Rachel Bell-White (formerly Rachel Padden) was born in 1981 in Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK. She was awarded a place to study Medicine at the University of Oxford in 1999, completing two years of the course before withdrawing for health reasons.

After giving birth to a baby girl in 2004, Rachel embarked upon a career in the NHS for several years before deciding in 2018 to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a professional actress. Rachel continues to work part-time within the NHS as a healthcare scientist.

In 2021 Rachel received a First Class degree in BA (Hons) Performance from the University of Bolton, and went on to study "Advanced Acting Fundamentals" and "Advanced Scene Study for Actors" at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. She was subsequently invited back to RADA's selection-only classes and has been featured in adverts for their programme of short courses.

In her spare time Rachel does volunteer work with the Samaritans, as well as being a member of Bradford Amateur Rowing Club and an award-winning breeder of pet rats.