Born into a theatrical family, her first on-screen roles were as a child in William Tell and episodes of The Invisible Man (both in 1959). But it was her role as Alice in The Life of Lewis Carroll that brought her to the attention of Doctor Who producer Innes Lloyd.

Other television roles have included The Newcomers, Danger UXB, Rising Damp, and Doctor in Charge. Her film work includes Take Me High with Cliff Richard and That'll Be the Day with David Essex. Deborah has also had a long career on the stage; her most recent theatre credits range from playing Mrs Alving in Ibsen's Ghosts, to Beverly in Abigail's Party.