Neighbours

Actor Ian Smith filmed his final ever episode Friday, 24th October and will be seen for the last time on air February 16th, 2009.

Harold Bishop first appeared on Neighbours in 1987 and departed in 1991 after his character disappeared while walking along the sea edge with his wife Madge. Thought drowned, he was spotted alive and well in 1996 and returned to Erinsborough after suffering five years of amnesia. Since 1996 he has been working in Erinsborough at The General Store as a coffee shop owner.

After 16 years on the show, Ian knew it was time to call it a day when he and his wife Gail were reading a magazine for over 50s about people younger than them travelling to beautiful locations. "We realised that it was our time to do that," he said.

Ian said he's looking forward to getting "lost" after he retires. "Basically, Gail and I are heading out to the bush, we'll sleep under the stars, no schedules, no call times, just do our own thing."  

The heart and soul of Neighbours for over 16 years, Ian will be greatly missed by the cast, crew, and many of his loyal fans.

"I have some great memories to take away and I've made friends that i will always keep," Ian said.