Silent Witness series 28 is coming to BBC One in early 2025, and the channel has confirmed two new cast members have joined The Lyell Centre.

In the first pictures of Silent Witness' return, viewers are introduced to the new staff member Harriet Maven – the new Head of The Lyell Centre.

Here's everything we know so far about the upcoming series of the forensic drama, including the two new characters, and the actors who play them.

We'll also share the Silent Witness series 28 start date, plot, and episode details.

What is the plot of new series?

Silent Witness series 28 opens with a disturbing mystery. A BBC One synopsis tells us: "The death of an elderly woman found in a cave has the team asking what drives a person to murder someone so vulnerable."

The channel also shares that there'll be "an introduction to the two dynamic new team members".

What's the start date of Silent Witness series 28?

Hit drama Silent Witness will return to BBC iPlayer and BBC One in early 2025. The series historically always starts in January every year.

In 2025, it will be the 28th series of the popular forensic drama. It's the longest-running crime drama on TV, having first aired in 1996.

How many episodes is it?

Silent Witness series 28 will be five brand new stories, told over 10 episodes.

Like previous series, the episodes are expected to air on Monday and Tuesday nights in January 2025.

Who's in the cast of Silent Witness series 28?

Emilia Fox returns to lead the cast of Silent Witness as Dr. Nikki Alexander. Emilia has been on the show ever since 2008 when she first joined the show, replacing Amanda Burton's Sam Ryan.

Of course, Emilia is known for portraying Sylvia Fox in Signora Volpe, Valerie Profumo in The Trial of Christine Keeler, and Sam Vincent in Delicious.

David Caves will also be reprising his role as Jack Hodgson, a role he's played since 2013. He's also famous for playing Michael in 15 Days, and Clint Hill in the Natalie Portman film Jackie.

The BBC has not yet confirmed who else will be in the cast of Silent Witness series 28. We don't yet know if Alastair Michael will return as Velvy Schur, or whether Aki Omoshaybi will be back as Professor Gabriel Folukoya. The new cast members will be replacing some old.

Rhiannon Jones' role as Cara Connelly is also uncertain. Watch this space for more cast news.

Who are the two cast members? Who plays Harriet?

Silent Witness will have two new cast members in series 28. Actress Maggie Steed joins the cast as Harriet Maven – the new Head of The Lyell Centre.

Actress Maggie, 77, is perhaps best known for playing Rita Moon in Shine On Harvey Moon, Margaret Crabbe in Pie in the Sky, and Phyllis Woolf in Born and Bred. Other notable roles include Eileen Pike in Jam & Jerusalem, Meg in Stella, and Esther in Chewing Gum.

Of course, EastEnders fans will know her as Joyce Murray in the BBC soap, a role she played from 2017 to 2018. More recently, she played Stella Hart in Ten Percent.

On joining the cast, Steed says: "I was delighted to be asked to join Silent Witness. I've enjoyed it many times over the years and it's always been the most intriguing and entertaining series going, so it's been a thrill to join."

Who plays Kit Brooks in Silent Witness series 28?

Meanwhile, 28-year-old Francesca Mills will play Kit Brooks, a crime analyst who works with Jack. She's known for playing Meldof in The Witcher: Blood Origin.

Francesca also played Cherry Dorrington in Harlots, Earthy Mangold in Worzel Gummidge, and Helen of Troy in Pistol. More recently, she's starred as Detective Katherine in Time Bandits.

She was born with the genetic disorder Achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism.

Francesca Mills says: "I'm thrilled to be joining such a long running, much loved series as Silent Witness and I really look forward to being a part of the stellar cast. This will be the 28th series, and it is still going from strength to strength."

Suzi McIntosh, executive producer of the show said: "I could not be more delighted to welcome our fabulous new cast to our Silent Witness family. Both Maggie and Fran bring their talent to our exciting and original new characters who will help carry our stories brilliantly."

Will there be a series 29 of Silent Witness?

The BBC has confirmed that there will be a series 29 of Silent Witness.

Pre-production is now underway in Birmingham for the 2026 series of Silent Witness, which will film from early next year.

We can expect to see it on our screens in January 2026.

Series 1 to 27 of Silent Witness are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer.