Category Entertainment News

Veteran actor Ian Smith, known to millions as Neighbours icon Harold Bishop, has made a heartbreaking admission amid his terminal cancer diagnosis as he ‘ defies the odds ‘

After bidding a poignant farewell to Neighbours just weeks ago, 86-year-old Aussie television legend Ian Smith has made a surprising public appearance – this time, in support of a political cause close to his heart.

In a heartfelt campaign video shared by Independent MP Zoe Daniel, the former soap star, who portrayed the beloved Harold Bishop, can be seen at an early voting centre, speaking candidly with Daniel about his hopes for the future and the urgency he feels in making his final vote matter.

“I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last vote, so you may as well make it count”, Smith tells the 52-year-old politician with a bittersweet smile, before adding with his trademark dry humour: “So if you get in and don’t do what you said, then I am never going to talk to you again”.

Smith, who is currently battling terminal cancer, said he was drawn to Daniel’s platform, which focuses on cost-of-living reform, environmental responsibility, and gender equity – issues he believes are critical to Australia’s future.

“You’re so needed… That’s the only word nobody has used. This person’s beliefs are needed. Please do it”, he implores.

This appearance comes not long after Smith’s emotional final performance on Neighbours, in which Harold Bishop said goodbye to Ramsay Street in a scene that left viewers deeply moved.

As the iconic character prepared to leave Erinsborough for good to join his granddaughter in Queensland, Harold reflected on his journey: “Interesting is one word for it, privileged I think is better. I ended up making the best possible friends a man could ever have… this has been more than a street to me. You’ve been more than neighbours. My life has been enriched by every one of you. You are always in my heart. Always”.

The episode marked the end of an era, and devoted fans took to social media to mourn the departure of one of the soap’s most cherished characters. “Harold… Ian Smith… the legend. Feels like I’m losing a family member after seeing you leave. 40 years have been wonderful. One passionate fan wrote, “I wish you all the best of luck and love.”

Few people could have anticipated the real-life health story of Smith’s off-screen turn. The actor was told by doctors that he had only weeks to live after being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer, late last year. He now defies expectations, however, thanks to a ground-breaking immunotherapy treatment.

I was scheduled to pass away in March. I didn’t. So I’m here to discuss my recent death from last month, Smith said in a recent interview with The Project. “My doctors keep telling me I have cancer,” I’m aware of that fact. That is the only way I am aware of. I don’t experience any pain or anything like that.

He joked that the experimental therapy made him feel like a new person, making him feel like a “guinea pig.” Smith now asserts that despite all odds, he still wants to have “a year, maybe two” of uninterrupted time to enjoy life and continue to make his voice heard.

For more information or support about cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Rochelle Humes’ chic £40 linen trousers are a must-have for spring and summer

Veteran actor Ian Smith, known to millions as Neighbours icon Harold Bishop, has made a heartbreaking admission amid his terminal cancer diagnosis as he ‘defies the odds’

After bidding a poignant farewell to Neighbours just weeks ago, 86-year-old Aussie television legend Ian Smith has made a surprising public appearance – this time, in support of a political cause close to his heart.

In a heartfelt campaign video shared by Independent MP Zoe Daniel, the former soap star, who portrayed the beloved Harold Bishop, can be seen at an early voting centre, speaking candidly with Daniel about his hopes for the future and the urgency he feels in making his final vote matter.

“I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last vote, so you may as well make it count,” Smith tells the 52-year-old politician with a bittersweet smile, before adding with his trademark dry humour: “So if you get in and don’t do what you said, then I am never going to talk to you again.”

Smith, who is currently battling terminal cancer, said he was drawn to Daniel’s platform, which focuses on cost-of-living reform, environmental responsibility, and gender equity – issues he believes are critical to Australia’s future.

“You’re so needed… That’s the only word nobody has used. This person’s beliefs are needed. Please do it,” he implores.

