'Neighbours' legend to leave for good

Veteran Neighbours actor Ian Smith has decided to make a permanent departure from the Aussie soap.

In November last year, Smith confirmed that he was reducing his commitment to the programme and would only play Harold Bishop on a part-time basis. Producers have now announced that he will film his final ever episode in October.

A spokeswoman for Channel 10, which screens Neighbours in Oz, said: "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. Production was aware that it would be coming.

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

Smith's final storyline will see Harold leaving Ramsay Street following a successful battle with prostate cancer.

"It was a big ask for the writing team, because how do you say goodbye to a character who is so loved?" the representative added. "Ian was very much involved in the storyline."

The actor joined Neighbours in 1987 and stayed with the show until 1991, when Harold was swept away to sea. He returned to the role in 1996 and viewers discovered that Harold had been suffering from amnesia during his absence from the programme.