Silva's first TV appearance was as Squeak in the 1989 Doctor Who story Survival. As a young girl Silva also appeared in Mr Majeika, The Bill and EastEnders.
Silva is best known for playing the role of Kelly Windsor in the television soap opera Emmerdale. Silva first played this role from 1993 to 2000 before returning to the soap in 2005. Her plotlines have been amongst the most daring in the soap opera, including a relationship with her stepbrother and running off with one of her school teachers. When Silva returned in 2005, she promised to be the “biggest bitch” in British soap.