Fate of Silent Witness revealed after 28 years on the BBC
THE BBC have given the green light for the 29th series of crime television series Silent Witness, before the 28th has even aired.
The programme – which focuses on a team of forensic pathologists -stars Emilia Fox as Dr Nikki Alexander and David Caves as Jack Hodgson.
The finale of the 27th series, Kings Cross, ended on a cliff hanger as Nikki proposed to Jack after they solved a particularly harrowing case.
Viewers are keen to find out about how the lovebirds will fare, particularly as Nikki has had a disastrous dating history.
Jack came to work at the Lyell Centre following Harry’s departure.
The pair found love at the end of series 24 when they passionately kissed.
She saved Jack’s life in True Love Waits after killing Alan Lane by whacking him over the head with a metal pipe.
The final two part series, entitled I believe in Love and What Else Can I Do, may give some clues as to what might be in store for the crime solving couple.
Viewers are also keen to see more from Aki Omishaybi – back as Gabriel – and Alistair Michael as Velvy, as well as Rhiannon May as Cara.
Reports indicate that the 28th series is likely to be back on our screens next January, with no new date for the 29th season.
The drama began in 1996 and followed the investigations into various murders and after all these years fans, keep begging for more.
The show was created by Nigel McCrery, a former murder squad detective based in Nottingham.
Silent Witness itself has been filmed mainly in London, as well as other locations in the UK, but The BBC has revealed plans to move production of the programme to the West Midlands, which will help bring more regional accents into the programme.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Chief Content Officer said: “The BBC is committed to investing in the West Midlands.
“This plan will create a future proof skills base in the region that will fundamentally change the landscape boosting high impact content production with the arrival of the hugely popular hit series Silent Witness in 2024.
“I’m excited about the increased opportunities this will bring to the creative talent in the area.”
Silent Witness cast past and present
Silent Witness has been on our screens for 28 years and now with the next two series guaranteed, we look back on the characters past and present.
By Donna Richardson
PAST
Amanda Burton
Amanda who was in Brookside and Peak Practice before becoming Sam Ryan in Silent Witness, was in the very first episode until series eight episode two. She went on to become Clare Blake in ITV’s The Commander
Tom Ward
Tom was Dr Harry Cunningham from 2002 to 2012, joining in the sixth season of the crime drama. Prior to this he played the role of George Osborne in Vanity Fair and had a role in Anna Karenina.
William Gaminara
William played Leo Dalton in the 11th series of the show. He exited the show in 2013 to pursue other roles.
Liz Carr
Liz played the role of Clarissa Mullery from 2013 to 2020. She went on to star in the OA as Dr Marlow Rhodes and in 2021 joined the cast of the Witcher and then Good Omens in the same year. She was also Judge Gamble in Loki.
PRESENT
Emilia Fox
Emilia has played the role of Nikki Alexander for 19 years. Before that she was in Pride and Prejudice and Rebecca and other drama adaptations. She has also been in starring film roles in The Pianist amongst others.
David Caves
David Caves is Jack Hodgson and has been in the show since 2012, appearing in the first episode of series 16 called Change.
Rhiannon May
Rhiannon first appeared in Silent Witness Series 24. She is Jack’s neice Cara Connelly for three seasons
Aki Omoshaybi
Aki is Professor Gabriel Folukoya in the show, a neurologist and pathologist. He arrived in the first episode of Silent Witness series 26. Elsewhere he appeared in Star Wars Episode VIII.
Series 27 aired on BBC1 in January 2024 and is still available to stream on BBCiPlayer, Amazon Prime Video or BritBox.