Actor Ian Smith, who has played Harold Bishop on the iconic Australian soap opera “Neighbours” since 1987, has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 86-year-old actor revealed his diagnosis in an interview with 10 News First on Network 10, which airs the series in Australia.
The interview was aired on Monday. Smith has already filmed his last episode and said farewell to other cast members on his final day of shooting.
“It’s not just my last day at ‘Neighbours’, it’s my last day of work,” Smith told 10. Smith said he was being treated for a rare form of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.
“I found out a few months ago that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive, incurable cancer and … they want me to die,” Smith said. Producers of “Neighbours”, based on the fictional Ramsay Street in suburban Melbourne, used social media to confirm Smith’s departure.
“Harold says goodbye to Ramsay Street. We are sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon step away from the beloved role of Harold Bishop,” the program posted on Monday.
Network 10 described Smith as “the heart and soul of the show”.
“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences around the world for decades,” the network said in a statement.
“Along with the cast and crew and all his fans around the world, we will support Ian in every way possible during this difficult time,” it said.
“Neighbours” first aired in 1985 and has become Australia’s longest-running drama series. It has been sold to more than 60 countries and was most popular in Britain.