Phillips got her big break after writing a song for soap opera Hollyoaks titled "Missing You", which proved popular with viewers when it was featured in the character Steph Cunningham's death scene.

[1] Following the strong response to the track, Hollyoaks bosses arranged a meeting with Phillips and subsequently invited her to audition for the part of Liberty – a musical character they had been developing for some time.

[2] In April 2011, Phillips showcased her vocals as Liberty when the character took part in a karaoke competition giving a show-stopping rendition of Adele's version of Bob Dylan's "Make You Feel My Love".

At the time Abi also announced to fans on her Twitter account that herself, Jorgie Porter (Theresa McQueen) and Craig Vye (Ethan Scott) also recorded scenes for Hollyoaks at the event.

From the age of 12, Phillips has been a member of the Birmingham pub band Shampoo, which is fronted by hairdresser dad Richard and mum Linda at wedding receptions and clubs.

In September 2014, Phillips sang a show stopping rendition of Sia's 'Titanium' and one of her own songs 'On My Way' at The Pride of Birmingham Awards to over 2,000 people including rock legend Tony Iommi, UB40's Ali Campbell, comedian Jason Manford and footballer Dion Dublin.