Brabin is know for her roles as Tricia Armstrong in Coronation Street and waitress Sandra in A Bit of a Do. Her other acting credits include EastEnders, Holby City, Doctors, The Bill, Law & Order:UK, Casulaty, Rosemary & Thyme, Midsummer Murders, Is Harry on the Boat?, Silent Witness, Where the Heart is and Peak Practice. She has also appeared in numerous theatre plays. Brabin has also written for The Story of Tracy Beaker, Family Affairs, Shameless, Doctors, Hollyoaks, Heartbeat, Seacht and Crossroads.