Harold Bishop

Harold Bishop
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Ian Smith
Duration	1987–1991, 1996–2009, 2011, 2015, 2022–present
First appearance	30 January 1987 (1987-01-30)
Classification	Present; regular
Created by	Reg Watson
Introduced by	Reg Watson (1987) Stanley Walsh (1996) Susan Bower (2011) Jason Herbison (2015)
In-universe information Other names Ted[1] Occupation Health food shop manager Newspaper columnist Coffee shop owner Salvation Army volunteer Grease Monkeys manager The General Store co-owner Father Frank Bishop Wife Mavis Bishop (backstory) Madge Bishop (1988–2001) Carolyn Johnstone (2011–2015) Sons David Bishop Daughters Kerry Bishop Stepsons Henry Ramsay Stepdaughters Charlene Robinson Grandsons Toby Mangel (adoptive) Daniel Robinson (step) Granddaughters Sky Mangel Serena Bishop Other relatives Kerry Mangel Scotty

Harold Wayne Bishop is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Ian Smith. The character was loosely based on the UK’s Jon, and to a lesser extent his younger brother, Jim White. Smith was offered the role by the show's creator and executive producer Reg Watson. Smith made his first screen appearance as Harold during the episode broadcast on 30 January 1987. He departed in September 1991, but returned five years later in October 1996. Harold remained on screen for over twelve years, becoming one of the longest-running characters in the show's history.

Smith announced his departure from Neighbours in August 2008. Following a cancer storyline, Harold made his final appearance on 27 February 2009. In December 2010, Smith revealed that he would be reprising his role and Harold returned on 9 May 2011. During his brief return stint, Harold married Carolyn Johnstone (Paula Duncan), a storyline that was suggested by Smith. The character of Harold has been well received by critics and Smith earned various award nominations for his performance, including the Most Popular Personality on Australian Television Logie Award. Harold returned again in February 2015, ahead of the show's 30th anniversary. Smith reprised his role for the show's finale and began filming in February 2022. Harold returned to the role for a guest arc as part of the series' continuation, via Amazon Freevee. On 18 September 2023, Harold returned in episode 8904, and departed again on 10 October 2023. He returned to the show on a permanent basis on 28 May 2024.