December 4th 2024.
Ian, the beloved actor known for his role as Harold Bishop on Neighbours, recently shared the news of his cancer diagnosis. Despite the heartbreaking news, the 86-year-old is not giving up and has allowed a camera crew to document his journey through this terminal illness.
In an interview with 10 News First, Ian revealed that he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma earlier this year. He bravely admitted, "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."
Since then, Ian has undergone three rounds of chemotherapy and has become a "guinea pig" for new treatments in hopes of prolonging his life. He shared, "I want to stay alive with quality as long as I can. If they can do that, I'm very happy. But I wake up every morning hoping there's no pain, because I know that's the beginning of the bad part."
As a tribute to his iconic character, Ian has already filmed his final scenes on the show, alongside former co-star Anne Charleston who played his on-screen wife, Madge Bishop. The emotional farewell was captured on video, with the cast and crew bidding their friend and colleague goodbye after almost four decades on the soap.
According to Australian showbiz reporter Peter Ford, Ian's life will be documented to raise awareness of assisted dying, a cause that is close to his heart after losing his adoptive parents, birth mother, and wife Gail to cancer.
Peter explained, "He wants to do this because he does want to raise awareness about assisted dying. [Ian] believes that doctors either don't, or, in some cases, can't, give you the information of the options that are available to you... not that he intends to take up those options, as far as I know."
He continued, "But I think because he's had so many people around him die as a result of cancer, I think he feels it's a subject that needs to be put on the table. So, a very brave thing for him to go and do."
In a statement on the show's social media, it was confirmed that Ian had stepped down from his role as Harold Bishop, and Anne would be returning to the set for his exit story. The post read, "'Harold waves goodbye to Ramsay Street'. We're sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop. Ian first played Harold in 1987 and it's been a huge privilege to welcome him back to the show over the years."
It also announced that Anne Charleston would be joining Ian for some of his last scenes, though her character's role is yet to be revealed. The post continued, "In what context Anne will appear is yet to be revealed, but to have the iconic couple reunited will be one final treat for fans. Erinsborough won't quite be the same again, but rest assured that Harold is set to have a send-off fit for Ramsay Street royalty."
This will not be the first time Ian has left the show, as he originally departed in 1991 after a dramatic storyline that saw his character swept out to sea and presumed dead. He returned five years later, believing himself to be a Salvation Army worker named Ted.
He continued to appear on the show regularly until 2009 and has made several guest returns before being reintroduced on a recurring basis earlier this year. The opening of a new retirement complex in the suburb has allowed for the return of many veteran actors, including Ian.
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Ian shared his excitement about returning to the show, saying, "I was asked if I'd care to come back into the show. I was excited! I said yes - but not full-time." He added, "I don't know if they asked me full-time to be honest. But I said: 'Bits and bobs, would that do it?' and they said: 'Yes, indeed!' so I'm a very lucky old actor at 85 I still get to work."
As fans anxiously await Ian's final scenes on the show, they can join a community of over 10,000 soap fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community, where they can get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on the link and select 'Join Chat' to stay updated on all things soaps. Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can be the first to hear the latest gossip on EastEnders, Coronation Street, and Emmerdale. And if you have a soap or TV story, video, or pictures, you can share them by emailing the team - they'd love to hear from you.
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