December 2nd 2024.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Harold and Madge have come together one final time in a bittersweet reunion. Fans of the long-running soap Neighbours will be delighted to hear that Anne Charleston, who played Madge, will be returning to the show as part of Harold's exit storyline. This news comes after actor Ian Smith revealed that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, prompting his departure from the show.
Ian has been a beloved member of the Neighbours cast, playing Harold on and off since 1987. In an emotional interview, he shared that he has been diagnosed with a rare form of liver cancer and unfortunately, the prognosis is terminal. He explained, "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."
As a result of his health news, Ian has already filmed his final scenes as Harold Bishop, the wise and lovable cafe owner who always had a kind word and good advice for his neighbors. While it is still unknown how Harold's storyline will conclude, Neighbours has confirmed that Anne Charleston will be returning for some of his final scenes. It's a touching tribute to have Harold and Madge together one last time, even if it is only in a small way.
In an interesting twist, Anne will not be reprising her role as Madge. Instead, she will be portraying a new character who becomes a friend to Harold in his final days. Fans will remember Anne's iconic portrayal of Madge, who first appeared on the show in 1987 and departed in 1992. She returned briefly in 1996 when Harold famously returned from the dead, and then again in 2001 before Madge's tragic death.
Since then, Anne has made several guest appearances, including a brief return in 2015 and a fantasy sequence in 2022 when Neighbours was thought to be ending. It's a testament to her talent and the enduring popularity of Neighbours that she has been able to revisit the show and her iconic character over the years.
Meanwhile, Ian has been a regular cast member on Neighbours since earlier this year at the age of 85. He returned to the show with a bang, appearing in the opening titles for the first time in over a decade. In an interview with Metro, he admitted that returning to the show in a more regular role "took a bit of getting used to." However, he credited the "intense niceness" of his fellow cast and crew members for making him feel comfortable and helping him find Harold again.
Fans can catch Ian's final scenes as Harold Bishop next year when his exit storyline airs. Neighbours streams for free Mondays to Thursdays on Amazon Prime Video, so be sure to tune in and say goodbye to a beloved character. And if you have any soap or TV stories, videos, or pictures, don't hesitate to get in touch through email - the community loves to hear from you. You can also stay updated on all things Neighbours and other soaps by leaving a comment below and visiting our homepage.
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