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Renewed: Silent Witness

New cast members join long-running British crime drama.

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Long running UK crime Silent Witness has been formally renewed for a 26th season, with more cast changes ahead.

Two new recruits join Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) for five stories told over ten episodes.

Aki Omoshaybi (The Pursuit Of Love, Queens Of Mystery, Real) plays Gabriel Folukoya, an academic, neurologist and pathologist who has spent much of his career in innovative research, primarily in the field of data analysis.

Alastair Michael (Ridley Road, Snatch) plays Velvy Schur, the Lyell’s new APT (Anatomical Pathology Technologist) trainee, as recommended by Clarissa Mullery. Velvy has recently left his ultra-Orthodox Jewish community and is now finding his own path, balancing his career and his faith, which he still holds very dear to his heart.

Aki Omoshaybi (pictured left) said: “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining such a long running and much loved series. Gabriel has much less practical experience than Nikki and prefers to computer model an autopsy than to slice a body open, but deep down Gabriel knows he needs people like Nikki and Jack. He’s at a juncture in his life where he needs to make changes, to open up more, to allow himself to be more vulnerable.”

Alastair Michael (right) added: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Silent Witness. We meet my character Velvy as he is on a really interesting journey from within an Orthodox community into a wide secular society. He is still acclimatising to the change and conflicted about the life he left behind, but he is eager for new knowledge, new experiences, and new friendships. This curiosity can sometimes get the better of him and it might even ruffle some people’s feathers. So, it’ll be fun to see how that plays out in the Lyell.”

The new series also sees Jack’s niece Cara Connelly (Rhiannon May) return as a more regular character; arriving unexpectedly from Belfast to announce she is starting a university course in Criminology, giving Jack little choice but to let her stay with him while she studies. Cara soon wins her uncle around, excelling in her studies and proving a future professional match for Jack.

Suzi McIntosh, Executive Producer, BBC Studios says: “Silent Witness is back with a bang. With the help of our brilliant writers, directors, and actors, we have thrilling stories that will transport audiences into five very different worlds. I am delighted to welcome Aki and Alastair, who are wonderful additions to the Lyell family along with the fabulous returning Rhiannon. I can’t wait for the series to hit our screens.”

Nawfal Faizullah, Executive Producer for the BBC says: “Following a hugely successful anniversary series, we are thrilled that Silent Witness is returning to our screens, back and better than ever. Led by the fantastic Emilia and David and with a new team joining the Lyell, we can’t wait for audiences to see this gripping new series.”

The 25th anniversary series drew 8.3 million viewers across its first 30 days.

It screens in Australia on ABC and BBC First.

3 Responses

  1. I think it’s “jumped the shark”-just too unbelievable, although new cast members would allow some sort of a reset but the concept of immense involvement by the forensic scientists in cases in the field is now so central to the show.

    1. That’s the whole concept of the show, it’s meant to focus on forensic and scientific investigations of cases. The term “Silent Witness” is from a book by American Forensic Chemist Paul L Kirk which means:- wherever he steps, whatever he touches and whatever he leaves behind he leaves unconsciously. “He” references being the criminal.

  2. This show has been a constant on my viewing list since the first episode, it’s stood the test of time along with Midsomer Murders and Law and Order SVU, this is tv viewing pleasure at its best. Happy camper me now it’s been renewed again.

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