Tell us what we can expect from the first story of the new series.

The first story is about the vulnerability of older people being taken advantage of. It’s also about older people who have owned homes for a long time, and then, from the other end of the spectrum, younger people who are finding it hard to get to own a house, and the friction that creates between those generations. It’s that division which creates the vulnerability and the potential for people to be taken advantage of. Something that I love about this show is that it shines lights on all elements of society. The writer of this story, Tim Prager, is brilliant as always finding those stories which are very, very topical and give the drama a meaning outside of the show, because they resonate through life.

Is there an overarching theme to this series?

Yes. There’s a real running theme of love through the whole series. Of course, that’s great, because it resonates with the Jack and Nikki relationship. I’m very excited by all the stories in this series. They are written by four of our very strongest writers.

You mentioned the relationship between Jack and Nikki. Where is that at now?

The reaction of fans to the proposal at the end of the last series was amazing. It’s the best, most wonderful feeling when the audience really like something and feel that they’ve got what they wanted. 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.

Definitely. Jack and Nikki have been friends, and they’ve loved each other and supported each other, for so long. They’ve admitted their love for each other and the fact that they want to be together. They’ve had to go through a process of wondering, “Can we work together and be in a relationship together?” and now they’re in this moment where they’re going to make a commitment to each other. They don’t have many other people in their family life. Jack’s just lost his dad, he still has his niece and his wayward brother, but Nikki has got no one. . So they are everything to each other. There’s this ever-present thought: “If we make this change, will we still have what we had before? Will it change it, making it formal?” These are two people at a certain time in their lives. They’re not getting married when they’re in their 20s. What do marriage and that kind of commitment mean? These are the things which I really felt passionate about portraying. So a lot of thought went into it.

Do a lot of fans approach you to tell you how much they love the show?

Yes. I cannot tell you how lovely it is when people come up and say that. The other day, someone came up to me on a ferry – it often happens when I’m in transit on the train or a plane. He said, “I’ve got two questions for you. Is there going to be another series?” And I said, “Yes, there is.” Then he asked, “What is David Caves like?” I thought, “Of all the questions!” But luckily, I could say how wonderful he is. I am so lucky working with him.

You and David have now worked together for 13 years. What do you love about collaborating with him?

We both love the show. We never take it for granted and want it to be the best. We have a very similar approach to our work. You can always rely on him for the most amazing performance. He’s an incredibly skilled actor, which makes it very easy to play opposite him. But we also have a familiarity and a trust in each other. I trust him more than any other actor I’ve ever worked with. David is kind and good, and he’s a gentleman as well. So that is a real anchor. We’ve stood side by side for so long. How lucky it is to have that friendship, on screen and off screen. I really love working with him.

What have the new characters, Harriet (played by Maggie Steed) and Kit (Francesca Mills) brought to Silent Witness?

It is predominantly, of course, a crime show. But you’ve also got the regular beating heart of the drama, which is seeing how the Lyell team work together. We’ve been so lucky with all the different evolutions. But having Maggie and Fran coming on has been brilliant. They have both got such sparky energy and provide a real sense of fun. It’s great having those three different generations of women surrounding our fabulous leading man, Jack.

Why do you think Silent Witness had continued to resonate over the years?

It’s the premise of the show itself, which is testament to the creator, Nigel McCrery. To look at solving crime with a lead female pathologist in a man’s world was inspired and original. Finding clues through the body was a new way of looking at crime solving, and it gave it a real humanity. In finding out how someone died, you learn about their life. A show about death makes you think about the meaning of life. It’s got more depth to it than just solving who did it. It’s got so many different layers looking at humanity.

Also the quality has always been maintained. Plus, I also think the different evolutions of the cast, who have always been brilliant, has also really helped. The format of telling a story over two nights is quite unusual, too. You get a satisfying conclusion quite quickly. Above all, the great loyalty of the audience means the show keeps being made. They can’t wait to see what happens next.

Emilia Fox and David Caves are back as Dr Nikki Alexander and Jack Hodgson, as Silent Witness returns for ten new episodes.

The new series opens with a disturbing mystery, when the death of an elderly woman found in a cave has the team asking what drives a person to murder someone so vulnerable.

We also get an introduction to two dynamic new team members – the new Head of The Lyell Centre, Harriet Maven (Maggie Steed), and crime analyst Kit Brooks (Francesca Mills).

Made by BBC Studios Drama Productions, the new series features five brand new stories, told over ten episodes from Monday 6 January. Each week’s new story will premiere in full on BBC iPlayer from 6am each Monday, ahead of airing on BBC One on Monday and Tuesdays at 9pm for five weeks.