Latest news with #Erinsborough
Daily Mail
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Beloved neighbours star Ian Smith to make shock return to iconic Aussie soap just weeks after farewelling Ramsay Street: 'It's very special indeed'
Beloved Neigbours star Ian Smith is set to make a shock return to the iconic Aussie soap, just weeks after saying his final goodbye. Ian, 86, who played Harold Bishop on the long-running soap, stepped down from his stalwart role last year amid his terminal cancer battle. His final scenes as Harold, which aired in April, had fans across the globe in tears - with the affable character announcing he was moving to Queensland with a sentimental send off. Now it's been revealed that Harold will make a welcome, albeit brief, return to Ramsay Street in scenes that will air this week. Ian will be back in the fictional suburb of Erinsborough to help farewell another Neighbours veteran, Anne Charleston, 82. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Anne played Harold's wife Madge Bishop (nee Mitchell) from 1986 until 2001. She then returned for the 30th anniversary in 2015, and 'final' episode in 2022. The versatile actress returned to the soap again this year to play new character Agnes Adair. With Agnes' final scenes set to air this week, Neighbours executive producer Jason Herbison revealed that Harold would be there for the send-off. 'We did manage to film an additional moment that has no yet gone to air – viewers will see it in the coming weeks,' he told TV Tonight. 'It's a small moment but it's very special indeed.' News of Harold's return comes after Ian recently gave an update on his health following his cancer diagnosis. He revealed on Channel Seven's The Morning Show this week that he was responding well to his cancer treatment. 'I have got cancer. I know that because doctors tell me I have. But apart from that... No pain. I was supposed to die in March,' Ian began. 'I am having the easiest ride, seriously!' He then revealed the unusual side effect he was experiencing from the ongoing cancer treatment. 'I've possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says, "Look at your hair!",' he added. 'They are all jealous I've got so much hair. I went through the treatment, started to lose my hair and went totally bald. I then went onto the immunotherapy and got a head full of hair... not just hair, but curly hair!' In December, Smith was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, which doctors initially told him was 'non-fixable'. But after being put on a revolutionary treatment plan – which he cheekily described as being a 'guinea pig' for – he's defied expectations and is now hoping for 'a year, maybe two' of extra life. 'I want to go forever,' he said, beaming. 'I don't want to play Harold anymore, but I don't want to stop acting.' The veteran performer first stepped into Harold's shoes in 1987 and went on to become one of Neighbours' most iconic faces. He was known for his wholesome charm, slow-burning romances, and multiple disappearances - including being presumed dead after falling off a cliff in 1991 – only to return five years later with amnesia. Following his Neighbours farewell in April, heartbroken fans took to social media to share their sadness over Harold's departure. 'Harold... Ian Smith... the legend. Feels like losing a member of my household seeing you go. It's been a wonderful 40 years. I wish you much happiness and love,' one fan wrote. 'Harold's goodbye was perfect. It made me cry. The characters on Neighbours become like family,' a second added. 'Ohhhhh Harold!! What a treasure. An absolute pleasure over all these years watching you,' a third viewer chipped in.
The Independent
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
4 Neighbours stars who went from Ramsay Street to Hollywood
For nearly four decades, Neighbours has been a beloved staple on our screens, bringing unforgettable characters and the iconic Ramsay Street into the homes of fans worldwide. However, some of its most cherished stars didn't just leave their mark on Erinsborough – they went on to become global pop sensations, veteran stage performers and Hollywood A-listers. As soap opera fans mourn Amazon's decision to axe the show for the second time, let's look at four actors who swapped their Melbourne beginnings for superstardom… 1. Jason Donovan A natural performer, Jason Donovan started his acting career at just nine years old and shot to fame in 1986 as Scott Robinson in Neighbours. After leaving the show in 1989, Donovan released his debut album Ten Good Reasons, which featured three UK No1 singles, including the hit Sealed With A Kiss. In 1991, Donovan starred as Joseph in the hugely successful West End production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He also made a memorable appearance at Queen Elizabeth's Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022, performing Any Dream Will Do outside Buckingham Palace. More recently, Donovan has become famous for stepping into the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter in The Rocky Horror Show, rocking fishnets and heels on stages across both Australia and the UK. Showing no signs of slowing down, the 56-year-old Australian actor and singer is currently touring the UK on his Doin' Fine 25 tour. 2. Kylie Minogue Kylie Minogue first stole our hearts as Charlene Robinson on Neighbours, where her unforgettable romance with Donovan's character, Scott, captured the world's attention. But it was her re-recorded version of The Loco-Motion, released in 1987, that catapulted her to stardom and solidified her place in pop music history. Known as the Princess of Pop, she has constantly reinvented herself, conquering music, acting, and fashion, while collecting countless accolades, including two Grammy Awards. With a string of chart-topping albums and iconic hits like Can't Get You Out Of My Head and Spinning Around, Kylie's reign continues to soar. Most recently, the 56-year-old pop star delivered an unforgettable performance at the 2024 Brit Awards, where she was honoured with the prestigious Brit Global Icon Award. 3. Margot Robbie Australia's golden girl, Margot Robbie, is undeniably one of the biggest stars to come from Neighbours. After a three-year stint on the show as the bubbly teen Donna Freedman, she left in 2011 to try her luck in America. That bold move quickly paid off when she landed her first major film role in The Wolf Of Wall Street (2013) as Naomi Lapaglia, DiCaprio's character Jordan Belfort's mistress-turned-wife. Now based in the US, the 34-year-old actress has starred in a slew of high-profile films, including I, Tonya, Bombshell, Once Upon A Time In Hollywood, and Barbie. Robbie and her husband, filmmaker Tom Ackerley, have also co-founded LuckyChap Entertainment, a production company dedicated to creating women-focused projects. The Hollywood couple reportedly welcomed their first child, a baby boy, in October 2024, though they have yet to reveal his name. 4. Liam Hemsworth Another Neighbours star who soared to Hollywood fame is Liam Hemsworth, who played Josh Taylor, the surfer who became a paraplegic after a tragic accident, on the show from 2007 to 2008. Since spreading his wings from the Aussie soap, Hemsworth has starred in a string of big movies, such as The Hunger Games, Knowing, and The Dressmaker. His personal life has also kept fans buzzing, thanks to his on-and-off romance with Miley Cyrus, whom he met on the set of The Last Song. The couple married in 2018 but finalised their divorce in 2020. The 35-year-old actor is currently in a relationship with model Gabriella Brooks and will soon appear in season 4 of the Netflix series The Witcher, replacing Henry Cavill as Geralt of Rivia.
