Silent Witness back on screens next month as show celebrates 30th birthday
It first aired in 1996
Last updated 22nd Jan 2026
Whether you've watched it since the days of Dr Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton) or you've tuned in at some point in the last three decades, Silent Witness is considered by many as one of the best crime dramas on TV.
Arriving back on screens for its 29th series early next month, the show — which follows a team of forensic pathologists — will see Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) return to help solve more gruesome crimes.
The doors to The Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence will open for the first time in the first episode on Monday 2nd February as the show sees the team relocate to Birmingham, where they'll face some of their toughest cases yet.
Meanwhile an exciting guest cast including Chris Reilly and Chris Coghill (Slow Horses), Phaldut Sharma (EastEnders) and Cat Simmons (The Bill) will join the show for the season — and Jack is sporting a brand new 'tache!
Watch the trailer:
When is Silent Witness back on TV?
The first episode of series 29 will air on Monday 2nd February at 9pm. It then usually airs every Monday and Tuesday night.
How can I watch it?
Silent Witness will air on BBC One, and will be available to watch on demand on BBC iPlayer.
How long has Silent Witness been on TV?
As of 21st February 2026, the show will have been on TV for a huge 30 years, with this year's series being its 29th.
Who will be in the 29th series?
As well as Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves), series regulars Harriet (Maggie Steed) and Kit (Fran Mills) will return, alongside a guest cast for 2026, featuring:
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)
Mollie Winnard (All Creatures Great and Small)
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