The long-running forensic crime drama returns to BBC One with its 29th series, premiering on Monday, February 2, 2026. This milestone season introduces a significant shift in setting and production base, moving the iconic team from their familiar London Lyell Centre to a brand-new facility in Birmingham. Titled The Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence, the relocated headquarters promises to inject fresh energy into the procedural format while preserving the show’s signature blend of meticulous pathology, personal drama, and gripping investigations.
Emilia Fox continues to anchor the series as Dr Nikki Alexander, the brilliant and resilient pathologist whose unyielding pursuit of truth often comes at great personal cost. Now in her 28th year with the show, Fox’s portrayal remains the emotional core, delivering performances that balance steely professionalism with vulnerability. Fans will see Nikki navigating not only complex cases but also the challenges of adapting to a new city and workspace, adding layers to her already multifaceted character.
David Caves reprises his role as Dr Jack Hodgson, the steadfast forensic anthropologist whose loyalty to the team and dry wit provide much-needed levity amid the grim discoveries. Jack’s expertise in bones and trauma continues to prove indispensable, and the relocation offers new opportunities to explore his backstory and relationships in a different urban environment.
The supporting cast has evolved in recent years, bringing youthful perspectives and dynamic energy. Genesis Lynea returns as Dr Velvy Schur, the sharp, tech-savvy histopathologist whose quick thinking and modern approach complement the more traditional methods of her colleagues. Meanwhile, Rhiannon May plays Dr Cara Connelly, the eager and determined junior pathologist whose enthusiasm and occasional impulsiveness create compelling tension within the group. Together, this quartet forms a tight-knit unit that must confront both external crimes and internal conflicts.
The Birmingham move marks the most substantial change in the show’s history. Previously rooted in London, the production has shifted filming to the West Midlands, utilizing locations across the city—including central areas like the Bullring and creative hubs in Digbeth—for authenticity. The new Sir William Bowman Centre serves as the primary set, designed to feel state-of-the-art yet grounded, reflecting advances in forensic science while allowing for dramatic set pieces such as high-tech autopsy suites and collaborative labs. Filming began earlier in 2025, with crews spotted in Birmingham parks and streets, signaling the show’s commitment to embedding itself in its new surroundings.
Executive producers have described the relocation as a chance to refresh the long-running series without losing its essence. The Birmingham backdrop introduces diverse communities, urban contrasts, and regional crime narratives that differ from the capital’s familiar landscape. Expect cases that draw on the city’s industrial heritage, multicultural fabric, and contemporary issues, all examined through the lens of forensic evidence.
The season comprises ten episodes, structured as five two-part stories airing on Mondays and Tuesdays at 9pm on BBC One, with full episodes available immediately on BBC iPlayer. Each storyline promises “captivating” investigations, from intricate murders to cases involving hidden secrets and high-stakes cover-ups. The show’s hallmark—detailed autopsies, scientific deduction, and emotional fallout—remains intact, but the new setting allows for visual and thematic evolution.
For loyal viewers, the change has sparked both excitement and curiosity. Social media buzz highlights anticipation for how the team dynamics shift in unfamiliar territory, while first-look images released by the BBC show the cast in crisp white coats against modern Birmingham backdrops, teasing a revitalized aesthetic. Producers emphasize that the core formula—unflinching examination of death to uncover truth—endures, even as the geography evolves.
As Silent Witness approaches three decades on air, this relocation could reinvigorate the franchise for new audiences while rewarding long-time fans with evolved storytelling. Whether the move proves a masterstroke or a bold risk, February 2, 2026, marks the start of an intriguing new chapter for one of British television’s most enduring procedurals.
