Interview: Emilia Fox Opens Up About Silent Witness Series 27 and the Intense Cases Ahead

Acclaimed crime drama Silent Witness is returning with its highly anticipated 27th series, set to premiere on BBC One and iPlayer on Monday, January 8th, 2024, at 9 pm. The show, produced by BBC Studios Drama Productions, continues to grab hold of audiences with its gripping two-part mysteries. One of the show’s stars, Emilia Fox, who portrays Dr. Nikki Alexander, took the time to share her insights and reflections on the upcoming season in a new interview.

When asked about the development of Nikki’s relationship with Jack, Fox highlighted their long-standing bond. “In the past, because they had worked alongside each other for so long and had gotten closer and closer, it begged the question, ‘If they like each other so much, and they get on so well, why have they not got together?’ So now, they have come together and now need to navigate having a working relationship and a ‘relationship’ relationship,” Fox explained.

Further elaborating on their dynamic, Fox emphasized the importance of the lighter moments in their relationship. “So much of the show, quite rightly, is about being respectful towards the subject matter, but with each other, Jack and Nikki can have a bit more of a jest and a joke and play that out within their relationship. It’s not always about high drama within relationships; it’s often about just being together. So they have got some really lovely moments. And because of the darkness of the subject matter, they become more and more close,” she shared.

Moving on to discuss her collaboration with David Caves, who portrays Jack Hodgson, Fox praised his talent and ability to bring scenes to life. “We’ve worked together for over a decade now. It’s amazing – time flies when you’re having fun! We come at the work with the same professional attitude, both wanting it to be the best it can be and caring about it. And David is a really brilliant actor. He can turn any scene into something fantastic. And he’s got great humor, great emotion, and a great ability to make things sing off the page,” she said.

When asked about the first episode of the new series, Fox discussed the intriguing case that sets the tone for the season. “Straight away, we’re into a case where a body is found in a church. The detective who comes onto the case recognizes the MO as being possibly linked to a serial killing case that she worked on two decades ago. She becomes quite tunnel-visioned about it,” Fox shared. She further highlighted Nikki’s commitment to sticking with the facts and not allowing herself to be swayed by the detective’s biased view.

In the series, Nikki encounters the character Charles Beck, played by the talented John Hannah. Fox explained the complexities of this particular storyline, stating, “Through having a feeling and an affiliation with him because of the job and also through understanding that he is a man who is losing his memory, she becomes more involved with him than she thought she would. And she likes him, which makes it complicated when she discovers something about him.”

Aside from her role as Dr. Nikki Alexander, Fox also serves as an executive producer on Silent Witness. She described her role as a caretaker, ensuring continuity and fostering a positive working environment. “If you’re in the very privileged position of being a leader in a drama, then part of being given that role is to go, ‘How can we make this the best atmosphere for an actor to come on to, to be able to produce their best work?’ That creates the best bed for nurturing a performance. That way, people go away thinking, ‘I had a really good time, and I’d love to come back.’”

As the conversation turned to the exceptional caliber of guest actors in Silent Witness, Fox attributed their attraction to the show’s format and the strong writing of its guest characters. “The two-hour format really helps. Two hours is enough time to really get into the guest characters and the guest stories. We also have very good, strong writers who write terrific guest characters. And that is, I hope, what appeals to the likes of John Hannah, Hermione Norris, Neil Pearson, Julie Graham, Kevin McNally, and John Thomson,” she noted.

The enduring popularity of Silent Witness has undoubtedly inspired many viewers. Fox shared personal encounters with individuals who have pursued pathology as a result of watching the show. “Yes, I have met lots of people who say that. I’m absolutely thrilled if watching a television program can inspire someone to go, ‘Oh, I’m interested in that.’ I’m very aware we’re in the world of fiction. But if in real life, it inspires someone to go, ‘Oh, I’d like to find out more about, and oh, my goodness, I could actually do it,’ that’s brilliant. It makes me feel very proud,” she expressed.

Reflecting on her 20 years playing Nikki, Fox expressed her deep love for the character and the journey they have shared. “There are so many things I love about playing her. She has been an ally through my life in all sorts of different times – through my 20s, 30s, 40s, relationships, children, many varied jobs. I feel like Nikki and I have been in these different periods of our lives together. It’s been wonderful,” she shared.

Fox also expressed her appreciation for Silent Witness as a whole, praising its premise and the constant challenges it presents her as an actress. “I love the character that I’ve had 20 years to find. She feels very familiar, but she’s continually put into completely different situations. So you’re constantly challenged and stimulated by it. I feel massively proud of the show, of the fact that it’s still here and that the audience still want it and still want Nikki,” Fox added.

As the interview came to a close, Fox expressed her excitement for the upcoming series, emphasising how each new season of Silent Witness fills her with joy. “Every single time the series starts again, I think, ‘I’m so happy to be on it.’ I just love it!” she exclaimed. And with fans eagerly awaiting the return of Silent Witness, it’s safe to say that the feeling is mutual.

Silent Witness Series 27 Premieres Monday 8 January 2024 on BBC One at 9.00pm