Neighbours icon Ian Smith, that has actually played the cherished Harold Bishop in the long-running Australian soap, has actually exposed he has actually been diagnosed with “non-fixable” cancer.

“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” Smith informed 10 News First’s Angela Bishop in a meeting.

“That I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer and … they expect me to die.”

The 86-year-old will certainly leave the program after greater than thirty years with the program.

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Smith initially showed up on the Melbourne-based television program in 1987 when he was presented as an old love passion of Madge Mitchell, played by Anne Charleston.

Over the years, Smith’s personality has actually been created in and out of the program’s story, making numerous years-long jobs on the program.

Smith’s latest look came just just recently as it was revealed he would certainly go back to his function as Harold Bishop in May this year.

“After fifteen years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough,” the program revealed on its authorities X account.

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“We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.”

Just over a week earlier, Smith shared a psychological goodbye to the program bordering by co-stars as his personality with scenes intentionally contacted accomodate for his separation from the program.

Jason Herbison, Executive Producer for Neighbours, informed Herald Sun Smith was much loved.

“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 stated.

“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.”

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According to a Network 10 agent, the star is a “cherished member of the Neighbours family”.

“We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis,” the agent informed Herald Sun.

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“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.

“Ian has actually brought delight, giggling and ideas to target markets all over the globe for years.

“Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time.”

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While Smith dipped in and out of the program because he initially showed up in 1987, he continued to be on-screen for over 12 years in 1996. That job saw him turn into one of the longest-running personalities in the program’s background.

To the scary of veteran followers, Neighbours was terminated back in 2022 as a result of absence of financing.

Smith went back to Ramsay Street, along with various other greats like Kylie Minogue, for the finale episode that broadcast in July 2022.

However not long after, the program made a return in 2023 after Amazon Freevee consented to an offer that would certainly revitalize the collection.

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