Crossley was a pupil at Bispham High School Arts College, Bispham, Blackpool, Lancashire. She was put forward for audition in Emmerdale by Blackpool-based children's casting agency, Scream Management, and from hundreds she made it through to the final six, who were then invited to take part in a workshop. She then made the final two, took part in screen tests and was sent back to the Fylde to await the decision. Other Emmerdale actresses from the Fylde Coast include Jenna-Louise Coleman, Raine Davison and Hayley Tamaddon.