Neighbours’ Harold Bishop star Ian Smith reveals he’s got ‘aggressive, non-fixable’ cancer as he quits soap
NEIGHBOURS icon Ian Smith has revealed his cancer diagnosis ahead of quitting the popular Aussie soap opera.
Ian Smith, who has played the role of Harold Bishop on the soap since 1987, has stepped down from his role on Neighbours as he battles a terminal cancer diagnosis.
Speaking out today on Australian morning television, Ian revealed that he found out about his cancer diagnosis a few months ago.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer”, he told Ten News on Monday.
The actor, 86, then tragically revealed that he was told he has a “very aggressive non-fixable cancer”.
He added, “And they expect me to … they expect me to die.”
Ian joined the soap as Harold Bishop in 1987, meaning he has been associated with the beloved character on the hit Aussie programme for over 37 years.
He did leave the soap briefly in 1991 but returned again in 1996.
Ian then departed his role once again in 2009 before coming back in 2011 and 2015.
The Harold Bishop actor then made a triumphant and permanent return to the soap in 2022, with the actor rejoining the show as a series regular.
According to reports, despite his diagnosis and prognosis, Ian will continue to appear on-screen until at least next year – although an official final episode date is yet to be unveiled.
HEART AND SOUL OF RAMSAY STREET
When Ian’s character Harold does depart the soap, he will be given quite the send-off, it has been hinted.
Jason Herbison, the Executive Producer of the soap, has shared how 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 producer added that Ian and his character are “loved” by both the show and the public.
Meanwhile, a Network 10 spokesperson said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis.
“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.
Neighbours stars who made it big
The long-running Aussie soap has launched the careers of some of Hollywood's biggest stars. Here are some of the Neighbours alums who went on to make it big after starring on the soap...
Kylie Minogue
- Before she hit the big time with her music career, Kylie shot to fame playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Shortly after her arrival, Kylie began an on and off-screen romance with co-star Jason Donovan, who played Scott Robinson, which gained the couple an army of adoring fans.
Jason Donovan
- After his stint as Scott, singer and actor Jason became an international popstar and had his pick acting of roles. He moved to the U.K., married, had children and has since starred in over a dozen West End show, most notably Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat.
Alan Dale
- New Zealand born actor Alan was one of Neighbours 12 original cast members having made his debut as Jim Robinson on the soap’s first episode on 18 March 1985. As the head of the Robinson clan, widower Jim lived at Number 26 Ramsay Street with his children Paul, Julie, Scott and Lucy, and was a real anchor in the community. He stayed with the show for eight years, before his character was killed off in dramatic scenes aired in 1993 but which still reverberate through the soap to this day.
Margot Robbie
- Way before she was Barbie or Harley Quinn, Margot was best known as Ramsay Street resident Donna Freedman. Her notable storylines included her marriage to Ringo Brown and becoming a young widow following his tragic death. After three years she bid farewell to the soap and Australia with a plan to make a name for herself in Hollywood which she did when she bagged the role of Naomi Lapaglia opposite Leonardo DiCaprio in The Wolf of Wall Street.
Jesse Spencer
- Jesse rocked up on Ramsay street in 1994 with the rest of the Kennedy clan. He stayed for five years, literally growing up in front of the camera, but in 2000 felt it was time to spread his wings and head for Hollywood. It was certainly a smart move as he went on to bag leading roles in popular shows like House and Chicago Fire.
Russell Crowe
- New Zealand-native Russell had a brief arc on Neighbours, appearing in four episodes of the soap 1987 as Kenny Larkin, the former cellmate of Street resident Henry Ramsay. The role obviously got him noticed though because he quickly went on to become a fully-fledged Hollywood A-lister, winning the Best Actor Oscar for his standout performance as Roman General Maximus Decimus Meridius in Gladiator.
“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.”
‘TREMENDOUSLY SAD NEWS’
Reacting to the sad news of Ian’s diagnosis and soap departure, fans of the show and star have reacted online.
Taking to X, one person said, “So sorry to hear this. A Neighbours legend, terrible news for Ian.”
“Terrible and heartbreaking news,” added a second.
A third person then said, “This is tremendously sad news. Ian Smith is a legend.”
While a fourth added, “Heartbreaking – Ian is such a gentleman.”
And a fifth penned, “Devastating news to wake up to here in the UK. Thoughts are with Ian and his family.”
‘I’VE NEVER SAID GOODBYE’
Earlier this year, Ian spoke out about his role as Harold and said how he was always tempted back by producers when he had left the soap.
Speaking to TV Choice, he said, “I found myself with too much time on my hands. I was then asked to come back to the show, and I thought, ‘Gee, this is kudos’.
“I was rather happy, I really was! Because – do you know what? I’ve left the show a few times, and I’ve never said goodbye.”
He added, “I know that sounds mad! I’ve never said goodbye to Harold in a way that would keep me happy.
“I know what you’re thinking – why should I worry about somebody who doesn’t exist? I know that!”
Ian then went on, “But you make the mistake of liking your character. It’s a stupid thing to do, but I did.
“And so, when I leave next time, I shall be very kind to him, and that will be that.”