Actor Ian Smith, who has played the character Harold Bishop in the iconic Australian soap opera “Neighbours” since 1987, has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with terminal cancer

Neighbours fans have recalled the legendary moment when fan favourite Harold Bishop was swept out to sea. Ian Smith, 86, who plays the stalwart of the Australian soap, announced he would be quitting the show after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The 86-year-old told an Australian news programme he has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive, non-fixable cancer’.

Ian Smith, 85, first appeared in Neighbours in 1987 and became one of the soap's most famous faces, playing the beloved Harold Bishop on and off over five decades. He has now spoken about his emotional final scenes after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Actor Ian Smith, who has played Harold Bishop in Neighbours since the 1980s, says he has a 'non-fixable' form of cancer and is leaving the show with immediate effect

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Neighbours has issued a statement on the departure of character Harold Bishop following the news that cast member Ian Smith has been diagnosed with terminal cancer

With the news that Ian Smith is retiring from Neighbours due to ill health, our celebrity correspondent reflects on his soap opera legacy

NEIGHBOURS icon Ian Smith has revealed he has terminal cancer ahead of quitting the popular Aussie soap after 37 years. Ian Smith, 86, has stepped down from the role of Harold Bishop which he has

Ian Smith has announced that he has been given a diagnosis of terminal cancer - the actor is best known for playing Harold Bishop in long-running Australian soap Neighbours

We’re all dying. But when you find out specifically when you’re going to die, you become a very different person,” the beloved 'Neighbours' star said