The series 23 finale saw the shock departure of fan favourites Clarissa Mullery (Liz Carr) and Dr Thomas Chamberlain (Richard Lintern), with the latter giving his life to save his team in an explosive conclusion.

Liz Carr explained: "After eight years of getting to play the fabulous character Clarissa Mullery, I’ve decided it’s time to leave Silent Witness.

“To quote Clarissa, 'I just know, deep down - that it’s time for me to move on, to focus less on the dead and more on the living. On life.

“My hugest thanks goes out to the audiences and fans who have followed me and Clarissa over the years. Without your love for the character I doubt I’d have made it through my first series!”

The series has long drawn vast audiences, and the latest was no exception. On average, seven million per week tuned in, while it was also one of BBC iPlayer’s most-requested shows.

Fans will have to await further details of the new series, but the previous series are available for catch-up on BBC iPlayer.