Series 16 will see the arrival of David Caves as forensic scientist Jack Hodgson.

One of the youngest forensic scientists in the country, Jack is described as “straight-talking and disarmingly quick-witted”.

Caves commented: “I was absolutely surprised and delighted to be part of a show that has been running as long as Silent Witness. It is a big change for me having just done theatre up to this point, but it’s very exciting to play a brand new part and the freedom that gives you. I’m having a lot of fun.”

Liz Carr, a regular presenter on the BBC’s Ouch! podcast, will also join the cast as Forensic Lab Scientist Clarissa Mullery.

Jack and Clarissa have enjoyed a successful working relationship and she has played a critical role in his career progression. He has persuaded her to join him at the Lyell Centre: she is the only person who can truly penetrate his male bravado and make him listen, keeping him grounded and eliminating some of his wilder theories.

Carr said: “I’m loving playing a character who’s witty, smart and sarcastic. It does make me giggle that I’m a forensics expert. At school I couldn’t study chemistry and physics because the labs weren’t wheelchair accessible… ahh the irony!”

Kate Harwood, BBC Controller, Series and Serials Drama, added: “…we’re thrilled to welcome David Caves and Liz Carr into the team. As a forensic scientist Jack is a change of direction for Silent Witness. He will take us into stories in different and exciting ways. He will be a fantastic, physical and lively presence on the team and we are so enjoying the change of pace and energy. Liz, his clever, subtle, slightly sly assistant, will also be taking the show into a new and more modern era. We welcome them both aboard.”

Filming on Series 16 is currently underway for transmission in early 2013.

The BBC confirmed today that actor Tom Ward, who has played Forensic Pathologies Dr Harry Cunningham since 2002, will exit the show after his final episode airs later this month.

Do you like the sound of the new characters? Let us know below…

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