‘Welcome home’: Legendary actor returns to Neighbours after 15 years
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In a move that has sent waves of nostalgia and excitement through the fanbase, the Australian soap opera Neighbours is welcoming back one of its most cherished characters.
Ian Smith, the actor who brought the lovable Harold Bishop to life, is set to return to the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, and fans are over the moon.
Harold Bishop, a name synonymous with the heart and soul of Neighbours, is making a grand re-entrance into the show.
Ian Smith's portrayal of Harold from 1987 to 1991 and again from 1996 until 2009 left an indelible mark on the show's history.
His character's kindness, moral compass, and occasionally comedic mishaps made him a household name and a character that viewers could always root for.
Despite having left the show as a regular character over a decade ago, Harold has remained in the hearts of viewers, and his sporadic guest appearances have been met with joy.
His most recent cameo in the 2022 finale of Neighbours was a testament to his enduring legacy.
However, after a brief stint following the show's revival on Amazon Freevee last year, Ian Smith had to step away due to a health scare, leaving fans concerned and longing for his return.
Now, the soap's social media announcement has confirmed that Harold Bishop is indeed coming back to the place he calls home.
The show's post, adorned with a nostalgic picture of Smith, read, 'After 15 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.'
This news has been met with an outpouring of affection and excitement from the audience, with comments ranging from elated welcomes to expressions of how much the show has missed his character.
‘Absolutely amazing news to wake up to. Welcome home, Harold,’ one person commented.
‘Brilliant news. Love Harold. Ian is a superb actor and the street isn't the same without him. He's coming back at a great time for the show, today's episode was another cracker!’ another stated.
A third person posted: ‘Oh my days… Welcome back, Harry! Good to see you’re in good health and good spirits. Good luck, mate!’
Ian Smith's previous comments about retiring from acting only add to the surprise and delight of this announcement.
It seems that the pull of Neighbours and the character he so famously portrayed was too strong to resist.
How Harold will be woven back into Erinsborough's daily drama is still under wraps, but the anticipation is certainly building.
In the meantime, Neighbours is gearing up for a monumental celebration of its 40th anniversary. The show has planned a UK tour set to commence in February 2025, promising a lineup of familiar faces that will surely evoke memories of the show's most iconic moments.
The full cast for the tour is yet to be announced, but with Harold Bishop's return confirmed, the event is already shaping up to be a must-see for fans.
As we await more details on Harold's homecoming and the 40th-anniversary festivities, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact that Neighbours has had on Australian television and its audience.
It's a show that has transcended generations, and Ian Smith's return as Harold Bishop is a reminder of the enduring connection viewers have with the characters they've come to know and love.
You can watch an interview with Ian Smith here:
Source: Studio 10/YouTube
Are you excited about Harold Bishop’s return? How do you think his return will shake up the neighbourhood? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Ian Smith, the actor who brought the lovable Harold Bishop to life, is set to return to the fictional suburb of Erinsborough, and fans are over the moon.
Harold Bishop, a name synonymous with the heart and soul of Neighbours, is making a grand re-entrance into the show.
Ian Smith's portrayal of Harold from 1987 to 1991 and again from 1996 until 2009 left an indelible mark on the show's history.
Ian Smith is set to return to the beloved show Neighbours. Image source: Facebook
His character's kindness, moral compass, and occasionally comedic mishaps made him a household name and a character that viewers could always root for.
Despite having left the show as a regular character over a decade ago, Harold has remained in the hearts of viewers, and his sporadic guest appearances have been met with joy.
His most recent cameo in the 2022 finale of Neighbours was a testament to his enduring legacy.
However, after a brief stint following the show's revival on Amazon Freevee last year, Ian Smith had to step away due to a health scare, leaving fans concerned and longing for his return.
Now, the soap's social media announcement has confirmed that Harold Bishop is indeed coming back to the place he calls home.
The show's post, adorned with a nostalgic picture of Smith, read, 'After 15 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.'
The show announced his return on social media. Image source: X (Twitter)
This news has been met with an outpouring of affection and excitement from the audience, with comments ranging from elated welcomes to expressions of how much the show has missed his character.
‘Absolutely amazing news to wake up to. Welcome home, Harold,’ one person commented.
‘Brilliant news. Love Harold. Ian is a superb actor and the street isn't the same without him. He's coming back at a great time for the show, today's episode was another cracker!’ another stated.
A third person posted: ‘Oh my days… Welcome back, Harry! Good to see you’re in good health and good spirits. Good luck, mate!’
Ian Smith's previous comments about retiring from acting only add to the surprise and delight of this announcement.
It seems that the pull of Neighbours and the character he so famously portrayed was too strong to resist.
How Harold will be woven back into Erinsborough's daily drama is still under wraps, but the anticipation is certainly building.
In the meantime, Neighbours is gearing up for a monumental celebration of its 40th anniversary. The show has planned a UK tour set to commence in February 2025, promising a lineup of familiar faces that will surely evoke memories of the show's most iconic moments.
The full cast for the tour is yet to be announced, but with Harold Bishop's return confirmed, the event is already shaping up to be a must-see for fans.
As we await more details on Harold's homecoming and the 40th-anniversary festivities, let's take a moment to reflect on the impact that Neighbours has had on Australian television and its audience.
It's a show that has transcended generations, and Ian Smith's return as Harold Bishop is a reminder of the enduring connection viewers have with the characters they've come to know and love.
You can watch an interview with Ian Smith here:
Source: Studio 10/YouTube
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