“They expect me to die.”
Ian Smith has announced that he has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The actor, who is best known for playing Harold Bishop in Australian soap Neighbours, told Australia’s Channel 10 that his cancer is “non-fixable”.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” he told Ten News First . “They expect me to die.”
The 85-year-old first joined Neighbours in 1987, and his final episodes are expected to air in April 2025.
Neighbour’s Executive Producer Jason Herbison wrote on X: “The way the residents of Ramsay Street feel about Harold is how we all feel about Ian – we couldn’t love him more than we do.
“Despite the challenges he was facing with his health, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off.
“It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show.”
Anne Charleston, who played his wife on the show, is expected to return for his final episodes.
Smith revealed that he is undergoing immunotherapy to try and give himself more time.
“I’ve really put my hand up to be a guinea pig,” he said.
“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.”
