Denby-Ashe first gained film experience on the children's video "Nursery Rhymes 2" from Pickwick Video. She appeared in many television commercials as a child actor which then led on to children's drama such as Kevin & Co, as well as the Channel 4 sitcom "Desmond's". Denby-Ashe also appeared briefly alongside Jennifer Saunders and Julia Sawalha in season 3 episode 6 of "Absolutely Fabulous". Her big break came in 1995 when she landed the role of Sarah Hills in the BBC soap opera "EastEnders". She played this character until 1999.