Silent Witness Moves To Birmingham With New Season

The long-running BBC crime drama Silent Witness made its much-anticipated return to screens on Monday, February 2, 2026, kicking off its 29th season with a double-episode premiere titled “The Disappearance of Alice Hill.” Fans tuning in at 9pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer were greeted not only by familiar faces but also by a dramatic change of scenery, as the forensic pathology team uprooted from their London base to open the doors of the Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence in Birmingham. For a show that’s been a staple of British television for nearly three decades, this move marks a bold new chapter—one that’s set to shake up both the team’s dynamics and the cases they tackle.

This season’s relocation to Birmingham was actually set in motion as far back as 2023, when the end of series 28 teased Dr Nikki Alexander’s acceptance of an offer to establish a new forensic centre. Now, as the team settles into their new home, viewers are also treated to glimpses of Coventry, with several scenes filmed at recognizable locations including Ferrers Close, Faseman Avenue, Jardine Crescent, and the bus stop next to Premier in Tile Hill, according to BirminghamLive and local reports. The blend of Birmingham’s cityscape and Coventry’s neighborhoods not only grounds the series in fresh territory but also offers eagle-eyed locals a chance to spot familiar backdrops on national television.

Despite the change in setting, the core cast remains firmly in place, offering continuity for devoted fans. Emilia Fox reprises her role as Dr Nikki Alexander, the forensic pathologist who has anchored the show since 2004. Nikki is now married to her long-time colleague Jack Hodgson, played by David Caves, who joined the series in 2013. Their on-screen partnership has evolved into a marriage, and the new season sees them beginning their married life in Birmingham—a storyline that promises both professional and personal challenges.

Speaking about this season’s overarching theme, Emilia Fox told BirminghamLive, “The theme of this series, across the stories, is trust and what we can believe in and what’s real. That crosses from stories about AI, to trust in relationships and Jack has some big storylines in this series.” Her words hint at a season that will probe not just the science behind the crimes, but also the emotional and ethical complexities faced by the team.

David Caves, reflecting on his character’s journey, shared, “Jack is still the same stubborn, sarcastic fella, just with a bit more self-awareness. He’s older and more mature. He’s more affected by the trials and tribulations of his work and we see that play out majorly in this series. Jack is really tested in one story, a very personal odyssey he must go on alone.” For viewers who’ve followed Jack’s evolution from brash newcomer to seasoned expert, this season promises a deeper dive into his psyche as he navigates new professional territory and personal milestones.

The team is rounded out by Francesca Mills as Kit Brooks, a crime scene analyst who became a main character in 2025. Mills, who previously appeared in Harlots, Worzel Gummidge, and The Witcher: Blood Origin, described her character’s growth this season: “I think the viewers will see Kit really anchored in her way of working and feeling more confident in her ability to solve complicated crimes, she spent a lot of last year trying to prove herself worthy to be in the room of legends like Nikki Alexander and Harriet Maven so this year she really finds her flow and, alongside Jack, their friendship grows and they work really well together in the new building.”

Maggie Steed also returns as Professor Harriet Maven, the team’s formidable leader. With a career spanning decades and roles in Coronation Street, EastEnders, and Rivals, Steed’s character is described as fiercely loyal and unwavering in her commitment to her colleagues. “The character has taken a big step to move to another city, Birmingham—which they all have—so they're all a bit apprehensive. She continues to try to do her best for the rest of the team and is fiercely loyal to them and would defend them to the deaths,” Steed said, according to Edinburgh News. “She's a very forthright, witty woman and she continues to be that and is very committed to the team. She's there to make sure everything runs well and is efficient and maintains all its principles. She would also defend them if they ever got into trouble because sometimes the work is dangerous.”

Of course, a new city means new faces for the team to work alongside. The opening episodes introduce DCI Jilly Bashir, played by Zita Sattar, and DI Claire Ferris, portrayed by Mollie Winnard. Bashir, who worked on the Alice Hill case years prior, is the first DCI the team encounters in Birmingham, while Ferris partners with the team on the season’s first major investigation. These guest characters bring their own histories and expertise, setting the stage for fresh collaborations—and, inevitably, new tensions.

The first two episodes, “The Disappearance of Alice Hill,” plunge the team into the hunt for a notorious hitman who claims responsibility for a murder that once gripped the nation. It’s a case that promises all the hallmarks of Silent Witness: intricate forensic work, high-stakes drama, and ethical dilemmas that blur the line between scientific detachment and personal involvement. With the added twist of exploring themes like artificial intelligence and the murky boundaries of trust, the series is poised to tackle not only the mysteries of crime but also the uncertainties of the modern world.

For those curious about the actors’ careers beyond the morgue and lab, the main cast boasts impressive resumes. Emilia Fox is known for her roles in The Pianist, Dorian Gray, and TV classics like Pride and Prejudice and The Virgin Queen. David Caves has appeared in the film Jackie and is a veteran of the stage, while Francesca Mills and Maggie Steed bring experience from a range of acclaimed TV and film projects.

With five brand new cases unfolding over the course of the season, Silent Witness continues to evolve while staying true to its roots: gripping storytelling, compelling characters, and a relentless pursuit of the truth. As the team navigates new surroundings, both literal and metaphorical, viewers can expect a season that’s as thought-provoking as it is thrilling.

And for those wondering if the move to Birmingham and the introduction of new detectives will change the show’s DNA—rest assured, the heart of Silent Witness remains intact. The city may be new, the challenges steeper, but the commitment to justice and the bonds between the team are as strong as ever.