Former Neighbours star Ian Smith has revealed that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The actor Ian Smith who is best know for playing Harold Bishop, has revealed the news following his recent departure from the Australian-based soap opera. The 86-year-old shared that he received the diagnosis earlier this year.
Ian has described his condition as a “very aggressive” form of cancer, recently telling 10 News First: “I found out a few months back that I have cancer. That I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to … they expect me to die.”
The outlet reports that Ian has a type of lung cancer and disclosed his diagnosis to his Neighbours colleagues before departing the soap opera, sharing that the news left many of his cast mates in “tears” .
Tragically Ian’s wife Gail Smith passed away from cancer in 2019, reports the Mirror.
Ian said the news of his diagnosis “knocked [him] out a bit,” and made him “rethink” his outlook on life.
Ian has been one of the longest-running cast members on Neighbours, having first appeared on the show in 1987, just two years after the TV show launched. He initially appeared as his character Harold until he departed the show for the first time in 1991.
He then returned in 1996 as a regular cast member, until 2009, having made several guest appearances in the years since then. Ian also returned to feature in the “finale” in 2022, which was thought to be the end of Neighbours.
However, the show had been revived by Amazon Freevee, returning to screens last year and earlier this year, it was announced that Ian would be returning to his role as Harold, who would be moving back to Erinsborough.
It was announced: “After fifteen years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough. We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.”
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Unfortunately, he has now left the show after his cancer diagnosis. Telling 10 New First that: “It isn’t just my last day at Neighbours – it’s my last day of work.”
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