End of an era - Harold to leave Ramsay Street

Handkerchiefs at the ready, Neighbours fans - it has been revealed that old favourite Harold Bishop is to quit the soap after the best part of two decades.

Ian Smith, who has played the bumbling vegetarian since his first appearance in 1987, is to film his last scenes in October, which will be screened in the UK on Five next spring.

In the story, Harold will be seen by viewers overcoming prostate cancer, before deciding to leave Ramsay Street for good.

Australian Channel 10 spokesman Paula Lucarelli said: "It was entirely his decision. We love him and would have loved to keep him."

Harold is one of Neighbours' best-known characters and has undergone his fair share of drama since he was introduced in Erinsborough.

His daughter Kerry was shot dead during a protest, while several members of his family were killed in a plane crash in 2005.

In addition, Harold disappeared in 1991 after being swept away by the sea. He was presumed dead until 1996 when he was eventually spotted alive and well by Helen Daniels.

Harold had lost his memory and been living as a Salvation Army volunteer by the name of Ted.

Reunited with a returning Madge, they resumed their marriage which lasted until her death from pancreatic cancer in 2001.