Oz celebrates Harold's 'Neighbours' exit

Celebrations will start later this week to commemorate the departure of Neighbours star Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop in the Australian soap.

A large group of tuba players are expected to descend on the streets of Sydney to play the show's theme tune and hand out 'I Heart Harold' memorabilia on February 26, the day before Smith makes his screen exit.

A campaign has also started for the actor to be given a Golden Logie at this year's Australian awards.

Harold Bishop has been at the heart of Ramsay Street for 20 years. The character has suffered a number of highs and lows in his time, including the death of wife Madge, a bout of amnesia and a Paul Robinson-planned explosion which blew up his beloved coffee shop.

After travelling the country for months, Bishop was recently diagnosed with cancer and will leave Erinsborough for Queensland to the sounds of a Salvation Army band.

Smith, 70, announced his intention to make a permanent departure from the soap last August. The previous November, he had confirmed that he was reducing his commitment to the programme and would only play Harold on a part-time basis.

Smith's UK exit from the show will be aired on Five in late April.