The British crime drama Silent Witness, which has been on BBC screens since 1996, is back on screens with its 27th season. The series, which has a very loyal audience, tells the story of a talented team working in forensic laboratories and uncovering mysteries that even detectives cannot solve.
In the eighth season of Silent Witness, which follows the story of forensic expert Sam Ryan, portrayed by Amanda Burton for the first eight seasons, Emilia Fox has joined the cast as Dr. Nikki Alexander. Fox has been the series’ leading actress for 20 years. She is joined by David Caves as forensic pathologist Jack.
Many long-running crime series open with a different murder in each episode. The plot, which you watch with the certainty that it will be resolved at the end of the episode, provides a kind of comfort to the audience. Silent Witness, on the other hand, proceeds with stories consisting of two episodes each. While this format gives you the excitement of a new mystery in each episode, it also allows for the characters and story to be explored in depth.
One of the most important factors that distinguishes the series from other crime series is that it tries to reflect forensic science as accurately as possible, and another factor is that it does not fall into clichés. In the season 24 finale, even though Jack and Nikki’s relationship begins, we realize that the show is still focused on solving the murder and ensuring justice. We also learned from the actors’ answers that this was a deliberate choice.
We talked to the lead cast of Silent Witness, Emilia Fox and David Caves, about Jack and Nikki’s relationship, behind-the-scenes of the series, and what awaits the audience in the 27th season.
Emilia Fox (Nikki Alexander)
What can you say about the first episode of the new season?
The episode starts with a body found in a church. The detective in charge of the case realizes that the body could be linked to a serial murder case he worked on twenty years ago and doesn’t even suspect otherwise. Nikki doesn’t want to be concerned about who the killer is. She wants to proceed according to the existing evidence, not by the detective’s guidance. In some stories, we want to know who the culprit is. But in this story, Nikki is trying to avoid making a mistake because of the detective’s bias.
How does Nikki and Jack’s relationship develop this season?
After working together for so long and getting closer and closer, the question arose, “If they like each other so much and get along so well, why aren’t they getting together?” Now they are together, and they have to manage their work and romantic relationship.
Could you elaborate on this a bit more?
Because of the plot of the show, they have to be more serious and respectful, but Jack and Nikki can approach each other with more humor. Relationships aren’t always dramatic, they’re usually about being together. So, they have some really sweet moments. The darkness that’s inherent in the show brings them closer. In the past, their focus was only on their work, but as they get older, they reevaluate the important things in life. They discover that as the show goes on.
Can you talk about what you love about working with David?
We’ve been working together for over ten years. It’s unbelievable! Time flies by if you’re having fun while working. We approach the work with the same professional attitude; we both want it to be the best it can be, and we care about that. David is a really good actor. He can turn any scene into something wonderful. He has great humor, emotion, and the ability to portray. He can create a character even when he’s just doing informational scenes. And I enjoy accompanying him in those moments.
You are also the executive producer of Silent Witness. Can you tell us about this role?
There are many producers working behind the scenes of Silent Witness. I think my role here is more like a caretaker. When new producers come in, I can say to them, “This happened in this season,” or “Wait a second, did we look at this, or should we consider this?” What I really love to do is create a good atmosphere on the show. If you’re in the privileged position of being a lead in a show, part of the requirement of that role is to ask, “How do we improve this atmosphere so that an actor can come in and give their best performance?” As an actor, I know what it’s like to be involved in a show. It can be really frustrating. You can come for one day, and you have to give your everything on that day. You shoot all the scenes on the same day, and sometimes the order of them is mixed up. It’s very difficult. Because I know that feeling, I want the atmosphere to be very nice. If the atmosphere is good, people will leave saying, “I had a good time, and I’d like to come back again.”
As always, you have great guest stars on the show. What’s the secret behind Silent Witness having great guest stars?
The two-hour format helps with that. Two hours is enough time to explain the guest characters and their stories. We also have writers who write our guest characters very well. I hope that’s what attracts people like John Hannah, Hermione Norris, Neil Pearson, Julie Graham, Kevin McNally, and John Thomson. Everyone wants to come to the show because there are good roles to play. Silent Witness is a very beautiful show to work on. That’s one of the many reasons why I love the show. It’s a very pleasant experience to work with people who are very talented and experienced, but also people who are at the beginning of their careers.
Do you come across people who decide to study forensics after watching Silent Witness?
Yes. I have met a lot of people who have said that. If a show can make someone say, “Yes, I’m interested in this,” I’m thrilled. I realize it’s fiction, but it’s great that it inspires someone in real life… It makes me very proud.
You’ve been portraying the character of Nikki for twenty years. Can you talk about which aspects you love about playing her?
There are many things I love about portraying Nikki. She has been my companion at different times in my life, in my 20s, 30s, 40s, in different relationships, and even with my children. I feel like Nikki and I spent these different periods of our lives together. It was great.
What have you enjoyed about working at Silent Witness?
