'Neighbours' star gutted over Harold exit

Neighbours actor Tom Oliver has admitted that he was 'gutted' when Ian Smith decided to quit the Australian soap.

The star described the pair, who first appeared together on screen in 1988, as "old rascals" and claimed that they keep in touch all the time.

"It was a sad farewell. Not just in character, but for me and Ian too. We worked together for so long and were both on the same wavelength," he told DS.

"We had as much fun off camera as we did on. He was a great actor to work with and it has left a great hole there - particularly comedy-wise."

Oliver revealed that the duo's on-screen chemistry has been compared to other double acts over the years.

"Some reviewers said we were like Laurel & Hardy or a cross between the two Grumpy Old Men and The Odd Couple. That just about sums us up on a good day, I suppose!"

> Click here to read our full interview with Tom Oliver