Silent Witness Cast & Character Guide: Who Plays Who In Season 28

The BBC's long-standing forensic crime drama Silent Witness returned for its 28th season in 2025, with the cast just as strong as when the series debuted in 1996. Continuing to captivate audiences with its intricate narratives and pulse-pounding procedural action, Silent Witness season 28 delves deeper into the professional and personal lives of the team at The Lyell Centre, with the cast featuring a mix of fresh faces and new additions.

Silent Witness season 28 marks significant changes for the BBC drama, notably the introduction of Professor Harriet Maven and crime analyst Kit Brooks, portrayed by Maggie Steed and Francesca Mills. Joining them are Dr. Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson, played by long-serving cast members Emilia Fox and David Caves. The Silent Witness season 28 cast continues to carry the show through its blend of suspenseful investigations and character-driven story arcs - and the skill of the cast members is of little surprise given their previous roles.

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Emilia Fox As Nikki Alexander

Born July 31, 1974

Actor: Emilia Fox, born on July 31, 1974, is a distinguished English actress with a prolific career in film and television. She gained early recognition for her role as Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. Fox's versatility is evident from her performances in films like 2002’s The Pianist and 2009’s Dorian Gray. Beyond Silent Witness, Emilia Fox has appeared in series such as Merlin and The Tunnel. However, it was her 2004 debut as Dr. Nikki Alexander in Silent Witness that solidified her as a leading figure in British television drama for many of her fans.

Notable Emilia Fox Movie/TV Show	Release Year	Role
The Pianist	2002	Dorota
Dorian Gray	2009	Lady Victoria Wotton
The Tunnel	2016	Vanessa Hamilton
Merlin	2009-2011	Morgause
Signora Volpe	2022-Present	Sylvia Fox

Character:Dr. Nikki Alexander, introduced in Silent Witness season 8, is a forensic pathologist known for her dedication and analytical prowess. Her commitment to uncovering the truth often leads her into morally complex situations. Throughout the series, Nikki's character has evolved, revealing layers of personal history and emotional depth. There are significant developments in Dr. Alexander’s personal life in Silent Witness season 28, particularly her deepening relationship with colleague Jack Hodgson.

David Caves As Jack Hodgson

Born August 7, 1978

Actor:Northern Irish actor David Caves is renowned for his dynamic performances, making him for Silent Witness when he joined the cast in 2013. Caves honed his acting abilities in theatre, with notable roles in productions such as Troilus and Cressida and The Duchess of Malfi. His transition to television was marked by his compelling portrayal of Jack Hodgson, which has garnered him a dedicated following.

Notable David Caves Movie/TV Show	Release Year	Role
Widows Walk	2019	Joe
Jackie	2016	Clint Hill
15 Days	2019	Michael

Character:Jack Hodgson, introduced in Silent Witness season 16, serves as the lead forensic scientist at The Lyell Centre. With a background in forensic anthropology and a penchant for hands-on investigation, Jack's methods sometimes blur the lines between science and instinct. His close relationship with colleague Clarissa Mullery showcased his loyalty and depth of character. In season 28, Jack faces new challenges, both professionally and personally, as his relationship with Nikki Alexander progresses, offering fans a deeper insight into his multifaceted persona.

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Maggie Steed As Harriet Maven

Born December 1, 1946

Actor:Maggie Steed is a seasoned English actress and comedian with a career spanning several decades. Active since 1970, Steed is experienced on both the stage and screen, with memorable roles in television series such as Pie in the Sky, Shine on Harvey Moon, and the long-running UK soap opera EastEnders. Steed's versatility extends to film, with appearances in 2017’s Paddington 2 and 2016’s A Cure for Wellness.

Notable Maggie Steed Movie/TV Show	Release Year	Role
Paddington 2	2017	Mrs Gertrude Biggleswade
Transformers: The Last Knight	2017	Vivian's Grandmother
A Cure for Wellness	2016	Mrs Abramov
Eastenders	2017-2018	Joyce Murray
Shine On Harvey Moon	1982-1995	Rita Moon

Character:Professor Harriet Maven joins the cast of characters in Silent Witness season 28 as the new head of the Lyell Center. Her authoritative presence and wealth of experience quickly establish her as a formidable leader. Harriet's approach challenges existing dynamics, particularly with Jack Hodgson, leading to intriguing professional tensions. As Silent Witness season 28 unfolds, Maggie Steed’s character reveals a complex blend of strict professionalism and underlying empathy, and this nuance is brought to the screen perfectly by Maggie Steed.

