Editing Harold Bishop (section)

==Development==
===Characterisation===
In his fictional backstory, Harold was a [[stock and station agent]], who married a woman called Mavis. The couple had two children, [[David Bishop (Neighbours)|David]] ([[Kevin Harrington (actor)|Kevin Harrington]]) and [[Kerry Bishop|Kerry]] ([[Linda Hartley-Clark]]).<ref name="NetworkTen"/> After Mavis's death, Harold was left to cope with his teenage children alone. He had a close relationship with David, but Kerry rebelled against Harold's conservative ways and she left to travel the world. David later moved to Adelaide.<ref name="NetworkTen"/>

Harold is described as being "indecisive, considerate, stuffy and reserved."<ref name="Monroe">[[#refmonroe|Monroe 1996]], p. 32.</ref> Harold is a Christian and never misses church on Sunday, he was also once an "enthusiastic" Scout leader.<ref name="Monroe"/> Due to his ways, Harold would not live with [[Madge Bishop|Madge Ramsay]] ([[Anne Charleston]]) until they were married.<ref name="Monroe"/> [[Virgin Media]] said Harold is "prim and proper" and "an old-fashioned fuddy-duddy."<ref name="media"/> They also state he is the complete opposite of Madge and add he is "famed for his vegetarian ways, tee-total habits and fastidiousness and moralising"<ref name="media">{{cite web|title=Top ten soap characters|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/top10s/top-ten-soap-characters2.php|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=16 December 2010|date=25 January 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930214100/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/top10s/top-ten-soap-characters2.php|url-status=live|archive-date=30 September 2012 }}</ref> Harold's hobbies include playing the [[tuba]], giving his time to the [[Salvation Army]] and birdwatching.<ref name="LetGo"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=7|title=Making music|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001084622/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=7|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith hated playing the tuba and wished the producers would have given Harold a mouth organ instead. He said "I think they thought, 'Here's a big fat actor, let's give him a big fat instrument. That'll be funny!'."<ref name="SMurphy"/> Harold also briefly has a comedic alter ego named "Afro Harold."<ref name="LetGo"/> Smith told ''[[Inside Soap]]'' in 1999 that Harold's "pessimism and pontificating" really got to him, but he agreed with Harold's moral outlook on life.<ref>{{cite journal|date=26 December 1998 – 8 January 1999|title=Neighbours from hell|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=117|pages=18–19}}</ref>

In 2003, Harold had a stroke and his personality changed. He left the Salvation Army, became a "peeping tom", started drinking alcohol and he pinched [[Izzy Hoyland]]'s ([[Natalie Bassingthwaighte]]) bottom.<ref name="LetGo"/><ref name="TopTwenty"/> Smith researched strokes and how they affect a person's psyche after becoming concerned that Harold's behaviour would stretch his character's credibility too much.<ref name="LetGo"/> Harold later recovered and returned to his previous ways.<ref name="TopTwenty">{{cite web|url=http://holysoap.five.tv/neighbours/news/harold-bishops-top-twenty-1095|title=Harold Bishop's top twenty|date=28 November 2008|publisher=[[Holy Soap]]|access-date=5 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090822034953/http://holysoap.five.tv/neighbours/news/harold-bishops-top-twenty-1095|archive-date=22 August 2009}}</ref> [[Network Ten]] dubbed Harold the "undisputed patriarch of Erinsborough" and the heart and soul of the community.<ref name="NetworkTen">{{cite web|url=http://neighbours.com.au/harold-bishop-character.htm|title=Harold Bishop|publisher=[[Network Ten]]|access-date=5 January 2011|archive-date=18 December 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101218114703/http://neighbours.com.au/harold-bishop-character.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Friendship with Lou Carpenter===
[[Lou Carpenter]] ([[Tom Oliver]]) was initially Harold's "nemesis" and rival for Madge's affections.<ref name="TopTwenty"/> They had both fallen for Madge while they were all at school together.<ref name="TomInterview">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a151395/tom-oliver-lou-carpenter-neighbours.html|title=Tom Oliver (Lou Carpenter, 'Neighbours')|first=David|last=Balls|date=7 April 2009|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=30 December 2009|archive-date=9 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609193734/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a151395/tom-oliver-lou-carpenter-neighbours.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Lou arrives in Ramsay Street to steal Madge from Harold before she marries him, but he cannot stop the wedding and he leaves.<ref name="TomInterview"/> Lou later returns and becomes friends with Harold. Oliver said that some reviewers had likened Lou and Harold's relationship to [[Laurel and Hardy]] and ''[[The Odd Couple (film)|The Odd Couple]]''.<ref name="TomInterview"/> The ''[[Courier-Mail]]'' said Harold and Lou's friendship was one of their favourite "bromances" on television.<ref name="Bromance">{{cite news|url=http://www.couriermail.com.au/entertainment/tv/hanging-tough-with-a-crush/story-e6freqj6-1111118333876|title=Bromance is hanging tough with a crush|last=Thompson|first=Erica|author2=White, Erin|date=16 December 2008|work=[[The Courier-Mail]]|access-date=25 March 2011}}</ref> They said their most bromantic moment was "When Harold returned to Erinsborough, after being feared drowned for many years, he had no memory of his old life. But when Lou served him jelly one night Harold suddenly remembered how Lou used to tease him at school by calling him "Jelly Belly" and, presto, his memory was restored."<ref name="Bromance"/> Harold is imprisoned after a case of mistaken identity and Lou raises the money for his bail.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=5|title=Best friends|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=23 January 2011|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001084637/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=5|url-status=live}}</ref>

