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Neighbours legend returns to soap after 15 years off screens as fans rave ‘best news ever!’
He has made several comebacks over the years but is set to return fill-time
A NEIGHBOURS legend has returned to the soap after 15 years off screens.
Fans of the long-running Australian programme have been whipped into a frenzy after the exciting announcement.
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The official Neighbours social media accounts announced that actor Ian Smith is making a comeback to Erinsborough.
After over a decade off Ramsay Street, the actor will reprise the role of Harold Bishop.
"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."
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Fans couldn't help but celebrate the character's return as they took to X - formerly known as Twitter in their droves.
One fan gushed: "Very pleased, Harold is a great character."
Another exclaimed: "Absolutely amazing news to wake up too. Welcome home Harold."
"The best news. The show misses an elder character like Harold," stated a third viewer.
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As a fourth viewer wrote: "This is fabulous news!"
And a fifth fan added: "Oh can’t wait for Harold’s return…. what a legend! ❤️."
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He was last seen on the soap in October last year in a brief comeback.
This was after a special cameo for the highly-publicised Channel 5 finale in 2022 alongside the likes of Kylie Minogue and Scott Robinson.
The soap star arrived on the set of the show in January 1987 when he was 47-years-old.
He was cast to play the step-father of Kylie's Charlene, who was just 18-years-old at the time of her soap debut.
His first departure came in September 1991 after four years on Ramsay Street, however he later returned five years later in October 1996.
Harold still remains as one of the longest-running characters in the history of the show after he remained on screen for over twelve years.
Although his second departure came in 2009 following a cancer story-line, he later returned once again for a brief stint in 2011.
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Harold later made another comeback in 2015, ahead of the 30th anniversary of Neighbours.
Throughout the show, he was known for his marriage to Madge (played by Anne Charleston).
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