Neighbours fans can rejoice as it’s been confirmed that Harold Bishop, played by Ian Smith, will be returning to Ramsay Street full-time.
Smith, who departed the show initially in 1991 but made subsequent returns in 1996, 2011, 2015, and most recently for what was supposed to be the finale in 2022, was included in the guest cast when it returned on Amazon Freevee.
Announcing the news on their official X, formerly Twitter, account on Monday, the soap wrote: “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.”
Fans of the soap were quick to share their joy about the soap icon’s full-time return with, one writing: “Absolutely amazing news to wake up too. Welcome home Harold.”
“This is fabulous news!” another penned. A third wrote: “Oh can’t wait for Harold’s return…. what a legend!”.
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. pic.twitter.com/QGrjpt0gjr
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 8, 2024
Another added: “Oh no way!!! That’s such happy news - love it!”
Harold, who was only ever intended to be a recurring character on the revival, was last seen on-screen in October when he suffered a health scare.
After confiding in Karl and Susan Kennedy (Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne) about how he’d become quite forgetful, he feared the worst.
Dr Karl was quick to reassure the café owner and ordered tests, which ruled out he had Alzheimers or dementia.
In fact, Remi Varga-Murphy (Naomi Rukavina) told that Harold that his latest blood pressure medication included side effects such as memory loss when mixed with other medications, further putting his mind to rest.
With a clean bill of health, Harold seized the opportunity to embrace life to the fullest and embarked on a tour across Australia, bidding farewell to Neighbours once more.