Harold later donates a kidney to Lou and they go into business together, founding the General Store.<ref name="TopTwenty"/> Harold and Lou both fall for [[Rosie Hoyland]] ([[Maggie Millar]]), which leads to some arguments and Harold destroying a love letter from Lou to Rosie.<ref name="Bromance"/> When [[Gino Esposito]] ([[Shane McNamara]]) moves in with Harold, the writers decided to tweak the "standard love triangle story" with Lou becoming jealous of the Gino and Harold's friendship.<ref name="Rules">{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/articles/2003/06/19/1055828422824.html|title=Rules of the Neighbourhood|last=Mattessi|first=Peter|date=19 June 2003|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=27 January 2011}}</ref> Harold and Gino get along very well and share a love of Broadway musical DVDs.<ref name="Rules"/> Of this, Peter Mattessi of ''[[The Age]]'' said "The tension this created between Lou and Harold ("same-sex platonic life-partners", according to Toadie) was a wonderful storytelling twist, and the innuendo made Gino's sexuality clear to those in the know, yet avoided the questions from younger viewers which would jeopardise the G rating."<ref name="Rules"/> After Smith announced his departure in 2008, Oliver was asked if Lou would be sad about his best friend's exit and he said "Oh yes, definitely, but the old rascals keep in touch all the time. It was a sad farewell. Not just in character, but for me and Ian [Smith] too".<ref name="TomInterview"/>

===Departure (1991)===
Smith was written out in 1991. He told ''[[Inside Soap]]'''s Mary Fletcher: "I would love the luxury of saying it was my decision to leave, but it wasn't."<ref name="Fletcher"/> His departure occurred amidst a ratings decline. Network Ten's executive John Holmes took control of a cast revamp; he introduced new characters and helped to write out Harold and seven other characters. Holmes believed the show had become "tired" and that introducing more "young and spunky" characters would improve the show's future.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Camp|first=Chrissie|date=11 May 1991|title=The Great Ramsay St Shake-up!|magazine=[[TV Week]]|issue=45|pages=6–7}}</ref> Smith later explained that he was offered a new contract with a significant cut in salary, but he was not prepared to accept it. When he returned from a short holiday, he learned that Harold would be washed off a rock and presumed dead.<ref name="Fletcher"/> Smith told Fletcher that he had been "pretty restless" for over a year, so he was not shocked by the development, and instead saw it as an opportunity to pursue other work.<ref name="Fletcher"/> Harold's exit storyline saw him swept out to sea while he and Madge are visiting the coast. One minute he is standing on a rock, looking out over the sea, and the next he is gone. The character's exit was left "deliberately ambiguous", so Smith could return to the show if he wanted to. Smith said "Harold's body may have been washed out to sea long ago. On the other hand, he may be living happily under a false name somewhere else in Australia. Only time will tell."<ref name="Fletcher"/>

===Reintroduction (1996)===
Smith returned to the role in 1996.<ref name="Bows">{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/8028314.stm|work=BBC News|title=Harold bows out of Ramsay Street|date=1 May 2009|access-date=27 March 2010}}</ref> He was initially asked to reprise the role for a three-month guest appearance.<ref name="SMurphy">{{cite magazine|last=Murphy|first=Steven|date=27 December 1997 – 9 January 1998|title=Back for good|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=91|page=15}}</ref> When the character's return proved popular with viewers, Smith was invited to re-join the regular cast along with Charleston.<ref name="SMurphy"/> Smith admitted that he had a feeling he and Charleston would be asked back, explaining "The producers were already talking about new storylines for Harold and Madge – and they don't waste time with things like that unless there's a reason behind it!"<ref name="SMurphy"/> Harold initially returns to Erinsborough alone to audition to become a tuba player in the Salvation Army band, but it soon becomes apparent that there is another reason for his return. Smith said "he feels that Madge has to get away from Brisbane, where they're living at the moment. The reason why is a really human one, and one I think most of the viewers will agree with."<ref name="SMurphy"/>

Harold became the second longest-running character in the show's history.<ref name="SheKnows">{{cite web|url=http://www.sheknows.com/uk/entertainment/articles/811570/8-most-memorable-neighbours-moments-1 |title=8 Most Memorable Neighbours moments |last=Megginson |first=Sarah |date=14 October 2009 |work=SheKnows Entertainment |access-date=28 December 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111003180218/http://www.sheknows.com/uk/entertainment/articles/811570/8-most-memorable-neighbours-moments-1 |archive-date=3 October 2011 }}</ref> Smith decided to go part-time on the show in 2007. He had been ready to depart ''Neighbours'' for good, but the producers did not want him to leave. They then offered him a compromise, which would see Smith film for six weeks and then have a four-month break.<ref name="LetGo">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/tv-radio/harold-sees-life-beyond-ramsay-st/story-e6frf9ho-1111115280675|title=Ian Smith prepares to let go of Neighbours' Harold Bishop|last=Devlyn|first=Darren|date=9 January 2008|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=23 April 2011}}</ref> Smith said that he was "awfully glad" that the producers talked him into coming back and explained, "I'm not retiring, but I am walking away from having to work 13-hour days, day after day."<ref name="LetGo"/> Smith began appearing intermittently during 2008 and this forced the writers to take Harold in a new direction. Harold's first departure saw him leave Ramsay Street for a tour around Australia.<ref name="LetGo"/>

===Prostate cancer and departure (2008–09)===
In August 2008, it was announced that Smith had quit ''Neighbours''.<ref name="ToLeave">{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2630920/Harold-Bishop-to-leave-Ramsay-Street-as-Ian-Smith-quits-Neighbours.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120703041611/http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/celebritynews/2630920/Harold-Bishop-to-leave-Ramsay-Street-as-Ian-Smith-quits-Neighbours.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 July 2012|title=Harold Bishop to leave Ramsay Street as Ian Smith quits Neighbours|work=[[The Daily Telegraph]]|access-date=4 January 2010|first=Chris|last=Irvine|date=27 August 2008}}</ref> Paula Lucarelli of Network Ten said "When the discussions were made about his decision to go part-time last year, he said it was only going to be for a short time and then he would let us know. Production was aware that it would be coming."<ref name="ToLeave"/> Smith began filming his final scenes in October of that year for a departure in February 2009.<ref name="ToLeave"/> Smith revealed that he quit ''Neighbours'', so he could travel more and because he was getting "ongoing abuse" from local people.<ref name="Bows"/>

Chris Irvine from ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' reported that Harold would leave Erinsborough after winning a fight with [[prostate cancer]].<ref name="ToLeave"/> After Harold returned from a road trip, he accompanied Lou to see [[Karl Kennedy]] ([[Alan Fletcher (actor)|Alan Fletcher]]). Karl suggested Harold should have a check-up and Harold was later diagnosed with prostate cancer, which needed immediate medical attention.<ref name="FemaleFirst">{{cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/Neighbours-53974.html|title=Harold Bishop Discovers Cancer|date=23 February 2009|publisher=Female First|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=13 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013183149/http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/Neighbours-53974.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Due to Harold's Christian beliefs and the loss of Madge to cancer, he believed that the diagnosis was "fate trying to reunite them" and he refused treatment.<ref name="FemaleFirst"/> Fletcher said "Harold obviously has a lot of things to think about. He had to weigh up his belief that he'll be reunited with Madge against the love he feels for his friends and family who are still alive. It's a very difficult situation to be in."<ref name="FemaleFirst"/> Harold shut everyone out of his life as he tried to cope with the news. After speaking to neighbour and fellow cancer sufferer, [[Stephanie Scully]] ([[Carla Bonner]]), Harold eventually agreed to have surgery and underwent chemotherapy treatment.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=11|title=Health scare|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001191202/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=11|url-status=live}}</ref>

