Silent Witness Moves To Birmingham For Season 29 Return

The BBC’s long-running forensic crime drama, Silent Witness, is gearing up for a major return this February, bringing a host of changes, familiar faces, and a fresh setting that promises to shake up the much-loved formula. After nearly three decades on the air, the series is embarking on its 29th season, with the action relocating from London to bustling Birmingham—a move that signals both a narrative and visual shift for the show’s loyal audience.

Fans can mark their calendars for Monday, February 2, 2026, when the new season kicks off on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. According to BBC Studios, the latest installment will roll out over five weeks, with a total of ten episodes—each week featuring a new story that will premiere in full on iPlayer from 6am every Monday, before airing on BBC One on Monday and Tuesday evenings at 9pm.

For those who have followed the series from its 1996 debut, the core of Silent Witness remains refreshingly intact. Dr Nikki Alexander, played by Emilia Fox—who has now inhabited the role for an impressive 21 seasons—returns at the helm of the forensic team. Alongside her is Jack Hodgson (David Caves), whose on-screen chemistry with Fox has become a cornerstone of the show’s enduring appeal. The duo is joined by Harriet Maven (Maggie Steed), the steadfast Head of the Lyell Centre, and crime analyst Kit Brooks (Francesca Mills), both of whom reprise their roles and bring continuity to a season packed with new challenges.

But it’s not just the setting that’s new. This season, the team is joined by an impressive guest cast, including Lydia Wilson (Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue), Chris Reilly (Slow Horses), Ben Batt (Riot Women), Vinette Robinson (Boiling Point), Selin Hizli (Am I Being Unreasonable?), Gerard Kearns (Waiting for the Out), Adam Rayner (Superman & Lois), Phaldut Sharma (EastEnders), Dino Fetscher (Fool Me Once), Cat Simmons (The Bill), Chris Coghill (Slow Horses), and Mollie Winnard (All Creatures Great and Small). As Digital Spy and Radio Times report, these fresh faces are set to inject new energy and intrigue into the series’ signature blend of suspense, science, and human drama.

First-look images released by the BBC offer a glimpse of the cast in their new Birmingham surroundings—graffiti-scrawled fences, urban streets, and the imposing Birmingham General Hospital all feature prominently. One image shows Nikki and her now-husband Jack (the pair tied the knot at the end of season 28) investigating a case on the city’s streets, while another captures Nikki collecting evidence from a crime scene, underscoring the show’s ongoing commitment to authentic forensic detail.

The decision to relocate the story to Birmingham isn’t just cosmetic. As Radio Times reveals, the move is the result of a major plot development from last season, when Nikki agreed to establish a new forensic centre of excellence based at Birmingham General Hospital—on the condition that Harriet Maven would remain in charge. The Home Office has apparently accepted Nikki’s terms, and the new season will see the team navigating both the professional and personal upheavals that come with such a significant transition.

“Forensic pathologists face personal and professional challenges in a moody, tense thriller as Silent Witness returns for its 29th series,” notes TV Zone, emphasizing the series’ signature mix of high-stakes cases and character-driven storytelling. The season’s five new stories promise to be among the “toughest cases yet” for Nikki and her colleagues, according to Digital Spy, setting the stage for a run of episodes that will test the team’s expertise and resilience.

The show’s format remains familiar but with some modern twists. Each story unfolds over two episodes, allowing for deeper dives into the science and emotion behind the crimes. The weekly release schedule on iPlayer means fans can binge the latest case before the traditional TV broadcast, a nod to evolving viewing habits that have seen streaming become a cornerstone of British television.

For newcomers and long-time viewers alike, Silent Witness offers a rare blend of procedural rigor and character development. Emilia Fox’s portrayal of Nikki Alexander has become iconic in British television, with her nuanced performance anchoring the show through cast changes and evolving storylines. The addition of David Caves as Jack Hodgson brought a new dynamic, and their characters’ recent marriage adds yet another layer to the team’s internal relationships.

Guest stars also play a significant role this season, with the likes of Vinette Robinson and Dino Fetscher (both acclaimed for recent work in Boiling Point and Fool Me Once, respectively) joining the cast. Their presence underscores the show’s reputation as a launchpad for British acting talent, as well as its ability to attract established names from across the industry.

Behind the scenes, Silent Witness remains a BBC Studios Drama Production, with the same commitment to high production values and forensic authenticity that has defined the series since its inception. The move to Birmingham has allowed the creative team to explore new locations and story possibilities, while still delivering the moody, atmospheric tone that fans expect.

For those who want to catch up before the new season begins, all previous 28 seasons are available to stream on BBC iPlayer—a treasure trove of British crime drama that spans nearly three decades. From Amanda Burton’s original turn as Dr Sam Ryan to the current era led by Fox, the series has evolved while staying true to its roots.

As the countdown to February 2 draws closer, anticipation is building among fans and critics alike. Will the new Birmingham setting breathe fresh life into the show? Can Nikki and her team rise to the challenge of their toughest cases yet? Only time—and a new batch of forensic puzzles—will tell. One thing’s for certain: Silent Witness remains a fixture of British television, and its 29th season looks set to deliver the same gripping drama that has kept viewers tuning in year after year.

With a new city, a stellar cast, and the promise of high-stakes storytelling, Silent Witness is poised to prove once again why it stands as one of the UK’s most enduring and beloved crime dramas.