BBC Radio York Features

Ian Smith has been friends with Harold Bishop for nearly 20 years and Harold is a true pillar of the Erinsborough community.

He moved into Ramsay Street in 1987 and was there until 1991 when he supposedly fell into the ocean and was presumed dead. In 1996 he returned to the show, when it was revealed that Harold had been found alive and had amnesia from his fall, he's remained in the show until now.

At 68, and wanting to ease into retirement, Ian has decided to cut back and leave the show, but he will make occasional guest appearances. As one of the soap's most popular characters he will be missed.

But Neighbours' loss, is our gain as Ian is appearing in Cinderella at the Grand Opera House in York and he took time out from rehearsals (rehearsals, what rehearsals?) to talk to BBC Radio York's Adam Tomlinson, about what a fascinating and moving life he's had...