Hayes portrayed Abi Harper, a clumsy and dim-witted student in the British sitcom My Family, a role she held between 2002 and 2008, when the character became a nun.
[2] She has also made guest appearances in Little Britain, Paul Merton: The Series, Agatha Christie's Marple, Birds of a Feather, and The Bill.
[4] In 2005, she was a contestant on the third series of the BBC competition Strictly Come Dancing, paired with professional Matthew Cutler.
[5] On 1 February 2008, it was announced that Hayes would be joining EastEnders, in the role of Melinda, the partner of the show's returning Ricky Butcher portrayed by Sid Owen.
[7][8] Hayes starred in the 2011 British live action 3D family comedy film Horrid Henry: The Movie, portraying the role of the titular character's mother.