Neighbours star Ian Smith’s surprise move after filming emotional final episode and makes heartbreaking admission amid his terminal cancer diagnosis
By JIMMY BRIGGS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA
Neighbours star Ian Smith has appeared in a surprising ad campaign following his heartbreaking departure from the long-running soap opera last month.
The veteran Aussie actor, 86, is seen endorsing Victorian Independent MP Zoe Daniel in a short video shared to her social media.
In the clip, Smith is seen chatting to Daniel, 52, at an early polling centre and tells the former ABC journalist-turned-politician why he was voting for her and makes a heartbreaking admission about his terminal cancer diagnosis.
‘I’m pretty sure this is going to be my last vote, so you may as well make it count,’ Smith says.
‘So if you get in and don’t do what you said, then I am never going to talk to you again!’
Daniel’s main policies address the rising cost of living, climate action and promoting gender equality.
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Neighbours star Ian Smith has appeared in a very surprising ad campaign, following his departure from the long-running soap opera last month. The veteran Aussie actor is seen endorsing Victorian Independent MP Zoe Daniel in a short video shared to her social media
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Smith adds that he saw Daniel’s policies as being necessary for a stronger society.
‘You’re so needed… That’s the only word nobody has used. This person’s beliefs are needed. Please do it,’ Smith tells the MP.
Last month, Neighbours lost one of its most iconic characters after Smith appeared in his final episode as Harold Bishop amid his real-life cancer battle.
In a tear-jerking scene as he bid farewell to his beloved Ramsay Street friends.
‘Interesting is one word for it, privileged I think is better. I ended up making the best possible friends a man could ever have… this has been more than a street to me,’ Harold told a full house.
‘You’ve been more than neighbours. My life has been enriched by every one of you. You are always in my heart. Always.’
The episode saw Harold make the difficult decision to leave Erinsborough for good and move to Port Douglas in Queensland to be with his granddaughter.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to share their sadness over Harold’s departure.
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In the clip, Smith was seen chatting to Daniel at an early polling centre as he told the former ABC journalist-turned-politician why he was voting for her
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Last month, Neighbours lost one of its most iconic characters this week after legendary actor Ian Smith appeared in his final episode as Harold Bishop, amid his real-life cancer battle
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‘Harold… Ian Smith… the legend. Feels like losing a member of my household seeing you go. It’s been a wonderful 40 years. I wish you much happiness and love,’ one person wrote.
The character’s exit coincides with Smith providing a remarkable health update, revealing he’s feeling better than ever despite being diagnosed with terminal cancer just months ago.
The actor was told late last year he had just weeks to live.
But in a miraculous turn of events, he said he feels like he’s been ‘reborn’ following a ground-breaking immunotherapy treatment.
‘I was supposed to die in March. I didn’t. So I’m here to talk about me dying last month,’ Smith said in an emotional interview on The Project.
‘I know I’ve got cancer because doctors keep telling me I have. That’s the only way I know. I’ve got no pain – none of that.’
Smith was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of lung cancer called pulmonary pleomorphic carcinoma, which doctors initially told him was ‘non-fixable’.
But after being put on a revolutionary treatment plan – which he cheekily described as being a ‘guinea pig’ for – he’s defied expectations and is now hoping for ‘a year, maybe two’ of extra life.
