Silent Witness series 28: Who plays who in the cast, including two new regulars, and returning fave

Silent Witness series 28: Who plays who in the cast, including two new regulars, and returning fave

By Helen Fear | Mon Jan 06 2025

Silent Witness series 28 kicks off with the episodes Exodus 20:17 Part One and Two - and two new cast members join the team at The Lyell Centre.

Viewers are introduced to staff member Harriet Maven – the new Head of The Lyell Centre - and Kit Brooks, a crime analyst who works with Jack.

But where are the characters of Velvy Schur, Gabriel Folukoya, and Cara Connelly? Here's everything you need to know about the cast of Silent Witness series 28, episodes one and two, entitled Exodus 20:17.

The never less than perfect Silent Witness lead Emilia Fox as Dr Nikki Alexander (Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Robert Wilson)

Silent Witness series 28 cast of Exodus 20:17 - Emilia Fox plays Dr Nikki Alexander

Emilia Fox, 50, returns to lead the cast of Silent Witness as Dr Nikki Alexander. Emilia has been on the show ever since 2004 when she first joined the show, replacing Amanda Burton's Sam Ryan.

London-born Emilia has been on our screens for three decades, ever since she portrayed Georgiana Darcy in the 1995 TV series Pride and Prejudice.

She's not a stranger to period dramas, having also played Rebecca in the 1997 TV adaptation of the Daphne du Maurier book of the same name. She later played Clara in 1999's David Copperfield.

Between 2000 and 2001, Emilia played Jeannie in comedy series Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), opposite her then real-life fiancé Vic Reeves (although they never married).

She's starred in multiple TV dramas including Marple, Merlin, The Wrong Mans, and The Tunnel. She famously played Queen Elizabeth II in The Queen in 2009. Emilia is also known for her appearances in Strangers, Delicious and The Trial of Christine Keeler.

From 2019 to 2020, she starred in Celebrity Gogglebox with her actress mum Joanna David, and cousin Laurence Fox. She later turned her hand to something totally different when she investigated real life crimes on In the Footsteps of Killers on Channel 4.

More recently, she’s portrayed Sylvia Fox in Acorn Original TV series Signora Volpe. She played Sylvia, a disillusioned British spy-turned-detective, who started a new life in the beautiful heart of Italy. However, she soon discovered that trouble had a habit of following her…

Her film roles include playing Dorota in Roman Polanski's multi-award-winning film The Pianist, Mrs Bradman in Bligthe Spirit, Lady Victoria Wotton in Dorian Grey, and Jane Seymour in Henry VIII.

Actor David Caves returns as Jack Hodgson (Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Robert Wilson)

David Caves portrays Jack Hodgson

Belfast-born David Caves will be reprising his role as Jack Hodgson, a role he's played since 2013. The character has been Dr Nikki Alexander's right hand man for more than 10 years.

A forensic scientist, he was hired by the Lyell Centre following the departure of Harry Cunningham. Although Nikki and Jack's relationship kept viewers guessing for years, the will-they-won't-they ended in 2022. That year, the couple finally got together, and are now engaged and sickeningly loved-up! They are even talking about - whisper - kids!

After graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2005, David Caves appeared in a variety of stage productions.

These included The Beggar's Opera at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre, and The Changeling at the Southwark Playhouse.

His first TV role was playing the dad in the short film Paddy, before he went on portray Berenger in the 2014 film Ironclad: Battle for Blood.

In 2016, he starred as Clint Hill in the film Jackie, alongside actress Natalie Portman. He went on to play Michael in the murder mystery drama 15 Days on Channel 5, opposite The Good Ship Murder actress Catherine Tyldesley.

The 46-year-old also portrayed Joe in the film Widow's Walk.

Actress Francesca Mills joins the cast of Silent Witness as Kit Brooks (Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Robert Wilson)

Silent Witness series 28 cast of Exodus 20:17 - Francesca Mills stars as Kit Brooks

The Lyell Centre welcomes "two dynamic new team members" in Silent Witness series 28. In part two of Exodus 20:17, we'll meet Kit Brooks for the first time. She's a crime analyst who works with Jack, and became inspired to do the job after seeing a talk by Silent Witness "hero" Clarissa Mullery. At first, she's dizzy with excitement to meet the team.

Staffordshire-born Francesca Mills, 28, plays Kit, and she's probably known for playing Meldof in The Witcher: Blood Origin. She played the role in four episodes in 2022.

Over her 15 year career, Francesca has also played Cherry Dorrington in Harlots, Earthy Mangold in Worzel Gummidge, Jemma in Sneakerhead, and Helen of Troy in Pistol. More recently, she's starred as Detective Katherine in Time Bandits, and Belinda in the BBC One thriller Boat Story,

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

Francesca - aka Fran - Mills said: "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."

Actress Maggie Steed joins the cast of Silent Witness series 28 as Harriet Maven (Credit: BBC/BBC Studios/Robert Wilson)

Who plays Harriet in Silent Witness?

Actress Maggie Steed joins the cast of Silent Witness series 28 as "difficult" Harriet Maven – the new Head of The Lyell Centre. According to Jack, she's known for being "very hard to work with", and has come out of retirement especially...

Devon-born actress Maggie, 78, is perhaps best known for playing Rita Moon in Shine On Harvey Moon.

She's also famous for portraying 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 until she was killed off. The character died from cardiac arrest, leaving her husband Ted devastated.

