Neighbours icon Ian Smith reveals tragic health battle and steps down from his role after 37 years: ‘They expect me to die’
Ian Smith is stepping down from his role in Neighbors due to a terminal battle with cancer.
The soap icon, who has played Harold Bishop in the Australian series since 1987, says his prognosis is bleak.
“I found out a few months ago that I have cancer,” the 86-year-old said Herald Sun on Monday.
“That I have a very aggressive, unrepairable cancer and that they expect me… they expect me to die.”
The Australian actor, who has played the much-loved character in Neighbors since 1987, described the cancer as ‘beyond repair’.
Bishop’s character will get a fitting send-off on the series, executive producer Jason Herbison told the publication.
Ian Smith is stepping down from his role in Neighbors due to a terminal battle with cancer
“It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he made to the show,” he said.
Herbison added that Smith, like his character, is deeply “loved” by both the show and its audience.
A spokesperson for Network 10 said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis.
‘A much-loved member of the Neighbors family, Ian has been the heart and soul of the show since he first arrived on Ramsay Street in 1987.
“Ian has been bringing joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences around the world for decades.
“Together 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.”
Smith joined the show in 1987 as Harold Bishop, before leaving the series in 1991.
The actor returned again in 1996, this time staying in the role for over a decade before leaving again in 2009.
He reprized the role in 2011 and again in 2015, before recently returning as a series regular in 2022.
Smith will be on screen until April 2025.
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