He’s back in the opening titles!
Fans will be thrilled with the latest Neighbours news, as iconic character Harold Bishop looks set for a full return to Ramsay Street.
Actor Ian Smith originally starred between 1987 and 1991, returning after a five-year break in 1996 until his departure in 2009. Since then, Harold has made several guest appearances including in the Australian soap’s 2022 finale.
When Neighbours was revived on Amazon Freevee last year, Smith joined his castmates once more, but after a health scare, Harold set off on an adventure away from Erinsborough.
Now, though, Neighbours has announced on its official X page (formerly known as Twitter) that Harold will be back in the show’s opening titles “where he belongs”.
After fifteen years of living away, the legendary Harold Bishop is returning to Erinsborough. We are thrilled to welcome Ian Smith back to the show and the opening titles, where he belongs. pic.twitter.com/QGrjpt0gjr
— Neighbours (@neighbours) April 8, 2024
Yes, Neighbours’ post reminds us that Harold has been living away from Ramsay Street for the past 15 years, hinting that his latest return will be for good!
When Terese Willis (Rebekah Elmaloglou) and Jane Harris (Annie Jones) first planned to combine the local school with new retirement village Eirini Rising, Harold’s name cropped up as someone who might welcome the prospect of somewhere to settle down in his old age. So could he be back to take up residence there?
As reported by TV Tonight, Smith himself previously hinted at his own retirement when he took part in Neighbours’ Celebration Tour, as he expressed his gratitude at being able to reprise the role of Harold at regular intervals.
While we wait to find out just how Harold makes his way home, Neighbours fans can make plans to join in the celebrations for the show’s 40th anniversary, with a UK tour due to kick off in February 2025.
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