Smith shunned Harold Bishop gay plans

Ian Smith has claimed that he stopped Neighbours producers introducing a gay storyline for his character.

According to the Daily Star, the Australian soap asked Smith on several occasions whether Harold Bishop should change his sexual preference.

The soap star said that Harold's closeness to Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver) often fuelled false rumours about his character.

He commented: "There was a lot of talk about this. He and Lou once ate a salad together and that means you are gay...in Australia!"

Smith has recently reduced his role on the soap to guest appearances and his final scenes will be screened in Australia next month.

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