Rachel was born 9 April 1978 in London. Rachel started drama school at the age of 5. At age 15, she was picked from 5000 people to win a modelling competition organised by "Just 17" magazine. She did some modelling work and she then went to the London School of Fashion to study the fashion business. She got a diploma and then moved into fashion PR. Then, at age 21, she joined the pop group, S Club 7.