Tom Oliver has enjoyed a very successful career in television, spanning 35 years. He is most famous for his long-running role as Lou Carpenter in Les voisins (1985). Tom's character began as a loveable rogue, and a love-rival for the attentions of Harold Bishop's wife Madge. His character mellowed over the years, losing the rogue car dealer image and becoming a very trustworthy landlord and a father. He is a huge favourite for 'Neighbours' fans, as was shown when Tom was axed in 1997, and furious fans demanded he be given a new contract. The comedy Tom has given the show through Lou over the years has been excellent. In recent years his partner in laughter has been Harold Bishop (played by Ian Smith), and in years gone by when he'd be joking around with lodger Rik Alessi, played by Dan Falzon, and Doug Willis, played by Terence Donovan. Lou has courted settling down on numerous occasions, but remains a bachelor and has moved in with Harold, a one-time enemy, having lost custody of his daughter. Tom retired from the show in late 2016 after 28 years on the cast. he now performs an ambassadorial role for the Elephant Nature Park and The Save Elephant Foundation in North Thailand. He has also been the ambassador of Connecting Hands Australia since its inception and regularly visits Connecting Hands Training Cafe in Phenom Penh Cambodia. Connecting Hands is earning a reputation for changing the lives of vulnerable young women in Cambodia with its entire staff (apart from the manageress) coming from these ranks. Connecting Hands offers these young ladies the training and, as importantly, as sense of hope for the future.