While cheering up [[Donna Freedman]] ([[Margot Robbie]]) at the General Store, Harold had a heart attack, which left him fighting for his life.<ref name="DramaForHB">{{cite news|url=http://www.thisissouthwales.co.uk/news/Spoiler-Drama-Harold-Bishop/article-913590-detail/article.html|title=Drama for Harold Bishop|date=19 April 2009|work=[[Llanelli Star]]|access-date=23 April 2011}}</ref> His friends and neighbours held a 24-hour vigil at the hospital hoping he would pull through.<ref name="DramaForHB"/> Harold later flat-lined and Karl, despite knowing it could get him into trouble with the hospital authorities, went against Harold's wish to not be resuscitated.<ref name="DramaForHB"/> Fletcher commented "Harold's heart stops beating, so Karl chooses to override his wishes and bring him back to life. As he fears, Harold is furious with him when he regains consciousness, insisting that he wanted to be reunited with his beloved wife, Madge, who died of cancer. Because of Karl's actions, Harold feels as though Madge has been taken away from him twice."<ref name="DifficultD">{{cite journal|date=18–24 April 2009|title=Karl makes a difficult decision|journal=[[Inside Soap]]|pages=18–19}}</ref> Harold forgave Karl for saving him, but made it clear that he no longer wanted to live.<ref name="DramaForHB"/> Harold eventually recovered and he decided to leave Erinsborough to go and live with his granddaughter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=12|title=End of an era|publisher=[[Virgin Media]]|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=1 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121001191245/http://www.virginmedia.com/tvradio/soaps/soaptrivia/harold-bishop.php?ssid=12|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith's final scenes as Harold were broadcast on 27 February 2009 in Australia.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/tv-highlights-friday-27th/2009/02/24/1235237654812.html|title=TV highlights, Friday 27th|last=Farrer|first=Gordon|date=27 February 2009|work=[[The Age]]|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=22 January 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100122185616/http://www.theage.com.au/news/entertainment/tv--radio/tv-highlights-friday-27th/2009/02/24/1235237654812.html|url-status=live}}</ref> During an interview with ''[[Digital Spy]]'', executive producer [[Susan Bower]] said she regretted choosing not to kill Harold during the cancer storyline due to the attention his impending exit had garnered, but she remained pleased that the character was still alive. She added "we've got a lovely photograph of him in the store and we named the store after Harold, at least means that his spirit will always live on."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a158834/susan-bower-executive-producer-neighbours.html|title=Susan Bower (Executive Producer, 'Neighbours')|last=Rowe|first=Darren|date=19 June 2009|website=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=10 June 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610161151/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/interviews/a158834/susan-bower-executive-producer-neighbours.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Guest returns (2011–2023)===
{{Quote box|width=20%|align=right|bgcolor=#cccfff|quote="There's no doubt about it: if there's one person you need in a Ramsay Street crisis, it's Harold Bishop. Famed for his infinite wisdom and charitable ways, he's counselled many a resident through times of trouble – and he'll be doing it all over again when he soon makes his long-awaited return to Erinsborough."<ref name="SOS">{{cite web|url=http://holysoap.channel5.com/neighbours/news/harold-answers-toadies-sos-13594|date=15 April 2011|title=Harold answers Toadie's SOS|publisher=[[Holy Soap]]|access-date=23 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110419183026/http://holysoap.channel5.com/neighbours/news/harold-answers-toadies-sos-13594|archive-date=19 April 2011}}</ref>|source=—Holy Soap on Harold's return}}
In December 2010, cast member [[Ryan Moloney]] revealed to ''[[TV Week]]'' that Smith would be returning to ''Neighbours'' in 2011.<ref name="Return">{{cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a295001/harold-bishop-returning-to-ramsay-street.html|title=Harold Bishop returning to Ramsay Street|website=[[Digital Spy]]|first=Paul|last=Millar|date=28 December 2010|access-date=28 December 2010|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924190952/http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/soaps/s14/neighbours/news/a295001/harold-bishop-returning-to-ramsay-street.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Moloney said Smith would appear "for a little bit" and it was later reported by the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' that Smith would return for six weeks.<ref name="Return"/><ref name="StuffyBack">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/ipad-application/stuffy-harold-back-in-neighbourhood/story-fn6bn80a-1225978263000|title=Stuffy Harold back in neighbourhood|date=30 December 2010|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=1 January 2011}}</ref> Smith began filming his comeback scenes in February 2011.<ref name="StuffyBack"/> He told [[Holy Soap]] that he was surprised when he was asked to return to ''Neighbours'' and after talking with his wife, they agreed that he should go back for a brief stint.<ref name="HaroldHelp">{{cite web|url=http://holysoap.five.tv/neighbours/news/ian-harold-comes-back-to-help-11685|title=Ian: Harold comes back to help|date=6 January 2011|publisher=[[Holy Soap]]|access-date=6 January 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110108194233/http://holysoap.five.tv/neighbours/news/ian-harold-comes-back-to-help-11685|archive-date=8 January 2011}}</ref> Smith later revealed that he was returning to work because he had suffered during the recession and wanted to earn some money.<ref name="SixWeekSuper">{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/confidential/harolds-six-week-super-tour/story-e6frf96x-1226043516137|title=Harold's six-week super tour|last=Byrne|first=Fiona|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=23 April 2011}}</ref> He also said that the chance to play Harold again was "appealing" and that he did not get a chance to say a proper goodbye to him.<ref name="SixWeekSuper"/> Smith vowed that it would be his last return to the show, as he and his wife have plans to travel through central Australia.<ref name="SixWeekSuper"/>

