blonde hair is on display and expertly styled - an impressive feat, given that it's been squashed down to his head for the last 10 years - and he joins Cartman in sunglasses and a t-shirt which reads 'restaurant owner'.

Comedy Central

The reveal took fans by surprise, but left many delighted and unable to keep their excitement to themselves.

"Soo we just not gonna talk about how you see Kenny’s face in the new South Park," one viewer wrote after seeing Kenny, while another honoured the moment by changing their profile picture to the image of Kenny's exposed face.

"Kenny’s face being exposed for 0.5 seconds in the newest episode brings joy to my simple life," they wrote.

The character has only revealed his face in 12 South Park episodes, the last being the eighth episode of season 16, titled Sarcastiball.

The return of his cheeks, mouth and forehead has led some to speculate whether South Park could be returning to classic storylines after more recently experimenting with arcs that lasted numerous episodes.

One fan was particularly excited about this prospect, writing: "SUPER LATE TO SOUTH PARK TWITTER BUT KENNY HAD A FACE REVEAL ? CARTMAN GOT HIS HOUSE AGAIN ? CARTMAN KENNY AND KYLE ON THE BUS STOP AGAIN ? SOUTH PARK IS COMING BACK OMG."

So now the real question is, how long will it be before we see Kenny's face again?