This appearance comes not long after Smith’s emotional final performance on Neighbours, in which Harold Bishop said goodbye to Ramsay Street in a scene that left viewers deeply moved.

As the iconic character prepared to leave Erinsborough for good to join his granddaughter in Queensland, Harold reflected on his journey: “Interesting is one word for it, privileged I think is better. I ended up making the best possible friends a man could ever have… this has been more than a street to me. You’ve been more than neighbours. My life has been enriched by every one of you. You are always in my heart. Always.”

The episode marked the end of an era, and devoted fans took to social media to mourn the departure of one of the soap’s most cherished characters. “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 emotional fan wrote.

Off-screen, Smith’s real-life health story has taken a turn few could have anticipated. Diagnosed late last year with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma – a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer – doctors told the actor he had only weeks to live. But thanks to a pioneering immunotherapy treatment, he’s now defying expectations.

“I was supposed to die in March. I didn’t. So I’m here to talk about me dying last month,” Smith shared in a recent appearance on The Project. “I know I’ve got cancer because doctors keep telling me I have. That’s the only way I know. I’ve got no pain, none of that.”

He joked that he was something of a “guinea pig” for the experimental therapy, which has left him feeling like a new man. Against all odds, Smith now says he’s hopeful for “a year, maybe two” more time to enjoy life and to keep making his voice heard.

For more information or support about cancer, you can contact Macmillan Cancer Support.

Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads.

READ MORE: Rochelle Humes’ chic £40 linen trousers are a must-have for spring and summer

Do you want to regrow bleached or thinning hair? The bond-building treatment from Olaplex is regarded by customers as a “miracle product” and costs less than £20.

A strengthening hair treatment might be just what you need if your hair has been through a lot, whether it has been through heat styling, color treatments, or just general breakage. And we’ve located a location where you can purchase Olaplex’s No. For less than £20, get a 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment.

This “miracle” product has been reduced by 30% as part of a limited-time deal, bringing the price from £28 to £19.80.

What does this treatment actually accomplish? It serves as a hair primer to prepare your hair so that you can use your other hair care products, and it helps to increase Olaplex’s effectiveness. No. 3 Hair Perfector can be used in conjunction with No. 0.

It strengthens fragile strands, reduces the damage, and gives your hair a smoother, healthier, and fuller appearance thanks to Olaplex’s highest concentration of their famous bond-building technology.

For fine hair like mine, Olaplex’s most recent volume-boosting release is a game-changer.

READ MORE: Lisa Snowdon shares a two-step regimen for “radiant glass skin” for people with mature skin.

Customers have been raveling about the immediate effects of using this treatment despite hundreds of glowing reviews. “Definitely recommend,” one customer wrote. I’ve used the olaplex 0 and 3, followed by the 3, before shampooing and putting my hair back on today. My hair feels healthier and I can tell the difference in my hair clearly. I’ll definitely be using this product frequently.

One reviewer wrote, “I’m a hairdresser and have used every make and brand of treatments,” adding that the industry is even a fan. THIS IS SENSATIL.

A third person said, “Decided to invest after severe bleach damage (60% broken hair), and I have to say this has been a real godsend.” I massage my scalp twice weekly with rosemary oil and the bonding oil. I don’t really expect that much of a shine, but I should point out that there is a significant difference in how much hair breaks off. Almost no hair loss, in my opinion. For severe hair damage, I would absolutely advise.

The only negative feedback that many different customers had was regarding the nozzle and packaging, which are claimed to occasionally cause the product to come out sporadically.

Joan, the mother of the Loose Women actress, has also been dealing with a “horrible chest infection” for the past few weeks.

Ruth Langsford’s ‘horrible’ excuse for her late appearance on QVC has been made public. Just two weeks after her mother slipped ill, the 65-year-old TV star had a nasty stomach bug.

“I’ve got a horrible tummy bug so unfortunately can’t do my show @qvcuk tonight,” she told her fans in an Instagram Story yesterday. “Thankfully, the wonderful @melissahardystyle is stepping in for me so I hope you can join her… some lovely new pieces launching! Thanks Melissa!”

