BBC Silent Witness season 28 cast welcomes Rivals and The ...

Silent Witness makes its much-anticipated return to BBC One this evening, January 6, with Emilia Fox expressing excitement over the audience's reception towards Nikki Alexander's and Jack's evolving relationship. Dedicated followers are eager to witness the couple make the leap into full commitment after a buildup of expectation.

In conversation with Radio Times, Emilia revealed: "The relationship between Jack and Nikki has been running over such a long period of time, and the expectation has been so great about what would or wouldn't happen, that we wanted that to be rewarded in the way that the proposal took place. There was a surprise element to it, but it reflected into what they do as well. The proposal had all of that."

"David played it so beautifully. And so, it really felt like there was the thrill of that surprise and that Jack had really thought about it and cared about it. There's a real responsibility to get it right."

Enthusiasts of the series have a treat in store with the show airing its premiere tonight followed closely by a second offering on January 7, setting a pattern for the forthcoming eight episodes. Both Emilia Fox and David Caves reprise their roles, with Caves returning as Jack.

The latest season brings new talent alongside the return of familiar favourites. For those looking forward to the initial two episodes, heres a quick rundown of the key players involved.

Maggie Steed steps into the shoes of Harriet Maven.

Professor Harriet Maven's entrance brings a wave of apprehension for Jack. Her challenging manner makes an immediate impression, particularly on Jack, who finds himself at odds with her.

Maggie Steed, a 78 year old English actress and comedian known for her roles in EastEnders, Rivals, Shine on Harvey Moon and Pie in the Sky, portrays her. Steed was one of the first women to become involved in the alternative comedy scene in the late 70s and is also a political activist.

The character of Kit Brooks is brought to life by Francesca Mills, a British actress best known for her roles as Cherry Dorrington in Harlots and Meldof in The Witcher: Blood Origin. Mills, who was born with Achondroplasia, a common form of dwarfism, is the new crime analyst in the series.

Guest star Sean Pertwee, a 60 year old actor, narrator and producer known for his roles in Gotham, Tom Jones and Dog Soldiers, plays DI John Flynn. Pertwee hails from a renowned family of actors and screenwriters and is married to makeup artist Jacqui Hamilton-Smith.

The couple had twins in 2001, but tragically lost one of the babies four days after birth due to prematurity.

Lisa Davina Phillip, a British actress and singer who began her career in radio, is another guest star in the new series. She has previously starred in Doctors, Call the Midwife and Hard Cell.

Iman Marson, who viewers may recognise as Lucas Walker from Netflix's Wednesday, joins the guest cast for the first two episodes as Ollie.

The young actor has also featured in Black Cake, Breaking the Band and Split Sole.

Gary Baxter is portrayed by Jason Callender, a 35 year old actor who briefly joins the cast. He has previously starred in Shadow and Bone and Malory Towers, with other credits including Holby City, 4 O'Clock Club and Bottersnikes and Gumbles.

Benjamin Dawson is played by David Hargreaves, an 84 year old English stage and screen actor featuring in the new season. In the 70s and 80s, he also worked as a BBC children's TV presenter.

His TV credits include Dalgliesh, A Very British Scandal, Fleabag and Last Christmas.

PC Greenwood is brought to life by Amy Booth-Steel, a Birmingham-born actress who completes the guest cast. She has previously starred in Coronation Street and Blue Jean.

Audiences may also recognise her from Nolly and Doctor Who.