Heywood appeared in many roles, mainly in television but also in films such as Billy Elliot.

Her TV work included roles in When the Boat Comes In, Our Day Out, All Creatures Great and Small, Boys from the Blackstuff, Family Affairs, The Bill and Casualty.

[4] In 2005, she starred alongside Richard Briers and Kevin Whately in a drama called Dad on BBC One as part of Comic Relief's Elder Abuse campaign.

[5] In 2010 Heywood made a guest appearance in the ITV series Married Single Other.

Her mother died less than six months later, and the family returned to the UK.