With five thrilling new contemporary stories told over ten episodes, the series will see two new recruits joining Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves).

Aki Omoshaybi (The Pursuit Of Love) will star as the academic, neurologist and pathologist Gabriel Folukoya, who has spent much of his career in innovative research, primarily in the field of data analysis.

Alistair Michael (Ridley Road) joins him as Velvy Schur, the Lyell’s new APT (Anatomical Pathology Technologist) trainee, as recommended by Clarissa Mullery. Having recently left his ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, Velvy is now finding his own path, as he tries to balance his career and the faith that he still holds very close to his heart.  

Omoshaybi said of joining the cast: “I couldn’t be more excited to be joining such a long running and much loved series. Gabriel has much less practical experience than Nikki and prefers to computer model an autopsy than to slice a body open, but deep down Gabriel knows he needs people like Nikki and Jack. He’s at a juncture in his life where he needs to make changes, to open up more, to allow himself to be more vulnerable.”

Michael added: “I’m delighted to be joining the cast of Silent Witness. We meet my character Velvy as he is on a really interesting journey from within an Orthodox community into a wide secular society. He is still acclimatising to the change and conflicted about the life he left behind, but he is eager for new knowledge, new experiences, and new friendships. This curiosity can sometimes get the better of him and it might even ruffle some people's feathers. So, it'll be fun to see how that plays out in the Lyell."

The new series will also see Jack's neice Claire (Rhiannon May) return as a more prominent character. With her unexpected arrival from Belfast, Claire announces she is starting a university course in Criminology, giving Jack little choice but to let her stay with him while she studies. Cara soon wins over her uncle, with her excellent results in her studies perhaps hinting that Jack might meet his professional match in the future. 

On the return of Silent Witness, Executive Producer Suzi McIntosh commented: “Silent Witness is back with a bang. With the help of our brilliant writers, directors, and actors, we have thrilling stories that will transport audiences into five very different worlds. I am delighted to welcome Aki and Alastair, who are wonderful additions to the Lyell family along with the fabulous returning Rhiannon. I can’t wait for the series to hit our screens.”

Silent Witness will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer in January 2023.