Neighbours legend Ian Smith reveals cancer diagnosis: ‘They expect me to die’

Ian Smith, the long-running Neighbours star, has been given a terminal cancer diagnosis.

The actor, 86, who is best known for playing Harold Bishop, recently announced his exit from the Australian-based soap opera. Ian has shared that he was diagnosed earlier this year.

Ian has said that he has a “very aggressive” form of cancer, telling 10 News First recently: “I found out a few months back that I have cancer. They expect me to die because I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer, and they expect it.

The outlet adds that Ian has lung cancer and that he and his colleagues from Neighbours discussed it before he left the soap opera, with him claiming that the news caused him “tears.” Ian – whose wife Gail Smith passed away in 2019 following her own cancer diagnosis – said that the news of his diagnosis “knocked]him] out a bit”, adding that it’s made him “rethink” his outlook on life.

Ian has been a long-running cast member on Neighbours, having made his debut in 1987 – just two years after the show launched. Up until his first break from the soap opera in 1991, he first appeared as Harold.

From 1996 to 2009, he later made his regular cast appearance. The actor has appeared in numerous guest films since then, including the “finale” in 2022, which was regarded as Neighbours’ final film.

However, Amazon Freevee later revived the program, and it made a comeback last year. Although a number of well-known cast members reprised their roles, Ian didn’t initially appear in the new series of the beloved soap.

However, it was made known earlier this year that he would be reprising his role as Harold, who would be relocating to Erinsborough, a fictional suburb. The legendary Harold Bishop is relocating to Erinsborough, according to a message that the program shared on social media in April. We are thrilled to return Ian Smith to the show and his new titles. Harold’s on-screen return aired the following month.

However, Ian has since stopped hosting the program after being recently diagnosed with cancer. Reflecting on his departure, he told 10 News First in an interview that has aired this week: “It isn’t just my last day at Neighbours – it’s my last day of work”.

Announcing his departure, a statement issued by Neighbours reads: “Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street. We’re breaking the sad news that beloved Harold Bishop will soon be leaving Ian Smith. Harold was first portrayed by Ian in 1987, and it has been a great honor to bring him back to the show.

Jason Herbison, Executive Producer, said: “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. He wanted to give Harold a proper welcome despite the difficulties he was having with his health. We paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show on set, which was a very emotional moment.

Anne Charleston, who portrayed Harold’s late wife Madge Bishop, will appear alongside Ian for “some of his final scenes,” it has been announced. The statement made the comment that “the circumstances in which Anne will appear have yet to be determined, but the reunion of the legendary couple will be a last treat for fans.”

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Source: Mirror