In 1997, Danson landed parts in the ITV period drama series "The Grand", in which she played the role of Monica Jones for seven episodes, and then in the top-rated ITV soap opera "Coronation Street", playing teenager Leanne Battersby. The Battersby family were dubbed the "Neighbours From Hell" and made an immediate impact on the long-running show's loyal audience. Danson left the show in 2000, not long after a harrowing storyline that saw her character become a drug addict. Danson's next role was as Nurse Samantha Docherty in the drama series Always and Everyone (also known as A&E) from 2001 to 2002. She then later joined the cast of ITV police drama "The Bill" in 2002. Danson portrayed Gemma Osbourne, the first lesbian police officer in the show's history. However, the role was short-lived and she left in 2003.