The return of Harold Bishop (Ian Smith) to Ramsay Street is depicted in Wednesday’s episodes of Neighbours, which are broadcast on Channel 5 at 1.45 and 5.30.
As the Australian soap opera’s run is drawing to a close, the beloved character visits Karl and Susan Kennedy (Alan Fletcher and Jackie Woodburne), where he develops a bond with a distraught Mackenzie Hargreaves (Georgie Stone).
Later, Toadie Rebecchi’s (Ryan Moloney) relationship with partner Melanie Pearson is requested to be resolved by Zara Selwyn (Freya Van Dyke), who asks Harold to step in (Lucinda Cowden).
It quickly becomes apparent that Mel’s ex-husband Joe Mangel (Mark Little), Harold’s former son-in-law, has reservations about her and Toadie.
You might be curious about the whereabouts of this legendary soap character since his last appearance in Erinsborough.
You’d be excused for requiring a refresher of his most famous Neighbours scenes considering the character’s lengthy 35-year existence.
When Harold first appeared, Madge (Anne Charleston), whom he later married, was the subject of a revived passion.
However, Harold vanished a few years later while the couple was on vacation. He was presumed dead for the following five years until his glasses were discovered close to a precipice.
One of Neighbours’ biggest twists occurred in 1996: Harold was still alive but had amnesia and now referred to himself as Ted. Harold recognised Madge when he next saw her, but not as his wife.
His memories were finally recovered after counselling, and the Bishops were reunited until Madge’s tragic death from pancreatic cancer in 2001.
After a stroke that later impacted his attitude, Harold went from being a kind and loving person to becoming unpleasant and egotistical. When Harold gradually recovered, he was once again the familiar Harold.
Unfortunately, the discovery of his prostate cancer caused his health to deteriorate further.
He consented to get care, but when Harold had a heart attack, Karl disregarded his desire to not be revived. Harold was cured as a result of that choice, and in 2009 he relocated to be with his granddaughter Sky Mangel (Stephanie McIntosh).
After learning that his girlfriend Sonya (Eve Morey) was Callum’s birth mother, Toadie called Harold a few years later (Morgan Baker). Toadie followed Harold’s advice to talk to Sonya; this decision turned out to be the right one.
Then Harold married Carolyn and convinced Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver), an old friend, to take it easier as his health deteriorated. Harold and his new spouse left for uncharted territory, but in 2015, Harold returned alone after divorcing Carolyn.
Harold found immense comfort in hearing Madge’s voice as his thoughts returned to her. However, Susan encouraged him not to become obsessed with these spectral conversations, so after bidding farewell to his loving wife once more, he moved to Erinsborough to live with Sky.
That was the last time we saw Harold, so when Neighbours revealed that actor Smith will be playing the character again before the season finale, which will air at the end of the month, fans were ecstatic.
Will Harold’s arrival provide Ramsay Street with the boost it needs? Find out at 1.45 p.m. today.