KILLER COMEBACK
Original star Amanda Burton joins Emilia Fox in the 25th anniversary series of Silent Witness
Nearly 18 years after she last wore forensic pathologist Sam Ryan’s scrubs, Amanda Burton is stepping back into the mortuary as crime drama Silent Witness returns for a landmark 25th series.
“These things don’t often come one’s way. I just thought, ‘What a great idea. How brilliant that they’re thinking of doing that.’ I would have been absolutely mad not to do it,” says Amanda, 65.
And Emilia Fox, who joined the cast as Dr Nikki Alexander in 2004, is delighted to be working alongside her in the six-part anniversary series.
“It’s wonderful that we’re celebrating with Amanda,” says Emilia, 47.
“Sam is a pioneering figure. Back then, female leads were few and far between. It’s her legacy we live with.”
Amanda’s return was suggested at the end of the last series, when Sam
Monday & Tuesday, 9pm, BBC One was seen asking Nikki for help. Now we’ll discover more, as Nikki and the team are drawn into a world of intrigue and betrayal after the shooting of Sam’s partner, Jomo (Hugh Quarshie).
“Nikki and Sam tread carefully around each other. Nikki is trying to get the measure of Sam and fathom her out,” Emilia reveals.
In the first episode, Sam intervenes in a postmortem being carried out by Nikki. And Emilia admits that performing the scene in front of her predecessor led to its own tensions.
“It was nerve-racking. Amanda is the empress of the postmortem, so the pressure was on,” she says.
The story sees the team head to Liverpool and viewers will find themselves questioning Sam’s motives – and see Nikki becoming more uncertain about who she can trust.
“Amanda is so skilled at playing mystery. I loved the scenes we had together,” Emilia adds.
So, how much has Sam changed? Amanda is staying tight-lipped on that one. “I really love the fact that you’re left slightly wondering whether she’s gone over to the other side,” she says.
Although Sam’s motivations may remain a mystery, Emilia reveals that one thing hasn’t changed – and that’s Amanda’s expertise in the role, a skill that won her numerous awards.
“Amanda put on Sam Ryan’s shoes and walked straight on set without a moment’s hesitation,” she says.
So, with the show’s popularity showing no sign of waning, will we see the actresses on board if we reach the 50th series?
“You’ll just have to ask me in another 25 years,” says Amanda.
“I don’t know if they’d still want me!” Emilia adds. “They’ve just had Amanda back – so long may it last that they keep asking us.”