Production on Silent Witness series 30 is underway – and we already know when to expect its release on BBC One.
The long-running BBC crime drama is currently airing series 29, but filming on the milestone 30th season has quietly begun, according to a social media post featuring Emilia Fox.
After recent schedule changes – due to a tragic incident in Birmingham and FA Cup coverage – the series is back on track, and viewers can watch a new episode tonight (February 17).
With the show marking 30 years since its 1996 debut, one thing is clear: Nikki Alexander isn’t going anywhere.
Silent Witness is coming back! (Credit: BBC)
When is Silent Witness series 30 out?
The BBC hasn’t formally confirmed a release date yet, but series 30 is expected to air in January 2026.
In recent years, Silent Witness has settled into a consistent winter slot, with new runs launching between January and February. Series 29’s February start was slightly later than usual, possibly timed to coincide with the show’s February 21, 1996, premiere anniversary.
If that pattern continues, January 2026 is the most likely window for series 30.
Silent Witness fans hopefully won’t need to wait too long (Credit: BBC)
Who will return for series 30?
Emilia Fox is expected to reprise her role as Nikki Alexander, alongside David Caves as Jack Hodgson.
The wider Lyell Centre team should also be back, including Maggie Steed as Harriet Maven and Francesca Mills as Kit Brooks.
As always, the series will introduce new guest stars across its cases, following on from series 29’s rotating ensemble.
Where is series 30 filming?
Series 30 is currently filming in Bodenham, Hertfordshire.
More specifically, production has been based at Bodenham Arboretum, a 134-acre botanical garden and nature reserve. The location revealed the news in a Facebook post, teasing the presence of trailers, security, and “cryptic signage” in its car parks.
“Bodenham had the privilege of being chosen as the BBC drama’s ‘Silent Witness’ base camp whilst filming locally for the 30th series,” the post read.
It also confirmed: “The new series will be screened January next year… watch out for the local landmarks.”
Emilia Fox even posed for a photo with staff during filming.
Fans were quick to react. “Wow. Love Silent Witness. Can’t wait to see next year’s episodes,” one wrote, while another added: “Well I never… shall look forward to watching that.”
Silent Witness fans may be feeling a tad murderous this week, as their favourite forensic crime series has been pulled from its usual spot yet again – so why isn’t it on tonight?
Series 27 of TV’s longest-running show has been at the mercy of annoying schedule changes, leaving viewers hanging for the next instalment…
This week is no exception as the second part of Death by a Thousand Hits has been replaced in its usual Tuesday night slot.
So why isn’t Silent Witness on tonight? And when will episode 8 be on? Here’s everything you need to know about the frustrating disrupted schedule…
Gabriel (Aki Omoshaybi) and Elinor (Julie Graham) wondering where episode 8 of Silent Witness series 27 has vanished to… (Credit: BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)
Why isn’t Silent Witness on tonight?
Fans of the long-running forensic drama series will know that it always airs on a Monday and Tuesday throughout January and into February. The latest season began on January 08, with actor John Hannah making a guest appearance.
Episodes 3 and 4 were due to follow on Monday, January 15, and Tuesday, January 16, 2024. However, the second instalment did not air.
Instead, BBC One showed Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup, which took over the whole evening. The channel then chose to belatedly show the second part of the two-hander, entitled Grievance Culture, a week later. It aired on Monday, January 22, 2024.
That’s a week between episode 3 and episode 4. However, the BBC did make Grievance Culture part 2 available to watch on BBC iPlayer for those who weren’t prepared to wait.
Now, football has once again messed with the running of Silent Witness series 27. Episode 7 – the first of a two-hander entitled Death by a Thousand Hits – aired as usual on Monday, February 5, 2024.
However, fans tuning in for the second part on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 will be disappointed. Instead they’ll find football coverage. From 7.30pm that night, BBC One is showing Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup between Plymouth Argyle, and Leeds.
The teams are competing in the fourth-round replay at Home Park, for the right to face Chelsea or Aston Villa in round five.
When is episode 8 of Silent Witness Death by a Thousand Hits on?
Silent Witness series 27 episode 8 – the second part of the two-hander Death by a Thousand Hits – will air on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One.
