Silent Witness Relocates To Birmingham For 2026 Return

For fans of British crime drama, the return of Silent Witness is always a highly anticipated event. But this year, there’s a fresh twist: the 29th series of the enduring BBC show is set to air from Monday, February 2, 2026, at 9pm on BBC One, bringing with it not just new cases but a dramatic change in setting and cast dynamics. After years of investigating London’s darkest secrets, the team is relocating to Birmingham, marking a significant first for the series.

According to the BBC, this move comes after Dr Nikki Alexander, played by Emilia Fox, agrees to establish a new forensic centre of excellence at Birmingham General Hospital. The storyline picks up right where the previous series left off, with the team facing new challenges and navigating life’s big changes. The opening episode, titled “The Disappearance of Alice Hill - Part One,” will air on Monday evening, with the second part following the next night in the same time slot. This two-part episode format will continue throughout the series, with episodes also premiering in full on BBC iPlayer from 6am each Monday.

The relocation isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a catalyst for change within the team itself. The series finale of season 28 concluded with a major development that fans had been rooting for: Nikki and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) finally tied the knot. Their intimate wedding saw Kit (Francesca Mills) as a witness and Harriet Maven (Maggie Steed) as Jack’s best man—a fitting tribute to the close-knit dynamic that has defined the show. But with the move to Birmingham, Harriet’s future hangs in the balance. Nikki only accepted the new post on the condition that Harriet remained in control, though her role is now uncertain as the team settles into their new home.

Reflecting on her long tenure with the show, Emilia Fox told woman&home magazine, “I’ve now been doing it for I think 21 years and if you told me the first year I did it that I’d still be doing it 21 years later, I don’t think I would’ve believed you.” She added, “No matter how complicated it can be and of course the subject matter is not a laughing subject matter at all. So hence, when we’re not actually playing the scenes, then we do have a laugh with each other and Maggie and Fran are very, very funny, as is David Caves.”

This sense of camaraderie, both on and off screen, has been a hallmark of Silent Witness since its inception. Now, as the show enters its 29th series, the cast is as strong as ever. Alongside Fox, Caves, Steed, and Mills, the new season will feature a stellar lineup of guest stars. According to the BBC and The Mirror, viewers can look forward to appearances from 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 and Lois), Phaldut Sharma (EastEnders), Dino Fetscher (Fool Me Once), Cat Simmons (The Bill, Family Affairs), Chris Coghill (Slow Horses), and Mollie Winnard (All Creatures Great and Small).

The decision to move the series from London to Birmingham is more than just a change of scenery. The opening episode will witness the official launch of The Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence in Birmingham, a storyline that mirrors the show’s real-life commitment to evolving with the times. The new forensic centre is expected to bring even more complex and challenging cases to the team, testing their skills and relationships in uncharted territory.

For many fans, the marriage of Nikki and Jack was a long-awaited moment. The chemistry between Fox and Caves has been a driving force behind the show’s enduring popularity, and their on-screen union brings a new layer of emotional depth to the series. But as Fox teased, the newlyweds will be dealing with “some very emotional stuff” as they adjust to married life and the pressures of their demanding work.

It’s not just the main characters who are facing change. Harriet Maven, played with wit and warmth by Maggie Steed, may be contemplating retirement, a development that adds a bittersweet note to the new season. Yet, as Fox pointed out, the cast’s off-screen rapport helps lighten the mood between takes, even as they tackle some of the most harrowing subject matter on television.

The format of the series remains familiar, with each story unfolding over two episodes. This approach allows for deeper exploration of the complex cases that have become Silent Witness’s trademark. From the official launch of the new centre to the introduction of high-profile guest stars, every episode promises a blend of suspense, forensic intrigue, and character-driven drama.

Since its debut, Silent Witness has built a reputation for combining cutting-edge forensic science with compelling storytelling. The show’s willingness to adapt—whether through cast changes, evolving storylines, or now a major relocation—has kept it fresh and relevant for nearly three decades. The move to Birmingham not only reflects a shift in the UK’s own forensic landscape but also signals the show’s ongoing commitment to innovation.

For viewers eager to dive in, the schedule is straightforward: new episodes air at 9pm on BBC One every Monday and Tuesday, with the two-part stories also available on BBC iPlayer from the start of the week. This dual approach ensures that both traditional TV audiences and on-demand viewers can keep up with the latest twists and turns in the forensic team’s investigations.

As the 29th series gets underway, all eyes will be on how the team adjusts to their new surroundings, the challenges that come with launching a state-of-the-art forensic centre, and the personal journeys of beloved characters like Nikki, Jack, Harriet, and Kit. With its blend of gripping cases, emotional storytelling, and a cast that feels like family, Silent Witness continues to prove why it remains one of the BBC’s most enduring and beloved dramas.

With so much change in the air, longtime fans and newcomers alike have plenty to look forward to. The new series not only promises fresh mysteries but also a deeper look at the evolving relationships and personal struggles of the team. As the opening credits roll on February 2, one thing’s for sure: in Birmingham, the stakes—and the drama—have never been higher.