Fans of Silent Witness can rejoice as the best-loved drama is back! The forensic series returned for series 23 earlier this month and viewers are gripped already. Just three episodes have been released so far, (each episode is split into two parts – spanning over two nights a week) but already viewers have seen a plane crash and the death of a teenage boy. On the arrival on the new series, BBC released a teaser statement, saying: "Nikki and the team must work harder than ever to find the truth."
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The drama, which aired its first series in 1996, is clearly popular amongst its audience, with the show having reached its 23rd series. While the cast has remained mostly the same for several of the previous series', we've done a round-up of the main characters, and any new faces to expect in the new season. Here's all you need to know…
© Photo: BBCSilent Witness will see all the familiar faces return
Emilia Fox (plays Dr. Nikki Alexander)
Emilia Fox plays the role of Dr. Nikki Alexander and wastes no time in getting stuck in at the Lyell Centre. In the first episode, viewers saw Nikki being called in after a plane crashes outside London. Naturally, the situation gets more complicated when it's discovered that a passenger on board is a former US ambassador.
© Photo: BBCEmilia Fox reprises her role in the drama
Emilia has been at the forefront of the show since 2004, and although the actress is probably best-known for her role as Dr. Alexander, those that are new to the BBC drama may recognise the 45-year-old actress from other roles. Emilia has appeared in the BBC adaption of Pride and Prejudice, Sky One drama Delicious alongside Dawn French and, more recently, as Valerie Profumo in BBC drama The Trial of Christine Keeler.
Fun fact: Emilia comes from a very theatrical family. Her parents are both successful actors, her cousin Laurence Fox is also an actor (best known for his role in Lewis) and the ex-husband of Billie Piper, and her brother Freddie is currently starring as Jeremy Bamber in ITV drama White House Farm.
David Caves (Jack Hodgson)
David Caves returns as lead forensic expert Jack Hodgson. After being promoted from a forensic scientist for the police to an expert in series 16, Jack is now a staple figure in the team. When he isn't working hard at the Lyell Centre, Jack is training to be a cage fighter.
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© Photo: BBCJack Hodgson is played by David Caves
David, from Northern Island, began his career doing mostly theatre work and has performed as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's tour. But David has also done TV and film work, including documentary The Crime Thriller Club alongside Bradley Walsh, and as Clint Hill in the 2016 Natalie Portman film Jackie.
Liz Carr (Clarissa Mullery)
Liz Carr, who has been in the show since series 16, is reprising her role as Clarissa Mullery in the show, joining the team to help crack each case they're faced with. Clarissa is a close friend and assistant to Jack in the show, who also joined in series 16. Liz is a British actress, comedian and disability rights activist.
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© Photo: BBCLiz Carr returns as Clarissa Mullery
Before joining Silent Witness in 2013, Liz enjoyed a successful career in comedy, winning awards such as the Hackney Empire New Act of the Year award and being part of the successful comedy group Abnormally Funny People. In 2011, she worked on the much-loved BBC satirical panel show Have I Got News For You.
Richard Lintern (Dr. Thomas Chamberlain)
Richard Lintern has played the role of Dr. Thomas Chamberlain in the show since joining in 2014. Dr. Chamberlain became head of the Lyell Centre when he joined in series 17, taking over from the previous head Professor Leo Dalton, who died in series 16.
© Photo: BBCRichard Lintern as Dr. Thomas Chamberlain
Similar to Emilia Fox (as mentioned earlier), Richard Lintern has also played a central figure in the retelling of the 1963 Profumo affair. Richard, however, took on the role as Stephen Ward in Netflix's The Crown, which touched upon the storyline in the second season. Along with appearing in The Crown, the 57-year-old actor from Somerset has appeared in many stage shows with the Royal National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Michael Landes (Matt Garcia)
Matt is Dr. Nikki Alexander's boyfriend. Despite living in Washington, the couple have built up a strong and loving relationship since he joined during series 21. Unfortunately for Matt, the plane crash (featured in episode one) killed one of his close friends. Michael Landes is an American actor with plenty of credits to his name in the film and TV world. The 47-year-old has appeared in films such as Final Destination 2 and Angel Has Fallen, alongside Gerard Butler.
© Photo: BBCMichael Landes plays Dr Nikki's boyfriend in the show
Since a new case begins each episode, Silent Witness also features many guest appearances from well-known actors. In the latest series, viewers can look forward to seeing Game of Throne's Robert Pugh, Black Mirror's Charles Babalola, and Mr Selfridge and The Imitation Game actor, Tom Goodman-Hill – to name just a few.
Silent Witness continues on Wednesday 15 January, 9pm on BBC One.
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