Neighbours fans bid fond farewell as iconic character leaves soap for final time (2025)

Australian soap, Neighbours, is set to come to an end in December 2025, and one of it's most iconic characters has been given the send off he deserves after almost four decades in Ramsay Street

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Soap lovers have bid a heartfelt goodbye to one of TV's most cherished characters, who has left our screens for the fifth and final time. Ian Smith, star of Neighbours, first graced Erinsborough in January 1987 as Harold Bishop and has been part of numerous significant storylines over the past four decades, many involving his on-screen wife Madge, portrayed by Anne Charleston.

Now 86, Ian was tragically diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in December 2024, leading Neighbours' executive producer, Jason Herbison, to announce that Harold would receive a fitting farewell before the show concludes later this year after production company Fremantle failed to secure a new deal with Amazon.

Fans may remember Harold leaving Ramsay Street for the first time in 1991, only to return five years later and become one of the longest-serving characters in the series' history. Harold exited again in 2009 due to a cancer storyline, ironically mirroring his future off-screen life.

Ian reprised his Harold role once more in 2011, with the character marrying Carolyn Johnstone (played by Paula Duncan), but the comeback was brief. However, he re-joined the cast again in 2015 to participate in Neighbours' 30th-anniversary celebrations, where he reunited with Madge, albeit her ghost.

Then, after making a brief appearance in 2023 and duly departing Ramsay Street, Harold returned to Erinsborough for the final time in May 2024 as a full-time cast member after Amazon Freevee acquired the rights to the show. His final scenes were broadcast in the UK on Monday (April 14), marking the conclusion of an iconic chapter.

The Neighbours Facebook page shared the touching final scenes, where Harold, surrounded by his loved ones including Madge actress Anne as new character Agnes Adair, said: "Interesting is one word, privileged is better. Almost 40 years ago I arrived in this street - I came in search of lost love and not only did I find her, I made the best possible friends a man could have really."

He continued with emotion: "There have been good times and incredibly sad times too, but here we are. Even in my darkest hours, thank you. I was never alone. This has been more than a street for me, and you've been more than Neighbours. My life has been enriched by knowing each and everyone of you. You will all always be in my heart."

Fans soon responded to express their sentiments, with one Facebook user commenting: "Such a lovely tribute, well done to all involved." Another fan expressed gratitude: "God bless you Harold. Thanks for all the happy memories you left us with!".

A third echoed the sentiment: "Lovely memories. Lovely episode and a fitting tribute to Harold." Meanwhile, a fourth commended the compilation of Harold footage: "Brilliant set of clips, great to see so many characters that have worked alongside Harold."

Whilst a fifth fan reflected: "Harold Bishop aka Jelly Belly to us who've watched since day on is Neighbours. He's a legend and the show isn't going to be the same without him. Ian Smith has done a fantastic job of making Harold such an Icon. It's so very said that he's now got terminal cancer. Enjoy the time you've got left with us Ian, take care of yourself."