TV legend Ian Smith delivers ‘incredible’ health update after being told he’d be dead

Neighbours legend Ian Smith has said he’s ‘defying the odds’ after being diagnosed with an incurable cancer.

Ian originally appeared on the Aussie serial between 1987 and 1991, returning for a further stint between 1996 and 2009 when it was discovered that Harold hadn’t died after being swept out to sea.

He continued to make guest appearances over the next 13 years, before being welcomed back once again on a semi-regular basis last year.

In December, the actor, 87, said that doctors expect him to die following his diagnosis with a rare form of the disease – known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma.

He confirmed that at the time he’d undergone three rounds of chemotherapy, having ‘put his hands up to be a guinea pig’ because he wanted to ‘stay alive with quality’ as long as he could.

The soap legend later updated fans, revealing that his treatment appears to be working as he was told he was ‘supposed to die in March’ – and thus he seems to be ‘defying the odds’.

Ian Smith open to more work after ‘incredible result’

Ian has now told the Herald Sun that his diagnosis continues to baffle medical professionals, who have no explanation for how well he is responding to treament.

‘[The cancer] has evened out and immunotherapy is keeping it there and my markers have been the same for the last three treatments,’ he said.

‘[The medial team] don’t know why I have had this incredible result, they can’t tell me why I am not giving in to cancer.’

Despite taking a step back from Neighbours earlier this year, Ian is now more determined to continue working than ever before.

‘I have said to some very smart people that I wanted to finish my career on the stage,’ he continued.

‘Wouldn’t it be nice if I got a small part in a stage play?’

Harold Bishop’s exit was ‘the perfect blend’

Following Ian’s diagnosis, an exit story was hastily written, with his former co-star Anne Charleston being introduced as a woman who bared a striking resemblance to Harold’s late wife Madge.

It was confirmed that she was a distant cousin of the husky-voiced icon, but Harold found it too difficult to live alongside her.

In April, he packed his bags and moved to Queensland to live with family following an emotional farewell party on Ramsay Street and a number of flashbacks.

He and Agnes even wandered into No. 24, where Harold lived for many years with Madge.

In a surprise to viewers, Ian filmed an additional final scene, which aired the following month.

Having decided to focus on the release of her first-ever book, Agnes headed to visit Harold and get his advice. She was concerned that he wouldn’t be too pleased to see her arrive on his doorstep, but to her surprise, he welcomed her with open arms.

In a cheeky nod to the show’s iconic opening theme tune, he said that he’d just popped the kettle on – and had the ‘perfect blend’ to accompany it.

Could Harold return for the Neighbours finale?

A number of familiar faces are being lined up for the last ever episode, which is due to air in December – but it’s not yet known whether Ian will make a cameo.

In scenes that aired last week, characters discussed Harold’s whereabouts and revealed that Agnes had moved in with him.

How lovely!

It was announced earlier this year that the soap had been axed for the third time in 40 years.

The show wrapped filming in July, but Metro can guarantee that the drama won’t slow down in the final months. There’s still a lot of high drama to come, alongside some new and old faces!

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