Francesca Mills As Kit Brooks

Born March 15, 1996

Actor:Silent Witness season 28 cast member Francesca Mills is a British actress celebrated for her dynamic stage and screen performances. She garnered acclaim for her role as Maria in The Government Inspector, earning a nomination for the Ian Charleson Awards. Mills has appeared in television series such as Harlots, portraying Cherry Dorrington, and Worzel Gummidge as Earthy Mangold. In 2022, she expanded her repertoire by starring as Meldof in the Netflix miniseries The Witcher: Blood Origin, showcasing her versatility across genres.

Notable Francesca Mills Movie/TV Show	Release Year	Role
Time Bandits	2024	Detective
Boat Story	2023	Belinda
The Witcher: Blood Origin	2022	Meldof
Pistol	2022	Helen of Troy
Harlots	2018-2019	Cherry Dorrington

Character: Kit Brooks joins The Lyell Center team in Silent Witness season 28 as a young crime analyst, bringing a sharp analytical mind and fresh energy. However, despite her lack of experience compared to the likes of Hodgson and Alexander, her keen insights and innovative approach to data interpretation prove invaluable in solving complex cases. Kit's arrival introduces a new dynamic to Silent Witness, as she navigates the challenges of integrating into an established group while asserting her expertise. Her character adds a contemporary edge to the series, reflecting the evolving nature of forensic investigation.

Silent Witness Season 28 Guest Stars

There Are Several Notable One-Off Cast Members

Season 28 of Silent Witness features a roster of notable guest stars, many of whom are recognizable from shows both in the UK and US.

Sean Pertwee as DI John Flynn: Pertwee, recognized for his role as Alfred Pennyworth in the Batman prequel series Gotham, appears in Silent Witness season 28 as Detective Inspector John Flynn. His portrayal adds depth to the investigative narrative, drawing on his extensive experience in crime dramas.
Zoe Telford as Superintendent Jane De Freitas: Zoe Telford portrays Superintendent Jane De Freitas in the Silent Witness cast, a profiling expert whose skills are crucial in unraveling the season's intricate cases. Telford is recognized for her roles as Helen McGuire in the legal drama Showtrial and Dr. Kitty Gray in the sci-fi series The Lazarus Project.
Tim Berrington as Philip Chalmers: Tim Berrington makes a guest appearance in Silent Witness as Philip Chalmers, a character entangled in the season's central mysteries. Berrington's previous work includes portraying Dennis in the critically acclaimed series Succession and Tyler in the political thriller The Diplomat.
Jenny Rainsford as Alice Chalmers: Jenny Rainsford in Silent Witness season 28 as Alice Chalmers, bringing emotional complexity to the storyline. Rainsford is best known for her role as Boo in the award-winning comedy Fleabag and has also guest-starred in the period drama Call the Midwife as Dena Bowland.
Billy Harris as DC Nick Whelan: Billy Harris plays Detective Constable Nick Whelan, a determined young officer eager to prove his mettle. Harris is familiar to audiences as Colin Hughes, the affable footballer in the popular series Ted Lasso.
Ellie Haddington as Meg McGrath: Ellie Haddington portrays Meg McGrath in Silent Witness season 28, a character shrouded in secrecy. Haddington's extensive career includes a recent appearance in Death in Paradise and roles in Coronation Street as Josie Clarke and Faye Duffield.
Lorcan Cranitch as Colin McGrath: Lorcan Cranitch joins the cast as Colin McGrath, whose involvement adds tension to the plot. Cranitch is known for his performances in Bad Sisters and as James Callaghan in The Crown.
Ellora Torchia as Claire Steadman: Ellora Torchia makes an appearance in Silent Witness season 28 as Claire Steadman. Torchia has appeared in Grantchester and HBO’s Game of Thrones spinoff House of the Dragon.
Sarah Kameela Impey as Tina Steadman: Sarah Kameela Impey takes on the role of Tina Steadman in Silent Witness. Impey is recognized for her work in the crime drama Vera.
Zaqi Ismail as Harry Singh: Zaqi Ismail portrays Harry Singh in season 28 of Silent Witness, rounding out the roster of guest stars. Ismail has been featured in the comedy series We Are Lady Parts.