I Will Live to See Christmas 2026

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Ian Smith disclosed the length of time he expects to live following his diagnosis with terminal lung cancer a year ago.

86-year-old actor from “Neighbours,” known for his role as Harold Bishop on the soap opera, disclosed in December that he has been diagnosed with a seldom-seen type of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.

Contrary to the predictions made by doctors that he would pass away by March, it’s now been revealed that the actor has been given a new prognosis – he is expected to celebrate Christmas in 2026.

He informed The Guardian that they cannot claim the cancer is cured. On the contrary, they are bound not to do so due to instances where the cancer returned in others and ultimately led to their demise.

‘But honestly, if they told me it had come back now, I would be ready this time.’

Ian further expressed that receiving a life-changing diagnosis has led him to embrace a more compassionate and tolerant approach towards others, as he now deeply understands the impact of mortality on one’s perspective.

It’s unfortunate that my epiphanies didn’t occur to me before I fell ill. If only I had discovered them earlier, perhaps I could have made a positive impact on someone or the world at large.

A few weeks ago, Ian shared with TV Week that his cancerous growth was diminishing following the completion of three sessions of palliative care, which involved both immunotherapy and chemotherapy treatments.

He mentioned that following a PET scan, the terms used seemed to be “notable metabolic alteration” and “substantial reduction in tumor size,” as he recalled during that period.

Initially, I was facing the possibility of passing away by March. Now, it seems there might be a few additional months for me. As for the future beyond that, only time will tell.

‘It’s not a permanent solution, but I’ve been given an extra year or possibly two. Incredible! Truly remarkable, indeed.’

Ian stepped down from his popular role on Neighbours last year amid his terminal cancer battle.

The well-known character actor from the soap opera, who has portrayed Harold since 1987 on the Australian show, shared in December that his outlook was extremely grim.

‘I found out a few months back that I have cancer,’ he told Ten News at the time.

‘That I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to… they expect me to die.’ 

According to the Herald Sun, Executive Producer Jason Herbison stated that Ian’s character would receive an appropriate farewell from the show.

In an intensely emotional scene, we honored him and his remarkable impact on our production, he noted.

Jason added Ian, just like his character, is deeply ‘loved’ by the show and public alike.  

10 Network representatives expressed their deep sorrow upon learning about Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis.

As a trusted insider within the Neighbours community, I’ve had the privilege of being at the core of this beloved series ever since my debut on Ramsay Street way back in 1987.

‘Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.

Together with the cast, crew, and his global fanbase, we’ll offer our support to Ian in whatever ways are helpful as he navigates through this challenging period.

Ian joined the show as Harold in 1987 before leaving the series in 1991. 

1996 saw the actor reappear, holding onto his role for more than a decade until departing once more in 2009.

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The actor resurfaced in 1996 and remained in that character for over ten years before parting ways again in 2009.

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In 1996, the actor made a comeback and played the same role for over a decade until leaving once more in 2009.

In 2011 and then again in 2015, he took on that role once more. More recently, starting from 2022, he’s been appearing regularly as part of the show’s cast.

Ian will continue to appear on screen until April 2026.

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2025-02-20 04:08