Yahoo News Silent Witness will return for two more series
Silent Witness may have just lost two of its most popular characters, but the series isn't over by a long shot.
The BBC announced hot on the heels of Wednesday's (February 5) series 23 finale that two more series have been ordered, guaranteeing that the long-running crime drama will celebrate its 25th anniversary.
Silent Witness's recommission comes in spite of the aforementioned cast exits, with the departures of Liz Carr (aka Clarissa Mullery) and Richard Lintern (aka Thomas Chamberlain) in the finale.
Related: Why this crucial part of Silent Witness has changed after 20 years
"Liz and Richard, in their individual and brilliant ways, brought so much to Silent Witness," executive producer Richard Stokes said. "They have been much loved characters and will be missed by us all at The Lyell."
Carr shared her own goodbye statement as well: "After eight years of getting to play the fabulous character Clarissa Mullery, I've decided it’s time to leave Silent Witness. To quote Clarissa, 'I just know, deep down — that it's time for me to move on, to focus less on the dead and more on the living. On life.'
"Originally only employed for four episodes as Jack’s sidekick, I am incredibly proud that I leave as a main character in one of the BBC’s landmark dramas.
"Silent Witness has given me such an amazing opportunity to develop as an actor but I know this is the right time to take a leap of faith, leaving what I know and seeing what other opportunities await. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride but I feel I'm leaving on an exhilarating high.
"I will very much miss the other Lyell regulars — Emilia, David and Richard along with my on-screen husband, Dan Weyman — I have loved working alongside them for the past eight series and I leave knowing I have their love and support for my decision."
She continued: "My hugest thanks goes out to the audiences and fans who have followed me and Clarissa over the years. Without your love for the character, I doubt I'd have made it through my first series! I hope you'll understand why we felt it was time to leave and that you'll continue your support for Silent Witness whilst hopefully following me in all my future adventures."
In terms of replacements for these two significant members of the Lyell Centre team, the BBC has said that more news will be announced in the months ahead.
"Silent Witness entertains audiences from all generations and continues to be one of the UK’s most successful returning crime drama series," Piers Wenger, BBC Drama Controller, said.
Related: Silent Witness has an opportunity to tackle male mental health – will it take it?
"I'm thrilled it will continue to grip the nation in 2021, and can't wait for viewers to see what is in store for its 25th Anniversary in 2022."
Silent Witness airs on BBC One.
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