MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) – Actor Ian Smith, who has played Harold Bishop on the iconic Australian soap opera “Neighbours” since 1987, has announced his retirement after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.
The 86-year-old actor revealed his diagnosis in an interview with 10 News First on Network 10, which airs the series in Australia.
The station announced Tuesday that the interview aired Monday was recorded last week.
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The network said Smith filmed her final episode two weeks ago and said goodbye to other cast members on the final day of filming.
“Today is not my last day on Neighbors, it’s my last day on the job,” Smith said on the 10th.
Smith said he is being treated for a rare form of lung cancer known as lung pleomorphic carcinoma.
“A few months ago, I found out I had cancer, a very aggressive, incurable cancer, and… they expected me to die. “I’m working on it,” Smith said.
Producers of Neighbors, which is set in the fictional Ramsay Street suburb of Melbourne, took to social media to confirm Smith’s departure.
“Harold bids farewell to Ramsay Street. We share the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be leaving the beloved role of Harold Bishop,” the show posted on Monday.
Mr Smith’s final episode will be broadcast in April next year in Australia and the UK, where the show has the most viewers, the station said.
Neighbors executive producer Jason Harbison paid tribute to an actor who has been in and out of storylines many times over the decades, and how he ended his role.
Ms Harbison said in a statement: “The people of Ramsay Street feel about Harold the same way we all feel about Ian. No one could love him more than we do.”
“Despite the health issues he was facing, he wanted to give Harold a proper send-off. To pay tribute to him and the incredible contribution he made to the show, he was extremely supportive on set. It was an emotional moment,” Harbison said.
The station described Smith as “the heart and soul of the show.”
“Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences around the world for decades,” the network said in a statement.
“Together with our cast, crew and all of our fans around the world, we will continue to support Ian in every way we can during this difficult time.”
Neighbors first premiered in 1985 and has become Australia’s longest-running drama series. Sold to over 60 countries.
