Neighbours legend could return in the future

ATV Today can reveal that Neighbours legend Ian Smith is not returning to the show just yet.

Neighbours icon Ian Smith who played Harold Bishop left Neighbours in 2009 after first appearing on the show in the 80s. A spokesperson told ATV Today “We would love Ian back but nothing is locked in I’m afraid, may be in the future – it would be fabulous”

Several articles appeared yesterday citing Bang Showbiz, that Ian could be coming back and stating the reason why he left the show in the first place. Digital Spy cited Sam Clark, who plays Ringo Brown, who spoke to Bang Showbiz said “Obviously Neighbours has got a massive following in the UK and he thought the channel change would have a big impact. He honestly thought the producers had lost their minds when he heard, and it was a big part of his decision to leave.”

A spokesperson for Neighbours has confirmed to ATV Today that there is no truth in the story, and Ian was flown over by Five to promote the move and the show.

“There is certainly no truth in that. Ian was flown over to London by FIVE for the launch of Neighbours, the face of the show. If he was so opposed to the idea, why spend an exhausting week promoting the move when there were about eight other long-time popular cast members we could have sent? FIVE’s support of Neighbours is extraordinary.”

Would you like to see Harold Bishop return to Ramsay Street? Or maybe another face from the past? Post your thoughts and comments below! Neighbours airs weekdays at 1.45pm and 5.30pm on Channel 5.