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Neighbours star confirms permanent exit from Ramsay St

26/08/2008

Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop in Neighbours, is to film his final ever episode for the soap in October, it has been confirmed.

The veteran actor confirmed in November last year that he was to reduce his commitment to the Australian serial, only playing the beloved character on a part-time basis.

And it has now been confirmed by Channel 10, the soap's Australian broadcaster, that Smith is to leave the programme permanently.

"When the discussions were made about his decision to go part-time last year, he said it was only going to be for a short time and then he would let us know," a spokesperson for the channel explained.

"Production was aware that it would be coming.

"It was entirely his decision. We love him and would have loved to keep him."

Harold, one of the show's most popular characters, first appeared in 1987 before leaving in 1991, after being swept out to sea.

However, Smith returned as Harold in 1996, with his five-year absence put down to amnesia.