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.

Ian Smith has quit Neighbours after being diagnosed with a “non-fixable cancer”. The 86-year-old has played fan favourite Harold Bishop on the Australian soap since 1987. The news comes shortly after the Ramsay Street stalwart had announced his return to the programme.

The 86-year-old told an Australian news programme he has been diagnosed with an ‘aggressive, non-fixable cancer’.

Ian Smith, 85, first appeared in Neighbours in 1987 and became one of the soap's most famous faces, playing the beloved Harold Bishop on and off over five decades. He has now spoken about his emotional final scenes after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The 87-year-old actor reveals he has left his role as Harold Bishop on Neighbours after being diagnosed with a "very aggressive" form of cancer.

Veteran Neighbours actor Ian Smith has revealed he's been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The 86 year old, famed for his role as Harold Bishop, shared the news following his recent exit from the Australian-based soap opera.

Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop in the Australian soap Neighbours, has announced he has terminal cancer and is set to leave the show. The 86-year-old told Australia’s 10 News First that he has been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive type of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.

NEIGHBOURS icon Ian Smith has revealed he has terminal cancer ahead of quitting the popular Aussie soap after 37 years. Ian Smith, 86, has stepped down from the role of Harold Bishop which he has

Ian Smith has announced that he has been given a diagnosis of terminal cancer - the actor is best known for playing Harold Bishop in long-running Australian soap Neighbours

Neighbours icon Ian Smith has exited the soap after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. He has played Harold Bishop on the show since 1987.