Neighbours fans are elated after the
Australian soap confirmed one of its fan favourite characters would be returning after 15 years. Stalwart Harold Bishop, played by Ian Smith, is moving back to Ramsay Street at the age of 85. An announcement on the Neighbours X account said: “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.” Smith first appeared on the show in 1987 as an old flame of Madge Mitchell (Anne Charleston). His character was only supposed to be in a few episodes but ended up staying until 1991, when Harold was washed out to sea while on holiday. READ MORE: Paul O'Grady fans 'heartbroken' as star's final ever TV instalment airs In 1996, Smith returned to the show and remained until 2009. During that time, Harold had his house burgled by a gambling-addicted girlfriend, suffered a stroke that completely altered his personality, and tried to strangle the man he blamed for the
plane crash that killed his son. The character has made brief guest appearances in the soap since his exit, but this is the first time since 2009 that Smith’s return has seemed permanent. The veteran
Actor had previously told Australian programme TV Tonight that he wanted to retire. Responding to the announcement on X, formerly
Twitter , fans hailed it 'the best news.' @mark_moo said: "Oh no way!!! That’s such happy news - love it!" as @mishybabez_ cheered: "Yes best news!! Welcome back Harold". @yasmin_ali10 penned: "Woah Omg hazza, yay #Neighbours seriously is nothing without the wise & older casts, I've missed Harold, yess thanks guys, Monday now is made I'm so happy" as @Lavishalison gushed: "Oh can’t wait for Harold’s return…. what a legend!" Some fans demanded another character return to Neighbours too. On Harold's return, @lizsydneycomms said: "Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay I was literally thinking this weekend it’d be cool if he came back," before adding: "I wish Lou Carpenter would come back too." @nnek01 agreed: "#IanSmilth Aka #HaroldBishop is back!! Gosh has it really been that long 15yrs WOW... All we need is #TomOliver Aka #LouCarpenter back too". Lou made his first screen appearance in 1988, originally only on a six month contract, before rejoining as a regular cast member four years later. Despite being popular among viewers, he was written out of Neighbours four years later, prompting backlash and petitions. He returned as a part-time regular character in 2009 up until 2016. Meanwhile, potential storylines for Harold are still unknown, though some have speculated that the actor’s previous statements about retirement and age may indicate he will be involved in plans by Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and Jane Harris (Annie Jones) to establish a retirement community. Despite a non-continuous show run, Smith is the longest-serving actor on Neighbours, having first appeared 37 years ago. Neighbours releases new episodes from Mondays to Thursdays on
Amazon Freevee.