The Loose Women star’s mother, Joan, has also been grappling with a ‘horrible chest infection’ these past few weeks. In a separate update, Ruth recently said the 94-year-old wasn’t quite well enough to ‘come out yet’, but hoped she would recover very soon.

Ruth thanked you last month for your kind words for my mother. “I’m hoping she’ll be back dancing in my kitchen very soon, but she’s not quite well enough to come out yet.” She’s enjoying lots of cuddles with Nurse Maggie in the interim”!

Sadly, Joan has recently experienced a number of health issues. One year after breaking her hip, she fractured her pelvis in December.

While the family was relieved to learn that she wouldn’t need surgery, Joan was required to stay in the hospital to recover. “No dancing in my kitchen peeling the veg for my darling Mum this Christmas… she’s had a fall and fractured her pelvis,” Ruth said in December.

She’s okay, I suppose, and I’m grateful that no surgery is necessary, but she still needs rest and recuperation right now. Although she’s currently in the hospital, I’m hoping to see her soon. She fell and broke her hip at this time last year, but she is now recovering well.

Ruth said the experience had a significant impact on her outlook on life, especially considering how her mother missed out on Christmas traditions last year. She’s a very strong woman, she said, and I’m confident she’ll recover from it as well.

It “puts life and what’s important in perspective,” he says. Nurses at Chertsey’s St. Peter’s Hospital and Woking Community Hospital treated Joan.

By January, she and Ruth and her dog, Maggie, were both recovering from her illness. She is recovering superbly after breaking her pelvis in December, Ruth later added.

“… Charging like a good ‘un once more on her walker! Hope when I turn 94, she will have her grit and drive! LEGEND. “

Russell Brand, a British comedian and actor, was detained on Friday in central London on suspicion of five counts of rape and other sexual offence.

Brand, 49, was charged last month after establishing himself as the husband of pop star Katy Perry with his risky comedy routines.

The celebrity, who was seated in front of Westminster Magistrates’ Court for his first court hearing, did not speak as he fought through a crowd of reporters and onlookers while casually dressed in a dark shirt with gold-framed sunglasses and a dark shirt.

Brand is alleged to currently reside in the United States and is facing two counts of rape, two of sexual assault, and one of indecent assault.

Read more about Sean “Diddy’s” sex crimes trial to start on Monday.

Brand denied all the alleged crimes and expressed his gratitude for the “opportunity” to defend himself in a video response on X after being charged last month.

Before I lived in the light of the Lord, I was a fool. I was an imbecile, sex addict, and drug addict before becoming an addict. He claimed in the video that he had never engaged in any non-consensual behavior.

The allegations that four women were involved in crimes between 1999 and 2005 are the subject of the charges.

Following a police investigation into allegations following the broadcast of a Channel 4 documentary in September 2023, the prosecution charged him.

The investigation is still ongoing, according to London’s Metropolitan Police, and they urged “anyone who has been affected by this case, or anyone with any information” to contact officers.

Millions of online fans

In addition to the sexual assault and oral rape of a woman in 2004 in the Westminster area of central London, Brand is accused of raping a woman in 1999 in the Bournemouth area of England’s south coast.

He is also accused of sexually assaulting another woman between 2004 and 2005, both of which are alleged to have occurred in Westminster.

As a teenager in Essex, east of London, Brand began his stand-up career in 1975 as a child of working-class parents.

He first appeared on stage as a provocative, frequently wry comedian before becoming a Hollywood star, then an online conspiracy theorist and anti-establishment guru with millions of followers.

He has almost seven million YouTube subscribers, ten thousand on X, and 4.8 million on Instagram.

He hosted a radio program on the BBC Radio 2 between 2006 and 2008, but he abruptly stopped after playing a sexually explicit voicemail for Andrew Sachs, the actor who plays the “Fawlty Towers” actor, for his granddaughter.