Harold returned on 9 May 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.scmedia.com.au/content/eguide.aspx?ch=GOLELEVEN:ELEVEN&dd=2011-05-09|title=Monday, 09-May-2011|publisher=[[Southern Cross Media]]|access-date=16 April 2011}}</ref> His return storyline saw him come back to Ramsay Street to help a friend. Smith said that viewers will think they know who it is, but they would be wrong. Smith said "And of course there's human pathos, there's laughs – lots of laughs – [and] a little bit of romance, but I'm not saying who for, because I don't think she/he would like me to let it out. Look, there's a little bit of everything, but the thing is it's all a happy ending and it couldn't be better, and I loved it."<ref name="HaroldHelp"/> Smith pitched one idea for Harold's return and he said that it would be interesting to revisit the character once more.<ref name="HaroldHelp"/> A few months later it was revealed that Harold comes back to Erinsborough after receiving a call for help from [[Toadfish Rebecchi]].<ref name="SOS"/> Not all of Harold's help is "received as graciously as it's given" and Harold's new relationship with [[Carolyn Johnstone]] ([[Paula Duncan]]) was not welcomed by some of the neighbours.<ref name="SOS"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://neighbours.com.au/Harolds_Got_His_Groove_Back.htm|title=Harold's Got His Groove Back|date=31 March 2011|publisher=[[Network Ten]]|access-date=23 April 2011|archive-date=10 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110510144807/http://neighbours.com.au/Harolds_Got_His_Groove_Back.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith told Sarah from ''Inside Soap'' that when the producers asked him if there was a particular storyline he would like to play, he suggested that Harold should get married and so he returns engaged.<ref name="Hurrah">{{cite web|url=http://www.insidesoap.co.uk/inside-story/%e2%80%9cthis-is-harold%e2%80%99s-last-hurrah%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d/ |title=This Is Harold's Last Hurrah… |author=Sarah |date=13 May 2011 |work=[[Inside Soap]]|access-date=13 May 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110719183002/http://www.insidesoap.co.uk/inside-story/%e2%80%9cthis-is-harold%e2%80%99s-last-hurrah%e2%80%a6%e2%80%9d/ |archive-date=19 July 2011 }}</ref> Harold's news was not well received by his best friend Lou.<ref name="Hurrah"/>

On 16 November 2014, it was announced that Smith had reprised his role for [[Neighbours 30th Anniversary|''Neighbours''' 30th anniversary]] in 2015. It was also confirmed that Harold would be reunited with his deceased wife Madge, who was thought to appear as a ghost.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/television/iconic-neighbours-couple-madge-and-harold-plan-a-ghostly-return-to-ramsay-street/story-fni0cc2a-1227124164230?nk=b8410e8ca65d96e0f8e7f0a234ed4f29|title=They're back together! Iconic Neighbours couple Madge and Harold plan a ghostly return to Ramsay Street|last=Byrnes|first=Holly|date=16 November 2014|work=[[Herald Sun]]|access-date=16 November 2014|archive-date=4 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404021232/http://www.heraldsun.com.au/entertainment/television/iconic-neighbours-couple-madge-and-harold-plan-a-ghostly-return-to-ramsay-street/story-fni0cc2a-1227124164230?nk=b8410e8ca65d96e0f8e7f0a234ed4f29|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith initially had some doubts about returning to ''Neighbours'' again, as he was unsure if he remembered what to do.<ref name="Williams"/> He said "I worried about remembering the words for starters, and the first scene I remembered the words but I forgot to act. But it's like falling off the horse. The old horse remembered me and I remembered it and we were fine."<ref name="Williams">{{cite news|url=https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/26252244/happy-returns-for-neighbours/|title=Happy returns for Neighbours|last=Williams|first=Vanessa|date=10 February 2015|work=[[The West Australian]]|access-date=16 February 2015|archive-date=16 February 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150216195922/https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/entertainment/a/26252244/happy-returns-for-neighbours/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith also said he was sceptical about the storyline with Madge, believing that it would be "one of those American arising from the dead" plots, but after it was explained to him, he thought it had been "cleverly handled" and revealed that it had been dreamt up by [[Jackie Woodburne]] ([[Susan Kennedy]]).<ref name="Williams"/>

