Silent Witness has returned for it's 25th Anniversary series and viewers are loving it. The new series' opening two-parter sees Amanda Burton return her most famous role, Amanda first appeared in the lead role of pathologist Sam Ryan in 1996, starring in 54 episodes before leaving in 2004. She will join Emilia Fox, who has played Dr Nikki Alexander since series 8, in the six-part series.
The new series also features newcomer Gaia Wise as Jo Reynolds. Ever since she appeared on screen, fans have been scratching their heads as to why the young actress looks so familiar. Fear not, we have all the answers.
Who are Gaia Wise's famous parents?
Gaia, 22, is the daughter of none other than actor Greg Wise (who appeared on Strictly Come Dancing last year) and double Academy Award winner Dame Emma Thompson. The pair met when they were both filming Sense and Sensibility in 1995. Emma had previously been in a relationship with fellow actor, Kenneth Branagh, up until he had a highly publicized affair with Helena Bonham-Carter. Gaia was born when Emma was 39-years-old. Following in her parents' footsteps, Gaia has had roles in two films opposite her mother - A Walk in the Woods (2015) and Last Chance Harvey (2008).
Read more: Emilia Fox opens up on Silent Witness romance ahead of BBC series return
What can we expect from the new series of Silent Witness?
Writers are pulling out all the stops for this landmark 25th season, with Controller of BBC Drama Piers Wenger announcing at the time of the commission that he "can’t wait for viewers to see what is in store for its 25th anniversary".
A key part of that is the return of Amanda Burton as Dr Sam Ryan, who butts heads with Jack and Nikki when she arrives back at the Lyell. Jack and Nikki's relationship, meanwhile, will be explored further in future episodes.
Who else is in this series?
Aside from all the series regulars - as usual, there is a string of guest stars. Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) joins the cast as Sam's husband Jomo Mashaba while Richard Durden will also be back as Jack's father Connor.
In this series, there is also Broadchurch's Matthew Gravelle, Coronation Street's Ian Puleston-Davies, Back to Life's Christine Bottomley, and Doctor Who's Jemma Redgrave among those featuring.
Silent Witness continues on BBC One at 9pm on Tuesday, May 24. Catch up with the series on BBC iPlayer.