That’s if you haven’t already watched it on BBC iPlayer. The episodes guest star Julie Graham and Sean Pertwee.
This replaces episode 2 of Ambulance, which started the week before. Instead, episode 2 of the BAFTA award-winning series is set to air on Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
Episodes 9 and 10 of Silent Witness, entitled Kings Cross, are expected to air as usual on Monday, February 12, and Tuesday, February 13, 2024 . That will conclude series 27 later than usual, thanks to the schedule bumps.
Sean Pertwee portrays DI John Flynn in Silent Witness (Credit: BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)
What’s the plot of Death by a Thousand Hits?
The two-parter Death by a Thousand Hits is especially poignant, as the team investigate the death of a Burmese man found on an abandoned beach.
As his young pregnant wife desperately hopes he is still alive, Nikki and Jack find themselves in uncharted territory… They must attempt to piece together the perplexing crime scene that poses more questions than it answers.
Episode 7 saw both Julie Graham’s character Elinor Shaw AND Sean Pertwee‘s DI John Flynn behaving suspiciously – but why? Viewers will find out the truth at last in episode 8.
Silent Witness episode 8 – Death by a Thousand Hits Part II – airs on Wednesday, February 07, 2024 at 9pm on BBC One. It is available to watch on BBC iPlayer now.
Are you fed up with the schedule changes affecting Silent Witness series 27? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix.
Silent Witness fans have every reason to be a bit miffed this week (and last) as the popular BBC One series has fallen foul of a frustrating schedule change – so why isn’t it on tonight?
Last week, viewers tuned in for the continuation of series 27 but were left seriously disappointed. Instead of the second instalment of the two-parter Grievance Culture, they found the long-running TV drama had been pulled from the schedules. Criminal, right?
On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, the BBC replaced Silent Witness series 27 part 4 with yet another sporting event. Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup coverage showed Bristol City v West Ham United.
So how will this affect the rest of Silent Witness series 27? And why isn’t the series on tonight (Tuesday, January 23, 2024)? Here’s everything you need to know.
Cold Feet star John Thomson stars as DI Warren Bull in the cast of Silent Witness episode Grievance Culture (Credit: BBC Studios/Kevin Baker)
What happened to series 27 in the schedules?
Silent Witness series 27 has fallen foul of frustrating schedule changes.
Fans of the long-running forensic drama series will know that it always airs on a Monday and Tuesday throughout January. The latest season began on January 08, with guest star John Hannah making a guest appearance.
Episodes 3 and 4 were due to follow on Monday, January 15, and Tuesday, January 26, 2024. However, the second instalment did not air.
Instead, BBC One showed Match of the Day Live: The FA Cup, which took over the whole evening. The channel then chose to belatedly show the second part of the two-hander, entitled Grievance Culture, a week later. It aired on Monday, January 22, 2024.
That’s a week between episode 3 and episode 4. However, the BBC did make Grievance Culture part 2 available to watch on BBC iPlayer for those who weren’t prepared to wait.
Why isn’t Silent Witness on tonight?
Because the second part of Grievance Culture aired on Monday, January 22, 2024, there wasn’t an episode to show on Tuesday, January 23, 2024.
So Silent Witness fans tuning in on Tuesday will be left disappointed again. Instead of the Emilia Fox series, BBC One is showing a repeat to fill the empty space.
On Tuesday at 9pm, the broadcaster is showing an old episode of Who Do You Think You Are? Comedian Josh Widdecombe traces his ancestry, beginning with an early relative who was cut out of the family fortune. The Last Leg star the moves on to Elizabethan and Tudor nobility, including a royal love triangle!
You’re alright Josh… But Tuesdays aren’t the same without Nikki’s perfectly styled blonde bob, and Jack Hodgson towering over her in a blue overall!
Jack looks around desperately for the Tuesday episode of Silent Witness (Credit: BBC)
When is Silent Witness next on?
After a period of unwelcome disruption, Silent Witness is back to its usual slot the week beginning Monday, January 29, 2024.
