Neighbours legend, 86, quits Australian soap as he unveils terminal cancer diagnosis: ‘Expect me to die’
Neighbours star Ian Smith has revealed he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and will be stepping down from his iconic role as Harold Bishop.
The 86-year-old actor shared the devastating news in an interview with Australia’s Channel 10 on Monday.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” Smith said. “That I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to… they expect me to die.”
The veteran performer, who has portrayed the beloved character of Harold Bishop since 1987, disclosed his diagnosis to colleagues before his recent departure from the long-running Australian soap opera.
Smith’s wife Gail passed away from cancer in 2019.
Smith revealed he has been diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma and has already undergone three rounds of chemotherapy.
The actor is currently undergoing immunotherapy treatment in an effort to prolong his life.
“I’ve really put my hand up to be a guinea pig,” he told Ten News First.
“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.”
Smith expressed his determination to maintain his quality of life for as long as possible, stating: “I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can. If they can do that, I’m very happy.”
Smith first joined Neighbours in 1987, initially appearing until 1991 before returning as a regular cast member from 1996 to 2009.
He has made several guest appearances since then, including featuring in what was thought to be the show’s finale in 2022.
Earlier this year, Smith returned to the soap following its revival by Amazon Freevee, with Harold Bishop moving back to the fictional suburb of Erinsborough.
The actor has now filmed his final scenes, which are set to air in April 2025.
In a touching tribute to the iconic partnership between Harold and Madge Bishop, actress Anne Charleston will return to appear in some of Smith’s last scenes.
“It isn’t just my last day at Neighbours – it’s my last day of work,” Smith reflected on his departure.
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Neighbours’ Executive Producer Jason Herbison paid tribute to Smith’s contribution to the show.
“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,” Herbison said.
“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.”
A Network 10 spokesperson expressed the broadcaster’s deep sadness at Smith’s 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,” they said.
“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.”
The spokesperson added that the cast, crew and fans worldwide would support Smith during this difficult time.