 She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School and during this time she secured her first acting role when she made on/off appearances in BBC's "Grange Hill".After graduating from drama school in 1988 at the age of 15, Lawrence was instantly cast as Diane Butcher, the bohemian daughter of Frank Butcher (Mike Reid), in the popular soap opera "EastEnders".She remained in the role until 1991, when she quit.