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Neighbours star Ian Smith set to exit soap following terminal cancer diagnosis: 'Very aggressive'
The actor, who has played Harold Bishop since Neighbours began, has explained that it's expected he only has a few months to live.
Neighbours fans have been left heartbroken by the news that the soap's most iconic and long-running star, Ian Smith, will depart the show after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 86-year-old started playing Harold Bishop on the Aussie series in 1987 and while he left in 1991, he returned as a regular again in 1996 for another decade before departing again. He returned in guest parts several times since 2011 and returned to the series for its reboot in 2024.
The beloved actor explained to Channel 10's Angela Bishop that the cancer he has been diagnosed with is "very aggressive and non-fixable" and that "they expect me to die." The full conversation between Ian and Angela is set to air at 5pm on Ten News on Monday afternoon.
What cancer does Ian Smith have?
According to the Herald Sun, Smith has been diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
His wife Gail, to whom he was married for 50 years, passed away from cancer in 2019.
Fans devastated over shock cancer diagnosis
Fans have already started reacting to the devastating news online, flocking to the comments section on Ten's Facebook page to share their sadness.
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"Such a terrible illness, it's very sad," one person wrote.
"Oh no. I'm so sorry to hear this," another said. "You have brought so many smiles into our house over so many years and I met you once when my son was young and you were so lovely. I hope your remaining days are everything you want them to be."
"This is soooo sad!!!," another devastated fan wrote while someone else added, "So cruel and unfair to get it at an older age."
Ian Smith - or Harold Bishop as he's known to Neighbours fans around the world, is leaving the show, and has revealed the heartbreaking reason why.
He has terminal cancer, and came to 10 News First to tell his story.
He sat down with Angela Bishop spoke about his love for life,… pic.twitter.com/p5dQQeJi1S— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) December 2, 2024
Ian Smith's career
Throughout his career, Ian has appeared in guest roles on TV shows such as Homicide, Division 4, Matlock Police and Bluey before getting his "big break" in Bellbird, playing Russell Ashwood.
He also served as the associate producer and script editor of the popular TV series Prisoner while also having a semi-regular role in the show as head of the Corrections Department, Ted Douglas.
However, it was his role as Harold Bishop that made him a stalwart of Aussie TV, becoming one of the program's longest-serving characters after 2,132 episodes and earning a Gold Logie nomination in 2009.
When will Ian's Smith's last Neighbours episode air?
It is currently unknown when Ian's final Neighbours episode, which he has already filmed, will air or how Harold will be written out of the series. However, Executive Producer Jason Herbison told the Herald Sun it would be a proper send-off.
“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off," he said. "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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