Neighbours fans heartbroken after actor Ian Smith's tragic news: 'Expect me to die'

Neighbours fans have been left heartbroken after fan favourite star Ian Smith, 87, who has played Harold Bishop on the show since 1987, announced he has a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer.

Ian appeared on Ten News First on Thursday night to share his diagnosis, saying, "I found out a few months back that I have cancer… they expect me to die."

The actor lost his wife, Gail, to cancer in 2019 and is currently undergoing immunotherapy in the hopes it will help prolong his life.

"I've really put my hand up to be a guinea pig," he added. "Plus the fact I don’t want to die and I want to stay alive with quality for as long as I can."

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"I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part. I’ve seen so many deaths. I’ve seen some good ones and I’ve seen bad ones. I’m hoping I’ll go the nice way."

Ian's last scenes on Neighbours will air in April 2025.

'Very emotional moment' for the Neighbours cast

In a statement, executive producer Jason Herbison said, "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."

"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."

The Neighbours Instagram account revealed Ian will be reunited with his on-screen wife, Anne Charleston, for some of his final scenes, adding, "Erinsborough won't quite be the same again, but rest assured that Harold is set to have a send-off fit for Ramsay Street royalty."

Neighbours fans share heartbreak after Ian Smith's heartbreaking diagnosis

Fans were quick to share their heartbreak over Ian's sad news, with many calling him a "legend" and "gentleman".

"My heart breaks," one fan wrote. "Harold was a such an icon. Hopefully his final scenes with Anne are them walking off into the sunset."

"I'm so sorry to see the news about Ian's cancer diagnosis," another said. "Thank you for giving this legend the on-screen send off he deserves. Much love to Ian."

"I fell in love with Ian and his sweet character," a third said. "I wish him strength on his next journey. That he played while ill is the stuff true legends are made of."

"Wow 😢 this will hit hard," someone else added. "What an absolute gentleman and a legend. Harold & Ian will be greatly missed."

"Oh Harold, how can we ever say goodbye to such a legend?" another fan wrote. "Such sad news to wake up to. Love to Ian, family and the wider Neighbours family and fans."

"I've just seen Ian's extremely sad news," one user said. "Very sad for him, his family and friends. He has brought such joy into our lives over the years. Today is a very sad day. What a true gent."

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"Think it might be a sad farewell to Harold and it so not fun saying goodbye to an iconic character, especially one of Harold's stature," one Facebook user added.

"Neighbours won't be the same without you, but oh boy were we privileged to have him on our screens.. not only on Neighbours but many other great Aussie dramas including Prisoner," another sad fan wrote.

"So sorry to hear the news of Ian’s health," someone else said. "Have loved him as Harold for all the years he has been on Neighbours. Thank you Ian for playing such a lovely character. I never had a Grandad, but if I did, I would have liked him to be just like you. Many Blessings and love."

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