'Neighbours' Harold reveals quit reason

Neighbours star Ian Smith has spoken about his decision to quit the series after more than 20 years of playing loveable local Harold Bishop.

Last year, Smith, 70, announced that he was quitting the soap and retiring from showbiz to travel around Australia with his wife of 40 years, Gail.

Speaking about his decision to walk away from Neighbours, Smith told Woman's Day: "The fire had gone out. I always said that if that happened, I'd go.

"I had to keep my promise to myself and to the show, because I'm still very fond of the show - I still watch it."

Last month, following a wave of public support, Smith was nominated for his first ever Gold Logie award.

"It's so very nice," he said of his nomination. "To win would be unbelievable. It would be a recognition you couldn't ignore."

The TV Week Logie Awards will take place on Sunday night in Australia with Smith the favourite to take away the night's top award.