Sunday, 6 April 2008

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Neighbours' Ian Smith born after paedophile rape

Actor who plays Harold Bishop discovers truth about his birth

As cuddly Harold Bishop in Neighbours, actor Ian Smith has convinced us of some pretty improbable storylines.

But Ian's real-life story is even more extraordinary.

At the age of 54, Ian found out that he was adopted and that his real mum was only 14 when she had him.

'I was the result of a paedophile rape,' Ian tells You magazine.

The revelation was huge shock for the Aussie soap star who was already suffering from secret depression and panic attacks.

'I really went down the gurgler,' he admits.

Now 69, Ian - who has co-starred with Kylie Minogue, Russell Crowe and Jason Donovan - is feeling fine and enjoying semi-retirement.

Neighbours is shown twice a day on Channel Five.