After leaving the soap in 2007, O’Brien explored other roles, including Waterloo Road, and competed in the 2010 series of Strictly Come Dancing. In 2015, she returned to Coronation Street, where her portrayal of Sarah continues to receive critical acclaim.
Off-screen, O’Brien is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness and balances her career with motherhood. She shares two children with her husband, Adam Crofts, whom she married in 2018.
With over two decades in the industry, O’Brien remains a beloved figure in British television, celebrated for her authentic performances and enduring dedication to her craft. Her legacy as Sarah Platt ensures her place as a cornerstone of Coronation Street history.