He also hosted a “Big Brother” spin-off show for a number of years, wrote columns for the liberal Guardian newspaper, and wrote two autobiographies.

Between 2010 and 2012, Brand and US actor Perry were married for 14 months.

He now has three children with Laura Gallacher, an author and illustrator.

After being left “biting and screaming into a pillow” in “uncontrollable” pain before losing all feeling in his leg, Love Island star Adam Collard was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery.

As a result of his partner Laura Woods’ “uncontrollable pain,” Adam Collard revealed the moment he was forced to call an ambulance.

The former Love Island star, 29, revealed yesterday he had been hospitalised and had back surgery. Adam shared photos of himself dressed in a hospital gown and laying in a hospital bed.

Adam, the couple’s fiancée Laura gave birth to their first child in January, has revealed more about the circumstances that led to him eventually leaving in “unacceptable pain” and “biting and screaming into a pillow” as his wife-to-be dialed 999.

In a series of lengthy Instagram Story posts, Adam explained how he had began experiencing a ‘tweak’ before it descended into ‘another level of pain and discomfort’. After seeking help from physios and osteopaths, he was told the pain was “probably a bit a bit “discy” and was also causing me to have sciatica”.

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Adam was given a strategy to “back to basics,” eliminate stress, strengthen weak points, and take painkillers to lessen inflammation. He explained that the plan involved a “yo-yo of improving a little bit, then go backwards again and be in excruciating pain.” The former reality star “absolutely followed the rehabilitation plan,” leaving no stone unturned.

Adam remarked on how persistent the pain was, “To the point where I couldn’t sit in a chair without pain.” It either sat flat or sat. Driving the car was a good 9/10 pain, and Leo’s in-bed tingling was unbearable because of the lumbar spine’s slump position. Not ideal for a mother with a newborn… which both physically and mentally affected me.

He was given painkillers to “help the pain and knock me out,” but it meant he had to be unable to look after his son Leo in the evenings and would be in agonizing pain once more if he “sip” taking them.

After that, Adam explained that after doing extensive research, we decided to push for spinal injections and nerve root blockers to try to relieve me in some way because it eventually became difficult for me to put on my own socks while I was still trying to work out in the gym.

On the third day of taking the jabs, he claimed they were “amazing” and that he had made “astonishing progress.” I wrote a long-term plan for the next six months on how to train around this and build back up, Adam added. “After two weeks of serious profanity and being super content, I was writing a long term plan for the next six months. Strength, a restricted lowerbody, pilates, and core

However, sadly, one day, he was left in agonizing pain, forcing Laura, 37, to call for assistance. After working for 30 minutes, Adam explained, “I was driving home last Wednesday and by the time I was home I could barely walk inside.” After an hour, I lost the sensation in my right leg, which extended to my toes, making it impossible for me to bear. I was biting and screaming into my pillow in pain. I am unable to raise it from the hip. which made Laura need to call an ambulance because it was frightening.

After speaking with my specialist who administered my original spinal injections, he returned me for an MRI to examine the disc’s disc differences from a month prior. My right leg no longer feels like I can move because the disc was ruptured, almost completely compressing the siatic nerve.

To shave the discs down and release the nerve, we then decided to have a Lumbar Decompression and Discectomy procedure. Adam continued, “Surgery went well, I’ve already got the feeling back in my leg which is great now it’s just sore from the wound on my back.”

My surgeon claimed that after cutting in, he realized the discs were “very bad.” One of them had cracked, causing a push-in to my sciatic nerve. The real work begins now, with a slow buildup, full recovery, and being diligent about my training for the next 12 months, and possibly forever, in some cases.

He then thanked those who had supported him in his message. Thank you to my friends and family, my friends, and all of you for your contributions over the past few months, Adam wrote in a letter.

At the end of his post, Adamant to warn against letting the medical setback take hold, defiantly declared, “Now it’s Comeback SZN..”