Actor Ian Smith, who has played the character Harold Bishop in the iconic Australian soap opera Neighbours since 1987, has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 86-year-old actor revealed the diagnosis in an interview with 10 News First on Network 10, which broadcasts the series in Australia. The interview was broadcast on Monday (Dec 2).
Smith has already filmed his last episode and said farewell to the other cast members on his final day of shooting.
"It isn’t just my last day in 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 back that I have cancer, that I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer and ... they expect me to die,” Smith said.
The producers of Neighbours, which is set on fictional Ramsay Street in suburban Melbourne, used social media to confirm Smith’s departure.
"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,” 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 all around the world for decades,” the network said in a statement.
"Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time,” it said.
Neighbours first screened 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. – AP
