The BBC crime drama has returned, but some viewers are unhappy about a big change on the series
Silent Witness has relocated(Image: BBC)
Silent Witness fans have claimed the show has been “ruined” by its change of location.
The BBC crime drama, which follows a team of forensic pathology experts investigating grisly crimes, has returned for a 29th series but with a big change – with Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox), Jack Hodgson (David Caves) and co moving from London to Birmingham.
However, some fans of the long-running series have admitting they preferred the old setting.
Several have been posting messages about it on X, formerly Twitter, with one sniping: “Moving this show to Birmingham was a BIG mistake. Just like when they moved Waterloo Road to Scotland…”
Emilia Fox stars in the show(Image: BBC)
Another post from the same account said: “This show needs London. Film it in Birmingham if you have to, but at least pretend it’s in London because this is AWFUL and it’s completely lost its way.”
“BRING BACK THE LYELL CENTRE,” they said, in a nod to the team’s old headquarters.
Another fan posted a string of sobbing emojis as they said: “Loving this so far but, but the Lyell.”
Someone else suggested the show was “past its sell by date” as they asked: “Why was it moved to Birmingham from London? Totally ruined the show.”
“Now Silent Witness has moved to Birmingham, it seems to have got confused with Peaky Blinders,” another fan commented.
One wrote on Reddit: “What’s everyone’s opinions on the new set? We’ve only had two episodes so it might grow on me but rn I can’t say I’m a big fan of it – it’s so dark and moody in all of the rooms and the Lyell was so much brighter.
“And all of the glass cases in the mortuary reminds me of a museum. I think it would be a lot nicer if they just made it a bit brighter.”
David Caves stars as Jack Hodgson in Silent Witness, which has relocated(Image: BBC)
Someone else said it was “unrealistically, boringly dark”.
However, other viewers embraced the change and the new HQ.
“Love the Bowman Centre and the shots of Birmingham are superb!” said one. “The show has hit the ground running in their new town.”
Another agreed: “Yay new Silent Witness, I think moving to Birmingham was good, brings some freshness to the show.”
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Silent Witness airs on BBC One