Neighbours’ Harold Bishop exiting after Ian Smith, 86, diagnosed with terminal cancer

Neighbours’ Harold Bishop exiting after Ian Smith, 86, diagnosed with terminal cancer

As a long-time fan of Neighbours and Harold Bishop, hearing about Ian Smith’s departure from the show is truly heartbreaking. I have grown up with Harold as a constant presence in my living room, and his wisdom and humor have brought joy to countless lives for decades. It’s hard to imagine Erinsborough without him.

Actor Ian Smith, known for his role as Harold Bishop on Neighbours, is leaving due to his tragic diagnosis of terminal cancer.

86-year-old Smith was diagnosed with a type of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma earlier in the year. So far, he has gone through three sessions of chemotherapy.

“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” he told 10 News First.

“I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer, and they expect me to die.”

— 10 News First (@10NewsFirst) December 2, 2024

He went on to say: “I aspire to live well for as long as possible. If they manage to make that happen, I’ll be content. However, each dawn, I pray there’s no discomfort, knowing that’s a signal of what may come next.

Because of his recent diagnosis, Smith has decided to step down from his position on Neighbours and has already shot his last scenes for the Australian soap opera.

On their Instagram, neighbors announced Harold’s departure from Ramsay Street, starting with: ‘Harold bids farewell.’

“It is with regret that we announce Ian Smith is preparing to leave behind his cherished character, Harold Bishop.

Ian initially took on the role of Harold in 1987, and it’s been an immense honor to have him return to our production throughout the years, with his latest appearance being in the ongoing season.

Anne Charleston is set to return to her character, Madge Bishop, and will share the screen with Smith during some of his last scenes.

The specific situation where Anne will make her appearance remains unknown, but the joy of seeing this legendary duo together once more will serve as a delightful farewell gift for fans. (or)

Erinsborough will no longer feel the same after Harold’s departure, but you can count on a farewell that befits a member of Ramsay Street nobility.

“Just as the people of Ramsay Street cherish Harold, so do we adore Ian – our affection for him knows no bounds.

“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off.

On set, there was an intensely moving occasion where we honored him for the profound impact his work had on our production.

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He said: “I thought I had made enough provisions, but no. I had about four wonderful things to do, but you can’t do the same four things for the rest of your life. And so I was getting a bit bored and while I was out fishing one day, the phone rang – it was Neighbours asking me if I would come back.

A brief moment later, I enthusiastically exclaimed, ‘Yes, please!’ It’s truly magical for an 85-year-old actor to feel the joy of doing something they adore, being in a studio, facing a camera, and hearing everyone praise them. Plus, I only film one day a week, so it’s a delightful mix of enjoyable tasks.

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2024-12-02 13:33