Neighbours star Ian Smith reveals he has terminal cancer

Longtime Neighbours star Ian Smith has been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer.

The 86-year-old actor, best known for playing Harold Bishop on the show, revealed the news in an interview with Channel 10 on Monday evening.

Ian Smith on the set of Neighbours in 2022.

“I found out a few months back that I have cancer. That I have a very aggressive, non-fixable cancer … they expect me to die,” he said.

Footage of Smith’s farewell to his cast and crewmates on one of his last days on the Neighbours set showed the actor in tears paying tribute to the show.

“I’ve had the most privileged life … we didn’t just make a soap, we made the best bloody soap there was to make. I have met the most beautiful people,” Smith said.

Smith was diagnosed with a rare type of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. The actor has received three rounds of an immunotherapy treatment he described as relatively new to the medical world.

“I’ve really put my hand up to be a guinea pig. Plus the fact I don’t want to die and I want to stay alive with quality for as long as I can,” he said.

“I wake up every morning hoping there’s no pain, because I know that’s the beginning of the bad part.

“I’m hoping I go the nice way.”

Smith also spoke of losing his wife, Gail Smith, to cancer in 2019. “I think if that hadn’t happened I’d be a lot worse off now … my life finished then,” he said.

His adopted parents and his biological mother – who he only met when he was 54 – also died of cancer.

Smith joined Neighbours in 1987 and previously worked in the cult series Prisoner as an actor, executive producer and screenwriter.

He had recently returned to his Neighbours role. The show’s official account posted on X in April: “After fifteen years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough. We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs.”

A spokesperson for Channel 10 said the network offered their full support to Smith, his castmates and fans.

“A cherished member of the Neighbours family, Ian has been the heart and soul of the show since he first arrived on Ramsay Street in 1987,” the spokesperson said.

“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.”