On that Monday, series 27 of Silent Witness will continue with episode 5. Episode 6 will follow the next day, Tuesday, January 30, 2024.
In episodes 5 and 6 – entitled Invisible – the team investigate another unusual case. Nikki and Jack must act when the mummified corpse of a woman is found in a flat after being dead for a year.
They draw on all of their forensic and pathology knowledge to find out the truth of her identity and what happened to her. The Lyell are determined that she must get justice, even if the world had forgotten her…
Nadine Marshall guest stars as DI Sarah Torres in the double-hander. She first played the role in the 2023 episodes Familiar Faces.
All the signs are telling us that 2024 is going to be epic. Here’s a sneak peek of exactly what new and returning drama is coming in 2024.
Cast of Mr Bates Vs The Post Office (Credit: ITV)
Mr Bates vs the Post Office
Premieres on ITV1 on New Year’s Day at 9pm
The shocking true story of the Post Office Scandal is dramatised in star-studded new drama Mr Bates vs the Post Office. Toby Jones stars as Alan Bates, the former subpostmaster who – along with other wronged subpostmasters – took the Post Office to court.
The Tourist (Season 2)
Returns to BBC One on New Year’s Day at 9pm
After season one’s Australian adventure, The Tourist travels to Ireland as Elliot (Jamie Dornan) searches for more clues about his past. Once there, he uncovers dangerous friends and foes as well as a fierce family rivalry.
A new thriller about a group of older friends who make a pact to – once their time comes – help end each other’s lives on their own terms. Lindsay Duncan, Clarke Peters and Sue Johnston all star.
Sarah Lancashire returns as the famous TV chef, Julia Child, for a new series of the biographical drama. The show follows Julia’s years on pioneering cooking series The French Chef in 1960s Massachusetts. In season 2, Julia’s working on her second cookbook – ahead of possible new episodes of The French Chef.
Call the Midwife (Season 13)
Returns to BBC One on January 7 at 8pm
A new series of the hit period drama premieres in January. Two new midwives join Nonnatus House as part of a training scheme, as Call the Midwife moves into 1969. Poplar’s dealing with many health and social issues, mainly due to poor housing, with the nuns facing more difficult choices than ever before.
Silent Witness (Season 27)
Returns to BBC One on January 8
Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) are back investigating some of their toughest cases to date. In five new two-part mysteries, there’s the return of a serial killer, the discovery of a mummified corpse as well as a makeshift mass grave under a train station.
Sophie Rundle in After the Flood (Credit: ITV)
After the Flood
Premieres on ITV1 on January 10 at 9pm
Sophie Rundle stars in this new ITV drama, which explores the aftermath of a devastating natural event. After the discovery of a body in a flooded underground car park, police officers are quick to dismiss the death as a terrible misfortune. PC Joanna Marshall (Sophie) thinks otherwise, but can she prove it?
Criminal Record (Season 1)
Premieres on AppleTV+ on January 10
A new London crime thriller about two brilliant detectives – one an up-and-coming new mind (Cush Jumbo) and one an old-timer determined to protect his legacy (Peter Capaldi) – as they clash over new information on an old murder case.
Robson Green and Tom Brittney in Grantchester series 8
Grantchester (Season 8)
Returns to ITV1 on January 11 at 9pm
Robson Green returns as DI Geordie Keating and Tom Brittney as Reverend Will Davenport for season eight of the Cambridgeshire-set drama. This season, life seems better than ever – until a shock announcement at work changes everything. Shaken to their core, Geordie and Will are tested to their limits.
Alibi’s hit historical crime drama, starring Kate Phillips as the titular Miss Eliza Scarlet, a Victorian woman who takes over her father’s detective agency. She joins forces with childhood friend and Scotland Yard detective William Wellington (Stuart Martin) to solve crimes.
Breathtaking
Premieres on ITV1 in early 2024
New Jed Mercurio drama Breathtaking tells the story of the 2020 Covid Pandemic, based on the memoirs of end-of-life doctor Rachel Clarke. Downton Abbey‘s Joanne Froggatt stars as Dr Abbey Henderson, an acute medical consultant fighting the first wave of the virus.
