Born in London, Rachel studied ballet to a professional standard at the Royal Ballet School, but after a prolonged bout of glandular fever was forced to give up her dream of a dancing career.

Rachel then turned her studies to History of Art at London's City Lit and spent a short period working for a well-respected international firm of art dealers in London. However, she was soon spotted by a modelling agency and went on to enjoy a successful modelling career.

A major part of Rachel's modelling included appearances in TV ads, and casting agents soon began to suggest Rachel for acting roles. By 1988, Rachel had appeared in the mini-series Merlin and in the British feature film Bodywork.