Hayes made her professional and television debut in
BBC drama
Lilies, playing the lead role of Ruby Moss. She has made guest appearances in
Holby City,
The Commander,
Casualty,
Inspector George Gently and four episodes of
Doctors. Hayes' film credits include
Sparkle (2007),
Nowhere Boy (2009),
Kicks (2009), playing the lead role of Nicole, and
Rowan Joffé's remake of
Brighton Rock (2010). She has appeared in two series of the
Channel 4 period drama
The Mill for which she was nominated for the
Bafta award for Leading Actress. She portrayed Gwen Pearce in the 2016 BBC TV drama series
The Living and the Dead. ==Filmography==