After education at various schools in Southern England and in Switzerland, she trained as a nanny and did modelling work.

Hanley appeared on Magpie from 1974 to 1980. She has also appeared on television as an actress in such series as Department S, The Persuaders!, The Adventurer, Softly, Softly, Man About The House and Return of the Saint. She co-presented Saturday Night At the Mill and appeared in the dictionary corner of Countdown. She teamed up with Tony Blackburn and together tried to be the next Anne and Nick, when they presenteed a low budget Morning chat show on Sky Channel.

Film appearances include the James Bond film On Her Majesty's Secret Service, The Private Life of Sherlock Holmes and the Hammer horror film Scars of Dracula. In 1972 she appeared in the 3D film 'The Flesh and Blood Show'. In one scene she is naked but at a later interview explains a stunt double was used as she is a natural blonde.

Regular radio shows as a presenter include BBC Radio Berkshire and Radio SAGA where she worked in a studio next to David 'Diddy' Hamilton. As well as playing music, she interviewed guests.

Her brother, Jeremy Hanley, became an accountant and Conservative Party politician. He received a knighthood.

Her grandmother was a photographer who, as Studio Lisa, had privileged access to the royal family, photographing both Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret in relaxed, family poses and the next generation, Prince Charles, Princess Anne and Prince Edward in informal shots. She also helped to launch the career of a male model who later became an actor, Roger Moore.