Silent Witness Season 29 Confirmed with Major Location Change for 2026
The BBC has officially announced the return of Silent Witness for its twenty-ninth season, confirming a significant change that will reshape the long-running forensic drama. Emilia Fox and David Caves are set to reprise their beloved roles as Dr Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson, but the series will undergo a historic relocation from London to Birmingham.
New Setting and Returning Cast Members
Season 29 will welcome back the core cast, including Maggie Steed as Harriet and Fran Mills as Kit, ensuring continuity for dedicated viewers. The new series picks up directly after the events of season 28, which concluded with Nikki and Jack's wedding and a cliffhanger involving Nikki's professional future.
In a dramatic shift for the show, the narrative will now centre around The Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence at Birmingham General Hospital. This move marks the first time in the programme's history that it has permanently relocated its primary setting, introducing fresh storytelling opportunities and a new dynamic for the forensic team.
Plot Developments and Guest Stars
The upcoming season will resolve the unresolved tension from the previous series, where Nikki was asked to establish a new forensic centre, potentially forcing Harriet into retirement. Nikki agreed only if Harriet remained in charge, leaving her position uncertain. Season 29 will explore the consequences of this decision as the team adapts to their brand new Birmingham base.
Adding to the excitement, the series will feature an impressive array of guest stars, including Lydia Wilson, Chris Reilly, Ben Batt, Vinette Robinson, Selin Kizli, and Gerard Kearns. Further notable appearances will come from Adam Rayner, Phaldut Sharma, Dino Fetscher, Cat Simmons, Chris Coghill, and Mollie Winnard, enriching the narrative with diverse talent.
Broadcast Details and Fan Reactions
The BBC has confirmed that Silent Witness season 29 will premiere on Monday, February 2, 2026. Episodes will air weekly on both Monday and Tuesday evenings on BBC One and will be available for streaming on BBC iPlayer. The season will comprise ten episodes, unfolding five distinct stories that promise to challenge the team with some of their most difficult cases yet.
Fan anticipation is already building, with viewers expressing their enthusiasm on social media platforms. One supporter remarked, "I love this show," while another eagerly stated, "So looking forward to." This positive reception underscores the enduring popularity of the series as it embarks on this new chapter.
For those wishing to revisit earlier storylines, past series of Silent Witness remain accessible for streaming on BBC iPlayer, allowing both new and existing fans to catch up on the forensic team's previous investigations and character developments.
