Weeks after popular Neighbours star Ian Smith announced he was leaving the show due to a devastating health diagnosis, the 85-year-old actor has shared some “good news” with TV WEEK.
Smith, who revealed he had been diagnosed with a “non-fixable” form of cancer in December 2024, told the publication that he had some “extremely good news” to share.
“I did a PET scan and the words, I believe, were ‘significant metabolic change, significant shrinkage of tumour’,” he explained during a chat with the magazine before Christmas.
“I’ve gone from a threat of dying this coming March to maybe a few more months… and now, God, who knows? It’s not a cure and it won’t be a cure, but I certainly have got a year, maybe two.
“That’s amazing. It really is.”
What type of cancer does Ian Smith have?
In early December, Smith spoke to 10 News First about his initial diagnosis. “I found out a few months back that I have cancer … they expect me to die,” he explained at the time.
Smith has a form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
Sadly, his wife Gail lost a battle with cancer in 2019.
“I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part. I’ve seen so many deaths. I’ve seen some good ones and I’ve seen bad ones. I’m hoping I’ll go the nice way,” he said during the interview.
Smith also revealed he was undergoing a “reasonably new” form of immunotherapy in a bid to prolong his life.
“I’ve really put my hand up to be a guinea pig,” he said. “Plus the fact I don’t want to die and I want to stay alive with quality for as long as I can.”
When will Ian Smith leave Neighbours?
The actor first took up residence in Ramsay Street in playing Harold Bishop in 1987.
It is a beloved character he has continued playing on and off in the decades since.
His devastating diagnosis means that Smith is also leaving Neighbours.
His final scenes will air in April 2025.
A message on the show’s Instagram account paid tribute to the star, shortly after he publically revealed his diagnosis.
“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 read along photos of his time on the soap.
The series has also confirmed that his on-screen wife Madge, who was played by Anne Charleston, will return for his final scenes.
Her character passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2001.
“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,” the series posted on its X account.
