Harold (Ian Smith) is one of the most well-known characters on Neighbours, having starred on the show on and off since 1987. The former Ramsay Street resident left the Channel 5 soap in 2009 after a long run, but his name has long been associated with the café on the Lassiters Hotel complex. The legend was put in a lot of dangerous circumstances throughout his time on the show, but he always came out alive in the end. He may declare he is dying and wants to see the location he has called home for so many years one last time, which would be a fitting finale to the episode.
Following the announcement last month that the show would be ending after 37 years, it was announced that Ian, the actor who plays Harold, had agreed to appear in the final few episodes.
Despite the fact that filming wrapped in June and the last episodes will air in August, the soap star is already back on set.
Ian was featured in a video made on the official Neighbours Twitter page earlier this week to commemorate the show’s 37th anniversary.
“Happy birthday, Neighbours, on your 37th birthday,” the actor exclaimed as he stood in front of his character’s café, letting out a loud sigh.
It is known that the soap operas film scenes three months before they air, therefore Harold is expected to return in June/July.
Writers have been busy determining how many current residents’ stories will conclude, as well as providing updates and bringing former characters’ lives to a finale.
Harold might reconcile with Karl Kennedy (Alan Fletcher), Susan Kennedy (Jackie Woodburne), Toadie Rebecchi (Ryan Maloney), and Paul Robinson, according to a fresh idea published by Express.co.uk (Stefan Dennis).
He could be returning under the guise of wanting to check on the café after Dipi Rebecchi (Sharon Johal) departed Ramsay Street, but there could be a more tragic motive for his return.
The iconic figure may tell his friends that he is dying and only has a few weeks left to live, and that he wants to spend his time going down memory lane.
Harold going away surrounded by his loved ones could be one of the final sequences of the finale, signalling the end of the show as well.
Harold’s death would be a look back at the past, a current-day look at the present, and a look forward to the future as some newer characters pay tribute to the character after he dies.
After Channel 5 removed its financing for the show, the writers and producers wanted the show to end in this way.
Jason Herbison, executive producer, had this to say about the finale: “I like to think that Ramsay Street will live on in the hearts and thoughts of fans long after the final scene.
“I would never, ever.
He told TV Tonight, “The ending will be a celebration of the past and present, with the door very much left open for a future.”
Before the show concludes this summer, Jason mentioned bringing some old Ramsay Street inhabitants back into the storyline.
According to the executive producer, “One of my greatest thrills in recent years has been bringing back many old characters, something the programme appeared hesitant to do in the past.
“So I’m hoping some of these faces, as well as others we haven’t been able to get back yet, return.
“I really believe that the finale must also be a celebration of the existing cast. Karl, Susan, Toadie, and Paul have all earned their proper position in the spotlight.”
These four characters, who have been at the heart of the show for the past 37 years, could be the ones that assist Harold reflect on the past.
Alan, the actor who plays Karl, spoke about Ian’s return to the show as Harold on ITV’s This Morning last month.
“I can’t provide any spoilers on that yet,” the soap actor stated, “but it’s going to be the delight of those last episodes.” ‘Oh look who’s here!’ I’d say as I sat there.
“I am aware that the brilliant Harold Bishop will return to Ramsay Street near the end of the show,” says the writer.
“Someone from Karl’s shady past is unmistakably returning, and there are a slew of other names in the mix.”
“I can guarantee you that the producers are working very, very hard to try and coax some of the most adored characters from Neighbours to at least make some appearances,” he continued, implying that Harold may be the catalyst for Karl’s prior self returning to Ramsay Street.
Harold’s fans are excited to see him again and learn what he has been up to since his departure from Ramsay Street.
“I’m going to miss Harold the most,” tweeted Twitter user Gari.
“Looks like Harold and Scott will be back for the big #Neighbours finale,” Let’s All Have A Disco wrote.
Natalie continued, ” “I’m delighted we’ll have one last chance to visit Harold. If this is indeed the end, they could have Scott and Charlene buy Sheila’s house and then move back into the old Robinson house in the final scene #Neighbours #SaveNeighbours”
Will there be a few tears shed by viewers if Harold dies?
Neighbours airs on Channel 5 weekdays at 1:45 p.m. and 6 p.m.
