Lauren Carpenter

Lauren Carpenter
Kate Kendall as Lauren
Neighbours character
Portrayed by	Sarah Vandenbergh (1993–1994) Kate Kendall (2013–)
Duration	1993–1994, 2013–
First appearance	16 February 1993
Introduced by	Alan Coleman (1993) Richard Jasek (2013)
Classification	Present; regular
Profile
Occupation	Stablehand Waitress Book-keeper Riding school owner Owner of Harold's Store
Home	32 Ramsay Street
Sarah Vandenbergh as Lauren
Father Lou Carpenter Mother Kathy Carpenter Brothers Guy Carpenter Half-sisters Ling Mai Chan Husband Matt Turner (1994–2015) Brad Willis (2016–) Sons Mason Turner Bailey Turner Daughters Paige Smith Amber Turner Stepsons Ned Willis Stepdaughters Piper Willis Granddaughters Matilda Turner Aunts Brenda Riley

Lauren Turner (also Carpenter) is a fictional character from the Australian soap opera Neighbours, played by Kate Kendall. The role was originally played by Sarah Vandenbergh, and she made her first appearance during the episode broadcast on 16 February 1993. Lauren was introduced as the "vivacious" daughter of Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver). Vandenbergh described her as being happy, headstrong and into horses. She also thought that just by looking at the character you knew she was a girl next door type. Lauren's major storylines during her first stint in the show saw her have an affair with Brad Willis (Scott Michaelson), join a religious cult and begin a casual relationship with Wayne Duncan (Jonathon Sammy-Lee). Vandenbergh decided to leave the serial when she was told that Lauren would not feature prominently in storylines anymore. She departed on 2 March 1994.

On 4 November 2012, it was announced Lauren would be returning to Neighbours with Kendall taking over the role. She made her first appearance as Lauren on 7 February 2013. Upon her return, Lauren brought her family with her and Kendall described them as "charismatic", saying they would have some secrets and "really juicy storylines". Kendall's Lauren is portrayed as being "down to earth", "warm" and "very social". Her storylines since her return have often focused on family issues, including the arrival of her and Brad's long-lost daughter Paige Smith (Olympia Valance), Matt's death, and her reunion and marriage to Brad.

Vandenbergh joined the cast of Neighbours in 1993 to play the "vivacious" daughter of Lou Carpenter (Tom Oliver). It was her first major television role and she relocated from Sydney to Melbourne for filming. Vandenbergh told Sue Malins of Soaplife that her workload was gruelling and she had a crazy work schedule during her time on the show. The actress said it was tough for the younger cast members who had come straight from school, but as she was twenty, she could deal with it.