Harold made his on-screen return during the episode broadcast on 17 February 2015.<ref>{{cite journal|date=5–19 February 2015|title=The guides|journal=TV Soap|page=40}}</ref> Harold was reunited with his old friends, Toadie and Lou. When Toadie notices that Harold is quick to change the subject whenever Carolyn is brought up and that he is carrying around a picture of Madge in his wallet, Toadie suspects Harold is hiding something.<ref name="Wulff">{{cite journal|last=Wulff|first=Alana|date=12–25 February 2015|title=Here's Harold!|journal=[[TV Week Soap Extra]]|issue=15|pages=6–7}}</ref> After calling Carolyn, Toadie learns that she and Harold have broken up. Harold admits that he and Carolyn were not quite the soul mates he has thought they were.<ref name="Wulff"/> He also tells Lou that he was embarrassed as his life was not perfect.<ref name="Wulff"/> Harold gives Madge's grandson [[Daniel Robinson (Neighbours)|Daniel]] ([[Tim Phillipps]]) advice about his future wedding to [[Amber Turner]] ([[Jenna Rosenow]]), as he wants Daniel to have realistic expectations about marriage.<ref name="Wulff"/>

In February 2022, Laura-Jayne Tyler of ''Inside Soap'' reported that Smith would be reprising his role to play a part in the show's finale, and that he had already started filming.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Tyler|first=Laura-Jayne|date=26 February – 4 March 2022|title=Harold comes home!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=9|page=13}}</ref> A week later, Smith's co-star Alan Fletcher confirmed Harold's return, as he spoke about show's final episodes on ''[[This Morning (TV programme)|This Morning]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a39267615/neighbours-harold-bishop-return-finale/|title=Neighbours star confirms Harold Bishop return ahead of show's finale|last=Koutsounia|first=Anastasia|date=28 February 2022|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=1 March 2022|archive-date=28 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228234322/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a39267615/neighbours-harold-bishop-return-finale/|url-status=live}}</ref> On 7 May, Smith spoke about reprising his role for the final episodes airing later that year, saying: "It's an absolute pleasure to be back. I'm the biggest sook under the sun. I'm going to be shocking on the last night that ''Neighbours'' airs. It really will be an end of an era and I am so proud to have been a part of it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a39933926/neighbours-final-episodes-23-returnees/|title=Neighbours officially announces 23 returnees for final ever episodes|last=Seddon|first=Dan|date=7 May 2022|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=7 May 2022}}</ref> Harold returned on 18 July in Australia and on 6 July in the UK.<ref>{{cite magazine|date=2–8 July 2022|title=Jelly belly's back!|magazine=[[Inside Soap]]|issue=27|page=30}}</ref> He makes a "surprise arrival" in Erinsborough, where he befriends [[Zara Selwyn]] (Freya Van Dyke) who shares his concerns about her mother [[Amy Greenwood]] ([[Jacinta Stapleton]]), and Toadie and [[Melanie Pearson]]'s ([[Lucinda Cowden]]) engagement. Harold also helps counsel a grieving [[Mackenzie Hargreaves]] ([[Georgie Stone]]) by opening up about his own experiences with grief.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a40424965/neighbours-confirms-harold-bishop-return/|title=Neighbours confirms Harold Bishop's return storylines|last=Hegarty|first=Tasha|date=26 June 2022|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|access-date=26 June 2022}}</ref>

