Coleman's first major television role was as Sue in Southern Television's "Worzel Gummidge". This ran for four seasons (and a Christmas special) from 1978 to 1981 on the ITV network. Other early work included "A Choice of Evils" ("Play for Today", BBC, 1977) and "Two People" (London Weekend Television, 1979), as Emma Moffatt). She had a crush on Stephen Garlick, her co-star in "Two People". For the role, she had to choose a stuffed toy for Emma to carry; she named it "Haggis" and still had it when interviewed in 1990.