Neighbours Soap Scoop! Harold Says His Goodbyes: “The Only Thing I Wish for Now Is That the Miracle of Neighbours Lives On Forever”
A true legend of Ramsay Street is about to bid farewell — again. In emotional scenes airing next week, Neighbours fans will see the much-loved Harold Bishop say his final goodbyes as he leaves Erinsborough for what may be the last time.
Having returned to the community nearly a year ago and settling into Eirini Rising, Harold’s presence has been a comforting constant for many long-time residents. But change is in the air, and it’s time for the gentle soul of Ramsay Street to move on.
In the upcoming episodes, Agnes Adair – the uncanny Madge Bishop lookalike – moves into one of the vacant apartments. However, her time living near Harold is cut short before it even begins. In a surprise move, Harold announces that he has decided to relocate permanently to Queensland to be closer to his granddaughter, Sky Mangel, and her wife, Lana Crawford.
Before he leaves, Harold reaches out to Agnes, suggesting they keep in touch as pen pals — a touching gesture following the recent revelation that she shares familial ties with the Ramsay and Robinson dynasties. It’s a passing of the torch, in true Neighbours spirit.
To give Harold the send-off he deserves, the residents of Ramsay Street throw a heartwarming farewell party. He invites Agnes along and takes her on an emotional tour of Number 24 — his old home — where he shares cherished memories of his beloved Madge.
Later, the group gathers at the Kennedy house for a nostalgic look back through the iconic Ramsay Street history book, reflecting on Harold’s decades of impact in the community.
Behind the scenes, Ian Smith — the actor who has portrayed Harold since 1987 — had previously revealed he was stepping away from Neighbours following a diagnosis of an aggressive form of terminal cancer. In a moving speech on his final day of filming, Ian said:
“It isn’t just my last day in Neighbours, it’s my last day of work.
I’ve had the most privileged life. We didn’t just make soap, we made the best bloody soap there was to make. And I’ve met the most beautiful people.”
Since then, Ian has shared a glimmer of hope, revealing that experimental treatment has extended his life expectancy to December 2026, giving fans and loved ones more precious time with him than initially expected.
Harold’s final episode will air on Monday, April 14 — an event sure to have long-time fans reaching for the tissues.
And as Harold himself might say: “The only thing I wish for now is that the miracle of Neighbours lives on forever.”
