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Beloved Neighbours star Ian Smith shares sad update amid cancer battle as he admits friends have ‘walked away’ from him

BBG News

Ian Smith has admitted that he has lost friends while battling cancer. 

A popular actor from the show “Neighbors” is receiving treatment for an uncommon, aggressive type of lung cancer. He’s expressed that not all people have remained supportive during this challenging time.

The 86-year-old says that some people in his life have ‘walked away‘ from him. 

He told The Morning Show, “I find it hard to comprehend that. I don’t desire for them to have feelings of love towards me, but I wish they would remain as they were and continue our connection.

However, yes, they are actually moving away from me physically, and it feels peculiar. I can’t help but wonder if they could share their reasons with me.

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Ian added that he is doing well health wise and has so far defied the odds. 

‘I get a bit nauseous sometimes, but that’s not much,’ he said of how he’s feeling physically. 

‘I was supposed to die last month… I’ve possibly never felt better’ Ian continued. 

I can’t help but notice – everywhere I go, people are taking a second glance, whispering, ‘Check out his mane!’ It’s clear they’re green with envy. After all, who wouldn’t be, when they see this luscious cascade of hair on my head?

In December, Smith received the diagnosis of an uncommon, aggressive type of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. Initially, the doctors informed him that it was considered ‘incurable’.

Last year, after a lengthy run as Harold Bishop on the soap opera, Ian made the difficult decision to leave his steadfast character behind due to his ongoing struggle with terminal cancer.

Following his enrollment in an innovative therapy regimen, which he jokingly termed as being a “test subject,” he has surpassed predictions and is optimistic about potentially enjoying “an additional year, perhaps even two.

He expressed, “I’d love to keep going endlessly,” he stated. “I’m no longer interested in being Harold, but I don’t wish to quit acting altogether.

1987 marked the year when the seasoned actor made his debut wearing Harold’s shoes, eventually becoming one of the most recognizable figures on the Neighbours set.

Known for his endearing nature, gradual romantic relationships, and mysterious vanishings, such as the one where he was believed deceased following a fall from a cliff in 1991, before resurfacing five years later with memory loss.

In April, his last appearances as Harold were broadcast worldwide, causing fans everywhere to cry. The beloved character said goodbye by expressing that he was relocating to Queensland in a heartfelt farewell.

Nonetheless, Harold briefly reappeared on Ramsay Street earlier this year, making a warm comeback in the episodes that were shown.

Ian returned to the make-believe town of Erinsborough to bid adieu to longtime Neighbours cast member, Anne Charleston, who is now 82 years old.

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.

The announcement about Harold’s comeback was made, with it being revealed that Ian had provided a recent health update since Harold was diagnosed with cancer.

On Channel Seven’s The Morning Show, I shared my positive progress in my cancer treatment journey.

In simpler terms, “Ian shared that he has been diagnosed with cancer. He confirmed this based on what his doctors have told him. However, he’s not experiencing any discomfort beyond that. Initially, it was expected that he would pass away in March.

‘I am having the easiest ride, seriously!’

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2025-06-03 12:50

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