David Caves, the Northern Irish actor who stars in the BBC's long-running forensic drama Silent Witness, has openly praised the warm and friendly atmosphere he encountered while filming the show's new season in Birmingham. This marks a significant shift for the series, which has relocated its production from London to the Midlands for its twenty-ninth season.
A New Home for Silent Witness
The upcoming season of Silent Witness represents a historic move for the programme, as it is the first to be primarily set and filmed in Birmingham. Previously, the series was filmed in London, but production has now embraced various iconic locations across the city. Key filming sites include the complex road network of Spaghetti Junction and the historic St Paul's Cathedral, integrating the urban landscape of Birmingham into the show's narrative fabric.
A Contrast in Civic Reception
In an interview with BirminghamLive, David Caves, who plays the character Jack Hodgson, reflected on his filming experience and drew a stark comparison between the two cities. He noted that while filming in London often goes unnoticed by the public, the response in Birmingham was markedly different and overwhelmingly positive.
Caves described the Brummies as "very friendly, up-front people" who were enthusiastic about the production's presence. He recounted a particular moment that served as a "wake-up call," highlighting how residents actively noticed the crew and were eager to engage with them, a contrast to the indifference he suggested is more common in the south.
Embracing the Birmingham Community
The actor, who admitted he had never visited Birmingham prior to filming, expressed how seamlessly the production integrated into the city. He enjoyed local pubs and specifically mentioned enjoying the Bullring shopping centre "immensely." Caves emphasised that the friendly feedback from locals made him acutely aware of the show's dedicated fanbase and the community's appreciation for the drama.
"Brummies seemed really happy we were here, which was very nice. We slotted in quite easy really, quite smoothly," Caves remarked. He added that the experience underscored how the show is cherished by its audience, stating, "Silent Witness is a much-loved show and you realise it has a fanbase with people who love what we're doing."
Season Premiere Details
The new, Birmingham-set season of Silent Witness is scheduled to premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. Viewers can tune in on Monday, February 2nd, at 9pm to see the forensic team's investigations unfold against the backdrop of the Midlands city.