She's no stranger to soaps either, as her very first role was playing Ellen Smith in Coronation Street in 1970 - 55 years ago!

More recently, she's played Stella Hart in Ten Percent, Nan in Changing Ends, Vivienne Bonham-Crane in Sister Boniface Mysteries, and Lady Gwendolyn Gosling in the ridiculously fun Rivals.

This year, she'll appear in Ridley series 2, playing Celia Machin. Her film roles have included Gertrude Biggleswade in Paddington 2, Mrs. Garstin in The Painted Veil, and Maggie in Fisherman's Friends: One and All.

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."

Actor Sean Pertwee returns as DI John Flynn (Credit: BBC Studios/Gary Moyes)

Silent Witness series 28 cast of Exodus 20:17 - Sean Pertwee plays DI John Flynn

Actor Sean Pertwee returns as DI John Flynn, a role he first played at the end of the previous series. He first appeared in series 27 episode 7 and 8, entitled Death by a Thousand Hits Part 1 and 2. Despite the character trying to retire, he's back!

Most of you won't need reminding that Sean is the son of the late actor Jon Pertwee, who famously played Doctor Who.

But London-born Sean, 60, is famous in his own right, having starred in multiple TV and film productions since the 80s. Those of a certain age (cough, cough), will probably recognise him for playing Jamie Douglas opposite Clive Owen in The Chancer. He went on to portray Ian Worrell in Bodyguards, and Mark Cubitt in Cold Feet.

In 2008, he starred as DS Ed Bain in Amanda Redman drama Honest, before playing Charles Lapier in the TV mini-series Jo. Between 2014 and 2019, he portrayed Alfred Pennyworth in the US Batman tale Gotham.

Other notable roles include Dominic Lutovski in Hard Cases, Jack Belford in Clarissa, Hugh Beringar in Cadfael, Terry Lynch in Luther, and Inspector Stanley Lejeune in the Agatha Christie thriller The Pale Horse.

More recently, he starred as Vic in the Netflix mega-hit You, and the central character of Lawrence Brightway in Channel 5 thriller The Night Caller.

Sean is also known for his many film roles, including the role of Sgt Wells in the film Dog Soldiers, and Smitty in Event Horizon.

Foodies amongst you might recognise his voice, too. He is also the narrator of MasterChef: The Professionals!

David Hargreaves guest stars as Benjamin Dawson (Credit: BBC Studios/Chris Baker)

David Hargreaves stars as Benjamin Dawson

Derbyshire-born David Hargreaves, 84, stars as Benjamin Dawson in the cast of Silent Witness series 28, episodes Exodus 20:17 Part One and Two.

The veteran actor - who originally trained as a science teacher! - has been on our screens ever since 1962. That year, he portrayed an unnamed soldier in the war drama The Last Man Out.

Between 1964 and 1988, David presented children's educational series Play School, while also appearing in TV series including The Wars of the Roses, Z Cars, The Visitors, Crown Court, and Headmaster.

Another early role included playing Harry Vickers in the long-gone soap Crossroads Motel. That wasn't his only soap role, however. In 1977, he starred as Bob Birchall in Corrie.

He is perhaps nest known for playing Tom in Sorry I'm a Stranger Here Myself, Tom Darblay in Juliet Bravo, Derek Owen in Albion Market, and Sgt. Bill Gentle in Merseybeat. This Country fans will know him best as Arthur Andrews, a role he played between 2018 and 2020.

More recently, David has starred as Old Mr. Lorrimer in Dalgliesh, Mr. Prior in The Flatshare, and Niall Campbell in A Very British Scandal. He's also been in multiple films, including Last Christmas, For Love or Money, and Othello.

Several central characters have not returned to the cast of Silent Witness series 28 (Credit: BBC)

What happened to Velvy, Gabriel and Cara?

Fans will notice that there are several key cast members missing from the line up of Silent Witness series 28.

Notably absent is Alastair Michael, who played Velvy Schur in series 26 and 27. Also missing is Aki Omoshaybi, who played Gabriel Folukoya in the same two series.

Meanwhile, deaf actress Rhiannon Jones - sometimes credited as Rhiannon May - who played Cara Connelly has also vanished from the line-up. She first joined the cast in series 24.

So where have they gone? In episode 1, we learn that Velvy has started his masters in forensic science, while Gabriel has "skived off to university".

There is no mention of Jack's niece Cara, however. BBC One did not chose to comment on whether the actress will be returning as Cara in series 28. Although she is not mentioned in any information available to the press.

Addressing the team change, actress Emilia Fox said: "We've been so lucky with our different evolutions and have always had a great time. The dynamics between us as actors, but the characters changes the feel of it each time.

"It's just been a delight for us having Maggie and Francesca join us. So, everything changes within the Lyell team again."

Who else stars in Silent Witness Exodus 20:17?

Actor Jason Callendar plays Gary Baxter in the first two episodes of Silent Witness series 18. He's known for voicing Tink in the animated Bottersnikes & Gumbles, as well as his role of head of music Dexter Harris in 4 O'Clock Club, and Mr. Parker in Mallory Towers.

Adrianna Bertola stars as Rosie. Silent Witness nerds may be interested to know that she's appeared in Silent Witness before. The actress played an eight year old girls in the Silent Witness episodes A Guilty Mind Part 1 and 2 in 2011. More recently, the former child star has played Carly Bradford in London Kills.