In February 2023, ''[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]'' announced Smith's return to the series in a guest capacity.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ravindran |first=Manori |title=''Neighbours'' Freevee Revival Adds More Series Regulars, Production Begins This Spring |url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/global/neighbours-amazon-freevee-cast-1235538105/ |website=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |access-date=28 February 2023 |location=United States |date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=1 June 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230601222617/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a42041122/neighbours-return-deal-details/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Silver |first=Carly |title=Seven Series Regulars to Return For Amazon Freevee's ''Neighbours'' Continuation |url=https://daytimeconfidential.com/2023/02/28/seven-series-regulars-to-return-for-amazon-freevees-neighbours-continuation |website=[[Daytime Confidential]] |access-date=28 February 2023 |location=United States |date=28 February 2023 |archive-date=28 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228172523/https://daytimeconfidential.com/2023/02/28/seven-series-regulars-to-return-for-amazon-freevees-neighbours-continuation |url-status=live }}</ref> He appeared in a guest stint for nine episodes in the first month of the show's reboot. His return plot centred to Harold experiencing memory loss. Alan Fletcher who plays Karl Kennedy, told [[Digital Spy]] that Harold is "exhibiting behaviour that is medically concerning", and that it is "a lot more complex than at first we think it is".<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Daniel|last1=Kilkelly|first2=Sophie|last2=Dainty|date=26 September 2023|title=Exclusive: Neighbours star Alan Fletcher discusses future of emotional Harold story|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a45323101/neighbours-spoilers-alan-fletcher-harold-bishop/|access-date=2 November 2024|website=[[Digital Spy]]|archive-date=25 July 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725040914/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a45323101/neighbours-spoilers-alan-fletcher-harold-bishop/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later on, local doctor [[Remi Varga-Murphy]] (Naomi Rukavina) identifies that his medication is causing his memory loss.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Daniel |last=Kilkelly |date=5 October 2023 |title=Neighbours resolves Harold Bishop's memory mystery in latest episode |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a45448366/neighbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-mystery-resolved/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=[[Digital Spy]] |archive-date=25 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725043929/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a45448366/neighbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-mystery-resolved/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Harold departs the series again on 10 October 2023.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Patterson |first=Stephen |date=10 October 2023 |title=Sad goodbye confirmed for major Neighbours legend as he exits |url=https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/10/neigbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-exits-19641316/ |access-date=2 November 2024 |website=[[Metro (British newspaper)|Metro]] |archive-date=24 June 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240624125323/https://metro.co.uk/2023/10/10/neigbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-exits-19641316/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Permanent return (2024–2025)===
On 8 April 2024, it was announced that Smith would return to the series on a permanent basis.<ref name=Returnoftheking>{{Cite web|title=Neighbours announces return of Harold Bishop after 15 years|first=Joe|last=Anderton|publisher=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60424838/neighbours-harold-bishop-return-2024/|date=8 April 2024|access-date=8 April 2024|archive-date=8 April 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408082202/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60424838/neighbours-harold-bishop-return-2024/|url-status=live}}</ref> Joe Anderton of ''[[Digital Spy]]'' expressed surprise at the announcement, as Smith had stated his desire to retire the previous year.<ref name=Returnoftheking /> Smith later clarified that he had agreed to work on the series one day per week.<ref name=HaroldRising>{{cite web|title=Neighbours star Ian Smith reveals future of Harold's return story|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60870196/neighbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-return-interview/|date=22 May 2024|access-date=24 May 2024|archive-date=23 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240523212101/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60870196/neighbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-return-interview/|url-status=live}}</ref> Harold's return aired on 28 May of that year.<ref>{{cite web|title=Neighbours legend Ian Smith confirms return date|first=Iona|last=Rowan|work=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60643397/neighbours-ian-smith-return-date/|date=30 April 2024|access-date=2 May 2024}}</ref> On-screen, Harold returns to Erinsborough to live at the [[Erinsborough#Eirini Rising|Eirini Rising]] retirement complex.<ref>{{cite web|title=Neighbours shares first look at Harold's return and new set|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60694488/neighbours-spoilers-harold-return-new-set/|date=6 May 2024|access-date=8 May 2024|archive-date=8 May 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508192311/https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a60694488/neighbours-spoilers-harold-return-new-set/|url-status=live}}</ref> Smith ascribed Harold's move to sentimentality, noting that he feels closer to Madge when in Erinsborough.<ref name=HaroldRising />

