Harold and Madge Bishop to return for Neighbours 30th anniversary special

Neighbours favourites Harold and Madge Bishop are to return to the soap for its 30th anniversary special.

As Madge, played by Anne Charleston, died in 2001 it is currently unclear how the pair will reappear on Ramsey Street.

“It was an immediate yes when I was invited to return for the 30th Anniversary, I wouldn’t have missed it and I’m thrilled with the way their story unfolds,” Charleston said.

Ian Smith, who retired from playing Harold in 2009, said: “I spent half my working life on Neighbours and so it’s lovely to be back with Anne and all the cast and crew.“

Smith and Charleston are currently filming their return at the soap's Melbourne studios.

The show says the actors are the "first of a number of celebrated past cast members returning for the 30th anniversary to be announced".

But Kylie Minogue, who played Madge's daughter Charlene, denied speculation she was set to return, telling ITV London in August that "it's just not happening".

Madge joined the soap in 1986 as the wife of Fred Mitchell and the mother of Charlene.

After her marriage fell apart in 1988, Madge married her childhood sweetheart Harold Bishop.

However, the couple's happiness was short-lived after Harold was swept out to sea during a walk along a coastal path in 1991.

He reappeared five years later suffering from amnesia.

When his memory returned, the couple renewed their wedding vows.

Madge was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and died in 2001.