Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver)

[gillyH1981]

New lady friend
Lou finds an unexpected silver lining to his masquerade as erotic novelist, E. M. Williams.

After a few teething problems with manipulating Karl (Alan Fletcher) into writing more erotic fiction which he can pass off as his own, Lou is now on an upswing, taking to the idea of ready-made fame like a duck to water.

Sadly, though, his family's state of peace and harmony has shattered, on Neighbours. Although Lou has teh bright idea of hosting a family brunch to ease the tension, emotions run high as the subject of Lauren's infidelity casts a pall over the event.

At least young lovers Bailey and Alice are getting on famously, despite Alice's accidental mention of a sensitive matter.

Poor Lou is soon despairing over his failed efforts until Alice's grandmother, Layla, arrives to collect her. Lou is clearly swooning and so is Layla when she discovers she's meeting E. M. Williams, the author of her favourite books!

Clearly, smitten and wondering what kind of a love machine she's encountered, Layla lets a delighted Lou know that she'd love to get to know him a whole lot better.


Source: TV Soap 25th September 2014

[TaintedLove]

Good. I was worried he`d get together with Sheila. She`s such a terrible actress in my opinion.
I`d love it if Valda came back....I used to like her.

[Perdita]

Long-serving Neighbours star Tom Oliver has further scaled back his filming commitments, Digital Spy can confirm.

The 76-year-old actor will not be appearing as regularly on the show, but will continue to shoot guest stints as fan favourite Lou Carpenter.

Since 2009, Oliver has been a part-time regular cast member - allowing him to take a number of breaks from Neighbours throughout the year.

However, recent episodes which aired in Australia hinted at a more permanent exit as Lou decided to move away to Queensland and was removed from the show's opening titles.

Explaining the change, a Neighbours spokesperson told Digital Spy: "Tom has scaled back his workload over the past few years and while he will not be appearing as regularly on Neighbours, good news for the many Lou Carpenter fans is the producers have persuaded him to continue to do guest appearances.

"He will be returning later in the year to film a significant storyline."

Neighbours fans in the UK will see Lou's exit scenes at the end of next week (May 15), when the popular character takes his grieving grandson Bailey Turner away to live in Queensland following the death of his father Matt.

Oliver has been playing Lou since 1988.

[Mirjam]

Not good! I like Lou but I can understand that Tom wants to take it a bit easier.

[Topaz]

Yes it's such a shame, I didn't realise how old he was, bless him!
I love Lou, he is so funny, will miss his more regular appearances!

[Topaz]

Yes it's such a shame, I didn't realise how old he was, bless him!
I love Lou, he is so funny, will miss his more regular appearances!

[tammyy2j]

Was hoping for a nice romance and wedding for him and Sheila

[tammyy2j]

I've just read in the Sunday Star that Lou's return is indeed connected to drug dealers (in Cambodia)!

Not sure how accurate the Star is but that's what it says... I'd be happy if this is true as I didn't want him to return to die.

I thought Bailey left with him and they were together in Queensland

[gillyH1981]

I thought Bailey left with him and they were together in Queensland

Tom Oliver cut back his role. He now only appears in guest stints. That's why he was removed from the opening titles.

[lizann]

he comes back to street on run from drug dealers

[LollyCarpenter]

How does an old man like Lou get himself mixed up with drug dealers from Cambodia? :(:hmm:

[ILTPandN]

I thought Bailey left with him and they were together in Queensland

I thought that too. I guess he headed off to Cambodia for a visit to Mai Ling (not sure how her name is spelt?). How he gets caught up with drug dealers is another issue....! First escorting, now drugs!

[sagittarius10]

Lou's dead and buried
Lauren is stunned when a frazzle Lou returns home, convinced a drug lord wants to kill him.

When Lauren said goodbye to her father, Lou, months ago, she thought she was sending him off to a peaceful life in sunny Queensland. As usual, the adventurous Lou puts paid to that when his other daughter, Mai Ling, calls Lauren to report their dad has disappeared while visiting her in Cambodia.

Fortunately, Lauren's (Kate Kendall) concerns are relieved when Lou (Tom Oliver) suddenly shows up on her doorstep. The welcome sight of her father quickly turns to agony again when Lou reports that he's on the run and fearing for his life!

Lou explains that during his trip to Cambodia he decided to go into business selling Buddha statues but his plan to transport some of them to Thailand went awry when he dropped one and discovered white powder hidden inside. Fearing that he was being set up as a drug mule, Lou dumped the statues and flew back to Australia instead.

As Lauren struggles with her father's crazy tale, she happily agrees to keep his whereabouts secret but is shocked when a menancing man approaches her looking for Lou regarding his business in Cambodia. Suddenly, Lauren fears that Lou's life could really be in danger.

Lou is rattled upon learning of his daughter's encounter and is determined to stay safely hidden at the Turner house hoping the problem will eventually disappear. However, that proves unlikely when Lou receives an anonymous gift. The present contains a smashed Buddha statue and a threatening note that says, 'I know you're here, Lou. I'm coming for you'.

Terrified to think he's being hounded by a drug cartel who want him dead, Lou takes drastic steps to neutralise the threat against him. Much to Karl (Alan Fletcher), Susan (Jackie Woodburne), and Sheila's (Colette Mann) amusement, Lou forms a grand plan to fake his death and hold a public memorial service.

At the funeral, Lou watches from hiding, praying once he's dead and buried, his problems will be buried with him.

Credit to Soap World issue December 2015

[millieq8]

Ok, gilly, welcome back. If you stop bringing up Mark, Kate, Tyler and Paige in every single post, maybe they won't exterminate you again. ;)

[Ruffed_lemur]

At least Lou's family and friends know what's happening.

[Topaz]

Lol a bit extreme but it can only be pulled off by Lou!!