Neighbours icon Ian Smith, who has played the beloved Harold Bishop in the long-running Australian soap, has revealed he has been diagnosed with “non-fixable” cancer.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” Smith told 10 News First’s Angela Bishop in an interview.
“That I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer and … they expect me to die.”
The 86-year-old will depart the show after more than 30 years with the show.
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Smith first appeared on the Melbourne-based TV show in 1987 when he was introduced as an old love interest of Madge Mitchell, played by Anne Charleston.
Over the decades, Smith’s character has been written in and out of the show’s storyline, making several years-long stints on the show.
Smith’s most recent appearance came only recently as it was announced he would return to his role as Harold Bishop in May this year.
“After fifteen years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough,” the show announced on its official X account.
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“We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.”
Just over a week ago, Smith shared an emotional farewell to the show surrounding by co-stars as his character with scenes purposely written to accomodate for his departure from the show.
Jason Herbison, Executive Producer for Neighbours, told Herald Sun Smith was much adored.
“The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn’t love him more than we do,” he said.
“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off. It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show.”
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According to a Network 10 spokesperson, the actor is a “cherished member of the Neighbours family”.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis,” the spokesperson told Herald Sun.
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“A cherished member of the Neighbours family, Ian has been the heart and soul of the show since he first arrived on Ramsay Street in 1987.
“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.
“Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time.”
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While Smith dipped in and out of the show since he first appeared in 1987, he remained on-screen for over 12 years in 1996. That stint saw him become one of the longest-running characters in the show’s history.
To the horror of long-time fans, Neighbours was cancelled back in 2022 due to lack of funding.
Smith returned to Ramsay Street, along with other greats like Kylie Minogue, for the finale episode that aired in July 2022.
However not long after, the show made a return in 2023 after Amazon Freevee agreed to a deal that would revive the series.
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