Sally Bankes spent twenty-five years working as a bank manager before pursuing a career as a professional actress, though she had been active in youth theatre since the age of nine. Since then, she has appeared in Little Britain (2003), Doctors (2000), Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps (2001), Heartbeat (1992), and the sketch comedy show Tittybangbang.

She has also featured in other British television productions, including Coronation Street (1960) and Victoria Wood's Housewife, 49 (2005).