I love the basic premise. I love the character that I spent 20 years with. Even though they are very familiar, she’s constantly facing different situations. And that keeps pushing you and keeps you taking action. I’m very proud that the show is still going, that the audience is still watching Nikki. It’s a miracle! The plot always draws me in. I’m always curious to see what’s going to happen in every episode. I also like that we take on dark subjects.
At the same time, we have an ensemble cast that wants the good to come out even in the most tragic scenario. They are doing the right thing, which reminds me of hope. Every time a new season starts, I think, I’m so happy to be on this show. I love it!
David Caves (Jack Hodgson)
How does Nikki and Jack’s relationship develop this season?
They’re going strong. Last year, we didn’t want to make their relationship a bickering, adolescent relationship, which was very easy to do. Jack and Nikki’s relationship is a little different. They work together, and their relationship doesn’t seem to affect their work. They act professional, but there are moments when they check in with each other. It’s like there are subtle nuances where we affirm that they’re still together. I can’t go into too much detail, but there has been a nice development this season. I hope viewers enjoy Jack and Nikki’s sweet moments.
They work in a very stressful job. Do you think that puts pressure on them?
Yes, especially towards the end of this season. The episode called “Kings Cross” is very important. It’s probably the most striking one we’ve shot so far. There are eight bodies under King’s Cross, and that means that Jack and Nikki have to do eight autopsies without cross-contamination. It’s a very important episode for both of them; in fact, Nikki gets very tired, and Jack worries about her. Nikki works too much; she’s too much of a workaholic and wants to do everything on her own. And Jack tries to tell her that she can ask for help.
Is this something that Jack worries about all the time?
Yes. Jack is always worried about this.
That’s Nikki’s thing; she’s a woman who’s a workaholic and has no time for her personal life. Jack was the same, but I think he finds the balance better. It’s still something they struggle with, and it’s still a problem between them. Jack is trying to say to Nikki, “Make some time for yourself because this tempo is affecting you negatively.”
Your on-screen partnership with Emilia works very well. What is the reason for that?
It’s not very common in this industry to work with the same partner for 10 years. It’s absolutely wonderful. Yes, it’s easier and more familiar in many ways, but it’s also something you have to keep alive. If you get comfortable and stop trying, you think it’s not important anymore. Emilia and I are not like that. We really care about what we do, each other, and our characters. We are very lucky to have this kind of relationship.
Can you talk about Emilia’s contribution to Silent Witness?
Emilia is the person who has kept the show running so well for 20 years. Nobody works harder than her. She does everything when it comes to the show, but she won’t admit it, and she says, “It’s teamwork,” which it is. But nobody knows the show and the script better than her. No one could care more about what is presented to the audience than him. It’s very hard to maintain that for 20 years, but that’s exactly what she does.
What can you tell us about the first episode of this season?
A new case, new people. A serial killer seems to have reappeared. A police officer who has a personal problem with him is totally convinced that the murders are the work of the same man. He doesn’t even consider the possibility that the culprit could be someone else. But Jack and Nikki are acting with a slightly less prejudiced attitude. They try to stick to the facts. That’s a bit more difficult for Nikki since she is in charge of the autopsies. That’s why there are a few arguments between Nikki and the police officer. While the detective is focused on the idea that the said serial killer is back, Jack and Nikki try to present different ideas.
How do things develop from there?
We meet another pathologist, portrayed by John Hannah. He is not only the pathologist of the first case but also has a personal relationship with the case because his partner was kidnapped by this killer. However, due to a lack of budget and time, the police were unable to carry out a thorough investigation. For this reason, he is very angry with the detective and says that he didn’t do his job properly.
It was great to have John Hannah on the set. He’s a very good actor, and it’s so pleasant to watch him. He’s a very kind and thoughtful person. He was a great choice for this character. We are very lucky to be able to work with such guest actors.
Cara started working as an intern at Lyell. How will Jack and Cara’s relationship develop?
It’s a difficult dynamic because Jack is like her father, but he’s not. That’s where the conflict arises. Cara has signs of talent, so Jack wants to encourage her. At the same time, he’s trying to protect her because she’s young and vulnerable. This is a difficult issue that parents experience. You want to protect your children, but at the same time, they need to learn about the real world. You can’t wrap them in cotton wool.
There are some developments in Jack and Gabriel’s relationship this season, right?
Yes, there is. Jack and Gabriel are getting a little bit closer. Gabriel wants to box because he’s been down and thinking for a long time. He wants to feel something. So he thinks it’s a good idea to box and get in the ring. But Jack, who has been cage fighting for a long time, is not so keen on this plan.
So, does this cause a conflict between Gabriel and Jack?
No, on the contrary, it brings them closer together. Until now, they hadn’t really bonded, they weren’t friends, and they didn’t spend time together. Jack is reluctant to train Gabriel at first, but then he really enjoys it. He discovers a new side of himself that he has never seen before and learns how brave he is.
