Dawn began singing in nightclubs, and by the late 1960s she had began appearing in adverts and in minor television roles. In the 1970s she appeared in various tevelission shows such as Open All Hours, Crown Court and All Creatures Great and Small. In 1974 she briefly appeared in Coronation Street and became a regular cast member in 1976. In late 2007 it was announced Dawn had decided to quit her role as Vera Duckworth and her last appearance was broadcast in January 2008, ending her legendary partnership with co-star William Tarmey. In 2010, Dawn returned to Coronation Street for a one off scene as a ghost as part of Tarmey's exit from the show.