Ian Smith to leave Neighbours following cancer diagnosis

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Ian Smith, one of the longest-serving members of the Neighbours cast, will be leaving the series following a recent diagnosis of an aggressive “non-fixable” cancer.

Smith, 86, previously known for long-running roles in Bellbird (as Constable Russell Ashwood, pictured) in the 1970s and Prisoner, has played Harold Bishop on-and-off since 1987. He originally left Neighbours in 1991 in a storyline that had Harold swept out to sea, seemingly never to be seen again. In a moment typical of soapie folklore, Harold suddenly re-appeared five years later. It was explained that he was rescued at sea but had suffered amnesia and had no recollection of his past life, leading him to start over as “Ted”, working for the Salvation Army. A chance meeting for “Ted” with Ramsay Street residents soon reunited him with wife Madge (Anne Charleston), and he was soon to re-establish life as Harold Bishop.

He left the series again in 2009 but continued to make the occasional return visit, including in 2022 in the lead-up to Neighbours‘ “final” episode and again since earlier this year.

He has already taped his last scenes with the series, which include a reunion with Anne Charleston. Given that Madge died in 2001, Charleston is appearing as a new character, and producers are promising that Harold will receive a send-off “fit for Ramsay Street royalty”.

Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street. We’re sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop. Ian first played Harold in 1987 and it’s been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years. pic.twitter.com/gftz0qklZw

— Neighbours (@neighbours) December 2, 2024