Neighbours star Ian Smith admits he thought he’d ‘stronger’ as he recalls  collapsing after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer

Neighbours star Ian Smith has recalled the moment he collapsed after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, admitting that he thought he’d be ‘stronger’.

The much-loved Australian actor, 86, announced in December 2024 that he was leaving the soap after being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive for of lung cancer. 

And now in a new interview, the Harold Bishop star revealed how he’s changed since receiving the shocking news, which saw his doctor burst into tears, after having expected to have died by next month.

Speaking to the Guardian’s G2 about the moment he was diagnosed, he shared: ‘I thought I would be stronger, but I am as a weak as any human’, before revealing that he has began doing ‘dramatic things’ such as looking at sunsets and watching children play – something he would never have done previously. 

After initially being told he would not live beyond March, Ian remarked on how his diagnosis had changed him, revealing that he is now a ‘better person’.

He explained: ‘I vainly say I am a better person now, but I think I am more forgiving, more understanding. It is a pity that I couldn’t have come to all these realisations [before] I was sick – I could have done somebody some good in the world.’ 

Neighbours star Ian Smith has recalled the moment he collapsed after being diagnosed with terminal lung cancer, admitting that he thought he’d be ‘stronger’

The much-loved Australian actor, 86, announced in December 2024 that he was leaving the soap after being diagnosed with pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, a rare and aggressive for of lung cancer [pictured as Harold Bishop]

Since his initial diagnosis, Ian’s life expectancy has dramatically changed, with the two tumours in his chest significantly shrinking following a bout of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

However, before getting the good news, Ian told the publication how he had qualified voluntary assisted dying (VAD) and was offered drugs by the pharmacist to keep at home for when he wanted to die.

The actor declined this, explaining: ‘I’m awfully glad I did, too, because there have been times I would have taken it. I really would have. And I would have missed out on that wonderful day in December when I was told of my progress. My first thought was: “My God, I could have been dead.” And I would have been, if I’d had the mixture at home.’

The star now is instead looking forward to however much time he has left, with his expectancy now extended to Christmas 2026.

However, he’s fully aware that his cancer could once again become immediately life-threatening and told how this time around, he’s ‘ready this time’. 

Back in December, Ian revealed to the world his terminal cancer diagnosis. 

‘I found out a few months back that I have cancer,’ the 86-year-old told Ten News.

‘That I have a very aggressive non-fixable cancer and they expect me to… they expect me to die.’ 

In a new interview, the Harold Bishop star revealed how he’s changed since receiving the shocking news, which saw his doctor burst into tears, after having expected to have died by next month

‘I thought I would be stronger, but I am as a weak as any human’, before revealing that he has began doing ‘dramatic things’ such as looking at sunsets and watching children play 

The Aussie actor, who has played the beloved character on Neighbours since 1987, described the cancer as ‘non-fixable’. 

Bishop’s character will be given a fitting send-off from the series, Executive Producer Jason Herbison told the Herald Sun. 

‘It was a very emotional moment on set as we paid tribute to him and the incredible contribution he has made to the show,’ he said. 

Herbison added that Smith, just like his character, is deeply ‘loved’ by the show and public alike.  

A Network 10 spokesperson said in a statement: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear of Ian Smith’s cancer diagnosis.

‘A cherished member of the Neighbours family, Ian has been the heart and soul of the show since he first arrived on Ramsay Street in 1987.

‘Ian has brought joy, laughter and inspiration to audiences all around the world for decades.

Back in December, Ian revealed to the world his terminal cancer diagnosis, admitting that doctors expected him ‘to die’ 

‘Along with the cast and crew and all his fans from around the world, we will support Ian in any way we can during this difficult time.’

Smith joined the show as Harold Bishop in 1987, before leaving the series in 1991. 

The actor returned again in 1996, this time staying in the role for over a decade before again leaving in 2009. 

He reprised the role in 2011 and again in 2015, before recently returning in 2022 as a series regular. 

Smith will continue to appear on screen until April, 2026.