'Neighbours' star Ian Smith explains return

Ian Smith has revealed the reasons behind his forthcoming return to Neighbours as Harold Bishop.

The actor retired from the soap in 2008 and has since been travelling around Australia with his wife Gail. However, he has now signed on to film a six-week comeback, citing financial reasons for his U-turn.

Speaking to the Herald Sun, he explained: "Let's be brutally honest here, we suffered a heavy whack in the recession and to make up a bit of that it was sensible to go back and earn a few dollars."

Smith added that he was attracted to the possibility of playing Harold one more time, saying: "The first time I left the show I did not get the chance to say goodbye to him properly and that really was a problem, I did miss that opportunity.

"I do think of him as a silly old fart, but maybe as a totally lovable one."

Harold will return to the soap to help Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Moloney). Smith had previously revealed: "Harold is called back to Ramsay Street to help a friend... And of course there's human pathos, there's laughs - lots of laughs - [and] a little bit of romance."

The scenes will air in the UK on Channel 5 in June.