On 2 December 2024, Smith announced that he had recently been diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of terminal lung cancer, and that as a consequence he had left the role of Harold.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Thomas |first=Tia |date=2 December 2024 |title=Ian Smith departs Neighbours following cancer diagnosis |url=https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/neighbours-ian-smith-cancer/ |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=[[Now to Love]] |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202070033/https://www.nowtolove.com.au/entertainment/neighbours-ian-smith-cancer/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2 December 2024 |title=Neighbours star Ian Smith reveals terminal cancer diagnosis |work=[[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-02/neighbours-star-ian-smith-reveals-cancer-diagnosis/104674956 |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202101352/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-02/neighbours-star-ian-smith-reveals-cancer-diagnosis/104674956 |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith stated that doctors labelled his cancer as "non-fixable" and that they "expect him to die".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2 December 2024 |title=Neighbours actor Ian Smith, who plays Harold Bishop, reveals terminal diagnosis |url=https://www.itv.com/news/2024-12-02/neighbours-ian-smith-who-plays-harold-bishop-reveals-terminal-diagnosis |website=[[ITV News]] |access-date=2 December 2024 |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202203854/https://www.itv.com/news/2024-12-02/neighbours-ian-smith-who-plays-harold-bishop-reveals-terminal-diagnosis |url-status=live }}</ref> Smith spoke to ''[[10 News First]]'' about his diagnosis and final day on set.<ref>{{Cite web |first=Lyndsey |last=Rodrigues |date=2 December 2024 |title="They expect me to die": Beloved Neighbours icon makes devastating announcement |url=https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/neighbours-star-ian-smith-set-to-exit-soap-following-terminal-cancer-diagnosis-very-aggressive-051512945.html |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=[[Yahoo! Lifestyle]] |archive-date=2 December 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241202192009/https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/neighbours-star-ian-smith-set-to-exit-soap-following-terminal-cancer-diagnosis-very-aggressive-051512945.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Executive producer Jason Herbison confirmed that Harold would have a "proper send-off", and it was also revealed that Charleston had returned to the series in a new role as part of Harold's departure.<ref>{{Cite web |first=David|last=Knox|date=2 December 2024|title=Ian Smith reveals cancer diagnosis |url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2024/12/ian-smith-reveals-cancer-diagnosis.html |access-date=2 December 2024 |website=[[TV Tonight]]}}</ref>

The beginning of Harold's exit storyline is previewed in spoilers and pictures for the ''Neighbours 40th Anniversary'' week released by [[Digital Spy]]. Spoiler pictures show the arrival of Charleston's new character [[List of Neighbours characters introduced in 2025#Agnes Adair|Agnes Adair]], and spoilers reveal that she will be spotted by JJ looking at a picture of Madge on the Story of Erinsborough display, who will be "struck by how similar" Agnes is to Madge.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-10 |title=Neighbours: Madge lookalike brings mystery as Anne Charleston returns |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a64060321/neighbours-spoilers-madge-bishop-lookalike/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Further spoilers reveal that JJ will introduce Agnes to Harold, who is "stunned by how much" she looks like Madge, however, this makes Agnes "grow awkward" and she "threatens to leave".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-11 |title=Neighbours mystery deepens as Harold Bishop faces Madge's lookalike |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a64135534/neighbours-spoilers-harold-faces-madge-lookalike/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref> Harold's introduction to Agnes is previewed in a promotional trailer released on ''Neighbours'' social media accounts, which shows him taken aback and referring to her as Madge, before saying "No it can't be, you're dead."<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQ1jj-L-kEk |title=Neighbours 40th Anniversary Week {{!}} Teaser |date=2025-03-10 |last=Neighbours Official Channel |access-date=2025-03-14 |via=YouTube}}</ref> Further spoiler pictures reveal that Harold would continue to get to know and spend time with Agnes at Eirini Rising.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2025-03-10 |title=Neighbours confirms shock death and Wendy return in 31 pictures |url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/g64113112/neighbours-spoiler-pictures-shock-death-wendy-return/ |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Digital Spy |language=en-GB}}</ref>

Charleston's return was devised prior to Smith's diagnosis to build towards an eventual exit for Harold, before Smith's health required the storyline to be truncated and redeveloped. It was structured to provide potential exit points for Harold each week, due to uncertainty around how long Smith would be able to film for.<ref>{{cite web|title=Neighbours at 40: a TV milestone, soapie twists and a sense of déjà vu|first=David|last=Knox|work=[[TV Tonight]]|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/03/neighbours-at-40-a-tv-milestone-soapie-twists-and-a-sense-of-deja-vu.html|date=14 March 2025|access-date=21 March 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Neighbours boss shares exciting spoilers for 40th anniversary and show's final months|first=Daniel|last=Kilkelly|work=[[Digital Spy]]|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a64206725/neighbours-spoilers-40th-anniversary-show-finale/|date=17 March 2025|access-date=21 March 2025}}</ref> Harold's final episode aired on 14 April 2025, showing the character deciding to return to his family in Queensland.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/neighbours/a64344784/neighbours-spoilers-harold-bishop-exit-story/ | title=Neighbours reveals Harold Bishop's emotional exit storyline | website=[[Digital Spy]] }}</ref> Shortly after his on-screen departure, it was revealed that an "additional moment" Smith filmed before his departure would be shown later in the year.<ref>{{Cite web|title=One more time for Harold Bishop|first=David|last=Knox|work=[[TV Tonight]]|url=https://tvtonight.com.au/2025/04/one-more-time-for-harold-bishop.html|date=16 April 2025|access-date=16 April 2025}}</ref>