This Town
Premieres on BBC One in Spring 2024
A new drama from Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, also set in Birmingham. This Town tells the story of the formation of a band, set against a backdrop of violence and uncertainty.
Trigger Point (Season 2)
Returns to ITV1 in early 2024
The bomb disposal squad drama returns, starring Vicky McClure as Lana Washington, an ex-military bomb disposal operative (aka an ‘Expo’). Lana heads a Metropolitan Police bomb squad who are at the heart of fighting terrorism in this fast-paced drama.
Passenger
Premieres on ITV1 in early 2024
Former Met Police detective Riya Ajunwa (Wunmi Mosaku) is desperate for the case that will turn her career in the small village of Chadder Value around. When a local girl goes missing, Riya gets more than she bargained for.
Under the Banner of Heaven
Premieres on ITVX in early 2024
Based on Jon Krakauer’s bestselling true crime novel, Under the Banner of Heaven explores the murder of Brenda Wright Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her baby daughter in Utah in 1984. Andrew Garfield stars as Detective Jeb Pyre, who delves at the heart of the Lafferty family and its mormon values. He’s shocked by what he finds.
Domino Day
Premieres on BBC Three in early 2024
Siena Kelly plays Domino, a young witch who feeds off people she matches with on a dating app. Desperate to escape her past and begin a new life in Manchester, she’s unaware that she too is being hunted.
Joe Cole in Nightsleeper (Credit: BBC/Euston Films/Mark MAinz)
Based on the bestseller by Candice Carty-Williams, Dionne Brown stars as Queenie Jenkins, a 25-year-old woman suffering after a messy break up. It’s not just a bad day or a bad week for Queenie, it’s a bad year. And she’s got to figure out the path to healing.
Industry (Season 3)
Returns to BBC Two in 2024
The high-stakes financial drama returns for a new season. This season, the team at Pierpoint look at ethical investing, as Game of Thrones star Kit Harington joins the cast as the CEO of an exciting new green tech company.
Beyond Paradise (Season 2)
Returns to BBC One in 2024
The spin-off from Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise‘s first season was a massive hit – becoming the UK’s most-watched drama of the year. Kris Marshall returns as DI Humphrey Goodman, as well as Sally Bretton as Martha Lloyd and Zahra Ahmadi as DS Esther Williams.
The drama about three police rookies in Belfast is back. Grace (Siân Brooke), Annie (Katherine Devlin) and Tommy (Nathan Braniff) return as new constables experiencing the testing and dangerous world of first response police officers.
Martin Freeman in season one of The Responder (Credit: BBC/Dancing Ledge)
The Responder (Season 2)
Returns to BBC One in 2024
Martin Freeman returns to the role of night responder Chris, who is struggling to rebuild his life after the events of season one. Elsewhere, Rachel (Adelayo Adedayo) is furious about how Chris has damaged her career.
Mr Loverman
Premieres on BBC One in 2024
Lennie James stars in a new adaptation of the Booker Prize-winning Bernardine Evaristo’s book of the same name. It tells the story of Antiguan-born Barry, a man with a decades-long secret.
The Jetty
Premieres on BBC One in 2024
Jenna Coleman stars in The Jetty, a new four-part thriller coming to BBC One in 2024. She plays Detective Ember Manning, who is trying to figure out a connection between a local fire and a podcast journalist investigating a cold case.
Keeley Hawes in Miss Austen (Credit: BBC/Bonnie Productions/MASTERPIECE/Robert Viglasky)
Miss Austen
Premieres on BBC One in 2024
Keeley Hawes stars as Cassandra Austen, elder sister of the famous writer Jane, in a new acquisition for the BBC from Masterpiece on PBS. The drama, which also stars Rose Leslie, explores the reasons why Cassandra burnt all of Jane’s personal letters following her death.
Showtrial (Season 2)
Returns to BBC One in 2024
The legal anthology series is back, this time around starring BAFTA award-winner Adeel Akhtar, Nathalie Armin and Michael Socha. Season two explores what happens when high-profile climate activist Marcus Calderwood uses his dying moments to identify his killer as a serving policeman. Who is it? And is he telling the truth, or does he have another agenda?
