24-05-2025
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.
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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.
