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Ian Smith’s Shocking Return to Neighbours: Fans Are Overjoyed!

BBG News

Ian Smith, known neighbor and former star, is planning a surprising comeback to the famous Australian soap opera, mere weeks following his emotional farewell.

86-year-old Ian, known for portraying Harold Bishop on a long-standing soap opera, recently relinquished his steadfast character last year during his struggle with terminal cancer.

In April, his last appearances as Harold left fans worldwide emotional, as the lovable character bid farewell by sharing plans to relocate to Queensland, delivering a heartfelt goodbye.

It has now been disclosed that Harold is set to come back to Ramsay Street for a short while, with episodes featuring him set to be aired this week.

Ian is set to return to the make-believe town of Erinsborough for a heartfelt goodbye to one more long-standing Neighbours character, Anne Charleston, who is now 82 years old.

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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.

This week will see the last appearances of Agnes on screen, and Neighbours’ executive producer, Jason Herbison, has shared that Harold will be present for her farewell.

He mentioned that we’ve captured an extra scene not aired yet – it will be shown on television within the upcoming weeks.

‘It’s a small moment but it’s very special indeed.’

As a devoted follower, I’m overjoyed to share that news about Harold’s comeback has surfaced, following the recent update from Ian regarding his health journey after his cancer diagnosis.

This week, he shared on Channel Seven’s The Morning Show that his cancer treatment was working favorably for him.

In simpler terms, “Ian shared that he has been diagnosed with cancer. The doctors confirmed this diagnosis. However, at the moment, he is not experiencing any pain. Initially, it was expected that he would pass away in March.

‘I am having the easiest ride, seriously!’

He then revealed the unusual side effect he was experiencing from the ongoing cancer treatment.

‘I’ve possibly never felt better. Everyone looks at me and says, “Look at your hair!”,’ he added.

‘Everyone is envious that I have so much hair. Previously, I underwent treatment which caused me to lose my hair completely. Later, I started immunotherapy and now I have a full head of hair – not just any hair, but curly hair!’

In the month of December, Smith received a diagnosis of a seldomly seen, aggressive type of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. Initially, the medical professionals informed him that this particular condition seemed beyond treatment.

However, following his innovative treatment regimen – jokingly referring to it as a “guinea pig” role – he has surpassed predictions and is now optimistic about having “an additional year, perhaps even two.

‘I want to go forever,’ he said, beaming.

‘I don’t want to play Harold anymore, but I don’t want to stop acting.’

In 1987, the seasoned actor initially filled Harold’s role and subsequently emerged as one of Neighbours’ best-known personalities.

Known for his endearing nature, gradual romantic entanglements, and mysterious disappearances – such as the one where he was declared deceased following a fall from a cliff in 1991, but reappeared after five years with memory loss.

After Harold’s neighbors bid him farewell in April, distraught fans expressed their sorrow about his departure on various social media platforms.

One admirer penned, ‘Harold… Ian Smith… an icon. It feels like parting with family as you depart. The past four decades have been extraordinary. Here’s to abundant joy and affection for your future.’

I found Harold’s farewell to be heartwarmingly apt, stirring tears in my eyes. Over the years, the characters on Neighbours have felt like an extended family for me, too. [Second person perspective: When it was time for him to leave, it felt like a part of our family was moving away.]

A third spectator added, “Harold, you’re truly a gem! It’s been such a joy observing you throughout the years.

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2025-05-24 10:04

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