Neighbors star Ian Smith has revealed he has terminal cancer.

Neighbors actor Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop on the Australian soap, has announced he is leaving the show after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

The 86-year-old told Australia’s 10 News First In the program he had pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare form of lung cancer.

“I found out a few months ago that I had cancer, that I had a very aggressive cancer and they expected me to die,” he said.

Actress Ann Charleston, who played Madge, will return with Bishop for some of her final scenes.

Smith said: “I’ve had three chemos – although, the first one wasn’t chemo, it was immunotherapy, which is fairly new in the medical world.

“I’ve really put my hand up, I think just being the guinea pig and the fact that I don’t want to die, I want to live as long as I can – and if they can do that So I am very happy.

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

A post on Neighbor X’s account Says: “Herald said goodbye to Ramsay Street.

“We are sharing the sad news that Ian Smith will soon be stepping down from the beloved role of Harold Bishop.

“Ian first played Harold in 1987 and it’s been a great honor to welcome him back to the show over the years.”

The soap said: “What context Anne will appear in is yet to be revealed – but the reunion of the iconic couple is one last treat for fans. Will be.

“Ernsborough will never be the same again – but rest assured Harold is ready to be sent for Ramsay Street royalty.”

Smith told 10NewsFirst about his wife Gail’s death from cancer in 2019.

“Really, I think if it hadn’t happened, I’d be a lot worse off now – but my life ended then,” he said.

“I have seen many deaths.

“I’ve seen some good and I’ve seen some bad – and I’m hoping I’ll take a good route.”

Smith first appeared in Neighbors in 1987, playing Madge’s old flame.

Appearing in only a handful of episodes, his much-loved character lasted until 1991, when Harold was swept overboard while on holiday.

He returned to the soap in 1996, until 2009 – and after a few guest appearances, returned as a regular earlier this year.