Smith "very sad" to leave 'Neighbours'

Ian Smith has described his departure from Neighbours as "very, very sad".

The actor, who has played Harold Bishop in the soap since 1987, leaves Australian screens on Friday and admitted that he felt overwhelmed by the public response to his departure.

"If I had known this was going to happen I would have retired ages ago," he told Australia's Daily Telegraph.

"I'm very, very sad. I can still remember my first episode - knocking on the door of number 24 and Kylie [Minogue] answering it. I will always remember my last episode. The 22 years in between are a bit hazy."

Celebrations are being held later this week in Sydney to commemorate the character's departure, including a large group of tuba players taking to the streets and handing out Harold Bishop memorabilia.

Fans of the show have been leaving messages of support on the Neighbours website and have called for Smith to win a Golden Logie award.

"It's very nice of my fans. The fact that they're doing it is prize enough," the actor added.

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