Title: "Beloved ‘Neighbours’ Star Ian Smith to Make Shock Return to Iconic Aussie Soap Weeks After Farewelling Ramsay Street: ‘It’s Very Special Indeed’"

Beloved Neighbours Star Ian Smith Makes Surprise Return Amid Cancer Battle

(Image: Ian Smith as Harold Bishop in a heartfelt scene.)

Beloved Neighbours icon Ian Smith, 86, is set to reappear on the Aussie soap weeks after his emotional farewell. Smith, who plays Harold Bishop, retired last year due to a terminal lung cancer diagnosis but will return briefly to bid goodbye to co-star Anne Charleston’s character, Agnes Adair.

A Touching Farewell
Smith’s final scenes as Harold aired in April, showing the character moving to Queensland—a moment that left fans in tears. Now, he’ll reunite with Anne Charleston, 82, who originally played Harold’s wife Madge Bishop from 1986 to 2001. Charleston returned this year as Agnes, whose exit airs this week. Executive producer Jason Herbison teased a “small but special” moment between the duo, filmed during Smith’s treatment.

(Image: Anne Charleston as Madge Bishop and Ian Smith as Harold in a classic Neighbours scene.)

Defying the Odds
Despite a grim prognosis for his rare pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, Smith shared an uplifting health update on The Morning Show. Initially told his cancer was “non-fixable,” immunotherapy has extended his life. “I was supposed to die in March,” he joked, praising the treatment’s unusual side effect: a full head of curly hair. “I’ve possibly never felt better,” he added, hoping for “a year, maybe two” more.

(Image: Ian Smith smiling on The Morning Show, showcasing his new curls.)

A Legacy on Ramsay Street
Smith first joined Neighbours in 1987, becoming a fan favorite through Harold’s quirks, romances, and dramatic storylines—like his 1991 “death” and amnesia-fueled return. Though retiring from Harold, Smith insists he’s not done acting.

Fan Love
Fans mourned Harold’s April exit online, calling him “a legend” and “like family.” One wrote, “Harold’s goodbye made me cry—it’s been a wonderful 40 years.”

(Image: Ian Smith with co-stars Jackie Woodburne and Stefan Dennis on set.)

Smith’s resilience and Harold’s brief return celebrate his enduring impact on Neighbours, proving even goodbyes can hold sweet surprises.

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