NEIGHBOURS star Ian Smith has given a shock health update after quitting the soap following a terminal cancer diagnosis.
The 86-year-old actor, who plays lovable Harold Bishop, stepped down from the show last month to undergo life-extending treatment.
Now he’s been given a huge boost after doctors initially told him he could be dead by March.
He told TV Week: “I did a PET scan and the words, I believe, were ‘significant metabolic change, significant shrinkage of tumour‘.
“I’ve gone from a threat of dying this coming March to maybe a few more months… and now, who knows?
“It’s not a cure and it won’t be a cure, but I certainly have got a year, maybe two. That’s amazing. It really is.”
Ian has played the role of Harold Bishop on and off since 1987 and is one of the programme’s most recognisable faces.
He first left the soap in 1991 but returned in 1996, staying a further 13 years.
Ian then departed his role once again in 2009 before coming back in 2011 and 2015.
The Harold Bishop actor then made a triumphant and permanent return to the soap in 2022 after rejoining as a series regular.
Speaking on Australian morning television, Ian revealed he was diagnosed a few months ago.
“I found out a few months back that I have cancer,” he told Ten News.
It was described to him as “very aggressive non-fixable cancer”, he said.
He added: “And they expect me to … they expect me to die.”
Despite his diagnosis and prognosis, Ian will continue to appear on-screen in the early part of this year with an official final episode date yet to be revealed.
When Ian’s character does depart the soap, he will be given quite the send-off, it has been hinted.
Jason Herbison, the Executive Producer of the soap, said it was a “very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show”.
The producer added that Ian and his character are “loved” by both the show and the public.
A Network 10 spokesperson said in a statement: “We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis.
“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.
“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.
“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.”
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