Harold Bishop

Harold Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. The actor was offered the role by the show's creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Smith made his first screen appearance as Harold during the episode broadcast on 30 January 1987. He departed in September 1991, with the character seemingly killed off, but returned in October 1996. Harold remained on screen for over twelve years, becoming one of the longest-running characters in the show's history. Smith announced his departure from Neighbours in August 2008. Following a cancer storyline, Harold made his final appearance on 27 February 2009. In December 2010, Smith revealed that he would be reprising his role and Harold returned on 9 May 2011. During his brief return stint, Harold married Carolyn Johnstone (Paula Duncan), a storyline that was suggested by Smith. The character of Harold has been well received by critics and Smith earned various award nominations for his performance, including the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Logie Award. Harold returned again in February 2015, ahead of the show's 30th anniversary. Smith reprised his role for the show's finale and began filming in February 2022. Harold returned to the role for a guest arc as part of the series' continuation, via Amazon Freevee. On 18 September 2023, Harold returned in episode 8904, and departed again on 10 October 2023. He returned to the show on a permanent basis on 28 May 2024. On 2 December 2024, Smith announced that he had been diagnosed with a rare form of aggressive lung cancer, and that he would be leaving the show for good. He departed on 14 April 2025, with a further scene on 27 May 2025.