After nearly four decades as one of Australia’s most beloved soap opera characters, Harold Bishop has bid farewell to Ramsay Street in an emotional final episode of Neighbours. The character, portrayed by actor Ian Smith, made his exit on April 14, 2025, marking the end of an era for both the show and its loyal viewers.
Ian Smith, who has played Harold since January 30, 1987, announced his departure last December after revealing he was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer known as pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma. At 86 years old, Smith shared that doctors had initially given him a grim prognosis, stating he was “supposed to die in March.” However, in a surprising turn of events, he recently reported that his immunotherapy treatment has significantly shrunk his tumors, allowing him to defy the odds and continue living with quality.
In his final scenes, Harold decided to move back to Queensland to live with his granddaughter Sky Mangel and her wife Lana Crawford. This decision came after a poignant storyline involving Agnes Adair, a character who bears a striking resemblance to Harold's late wife, Madge. Agnes, played by former co-star Anne Charleston, moved into Eirini Rising, the retirement facility run by Terese Willis and Susan Kennedy. Harold’s struggle to adjust to this new living arrangement was a key factor in his decision to leave Erinsborough.
The farewell episode saw the Erinsborough community come together at No. 28 to celebrate Harold’s departure. Friends and neighbors shared touching memories and tributes, reflecting on the impact Harold had on their lives over the years. As Harold reminisced about his time on Ramsay Street, viewers were treated to a montage of flashbacks featuring familiar faces from the past, leaving many fans in tears.
Harold Bishop has been a staple of Neighbours, known for his warmth and wisdom. He was involved in many memorable storylines, including his infamous return from the dead after being presumed lost at sea, which captivated audiences around the world. His role as Charlene Robinson’s stepfather, played by Kylie Minogue, further solidified his status as a beloved character.
Viewers took to social media to express their emotional reactions to Harold’s departure. One fan commented, “Beautiful episode for Harold’s departure. Loved the flashbacks. I know it was a bit rushed but we all know the reasons why. For me, it was so important to have Jane, Karl, Susan, Paul, and Agnes/Madge present. And his final speech was just perfect.” Another viewer shared, “Harold’s goodbye was perfect. It made me cry. The characters on Neighbours become like family, and when an iconic character who has been there in your life through the storylines exits, it feels like losing a member of your family.”
Stephen Patterson, Deputy Soaps Editor, remarked on the significance of Harold Bishop’s character, saying, “Harold Bishop’s farewell episode of Neighbours served as a reminder of just how iconic and legendary this character truly is in the land of TV.” He highlighted how Harold was a source of advice and comfort to those around him, describing him as a “ray of sunshine” amidst the often tumultuous storylines typical of soap operas.
Ian Smith’s portrayal of Harold has been marked by his ability to seamlessly transition between comedy and tragedy, often within the same scene. His nuanced performance has resonated with audiences, making Harold a character that viewers could relate to and cherish. As Ian reflects on his time with Neighbours, he acknowledges the profound impact the show and its community have had on his life.
Despite his departure, Harold Bishop’s legacy will undoubtedly continue to live on in the hearts of fans. Ian Smith’s contributions to Neighbours have been immense, with over 2,170 episodes to his credit. His journey on the show has not only entertained viewers but has also created a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up watching the series.
As Neighbours continues to air new episodes on Amazon Prime Video from Mondays to Thursdays, fans are left to reminisce about the many memorable moments Harold brought to the screen. His final exit serves as a poignant reminder of the power of storytelling and the connections formed through shared experiences in television.
In a world where soap operas often focus on drama and conflict, Harold Bishop stood out as a beacon of kindness and wisdom. His departure marks not just the end of a character but the closing of a chapter in television history that has touched the lives of millions.
As fans bid farewell to Harold, they are reminded of the joy he brought into their lives and the indelible mark he leaves on the fabric of Neighbours. While the show will continue, Harold’s absence will be felt deeply by all who cherished his character and the warmth he brought to Ramsay Street.
