Fran Mills Talks About The Next Series Of Silent Witness

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The BBC’s Silent Witness returns for a new series in February and here’s one of its stars, Fran Mills, talking about the next run…

Tell us what we can expect from your character this series?

I think the viewers will see Kit really anchored in her way of working and feeling more confident in her ability to solve complicated crimes, she spent a lot of last year trying to prove herself worthy to be in the room of legends like Nikki Alexander and Harriet Maven so this year she really finds her flow and, alongside Jack, their friendship grows and they work really well together in the new building.

This series the team move to Birmingham. Tell us how that comes about in the storyline?

In the final episode of last year’s series it was confirmed that the fabulous four have been offered new placements at The Sir William Bowman Centre of Excellence after Nikki cheerleads for everyone to come with her. Jack, Nikki, Harriet and Kit start this series in a new location, a new office and many new cases and crimes to solve.

What was it like filming in Birmingham?

I loved filming in Birmingham, for starters the Midlands has a huge fan base for the show itself so whenever we were filming on location the public were so excited to see the iconic show setting up camp on their street.

I also, on a personal note, loved being so close to the Bullring shopping centre, I used to go there all the time with my Mum growing up so being back there gave me a lot of nostalgia. I am a Midlands girl myself, so it was lovely being so close to my family while we filmed this series.

What makes you want to return to this role?

I have completely fallen in love with Kit’s enthusiasm and her huge dedication to her job and her colleagues, it was a no brainer when I got asked back. I love the cast, I love the crew and creatives, so I launched into filming this series with so much excitement and eagerness to be back in Kit’s shoes. I wish my brain worked like Kit’s brain in real life. You know the expression “There are no flies on you,” I feel like that suits Kit perfectly, she notices everything. However, myself as Fran, I am covered in flies ha!

Silent Witness attracts millions of viewers each week, why do you think people love it so much?

I think when you have a series that’s been around for so long, it becomes part of people’s routine, it brings people together when a new episode drops. The Silent Witness fans are so dedicated to the show and invest so much in the characters and the storylines.

The show is very science based. What is the most interesting thing you have learnt in this role?

Blood splatter! I had no idea that the size and distribution of blood drops can indicate the velocity and force with which the blood was expelled, informing you on the type of weapon involved.

Do you have any funny or interesting anecdotes from set while filming this series?

Filming in the centre of Birmingham meant that I realised I could get drinks/snacks delivered to set in a moment’s notice and it became quite an addiction, I dread to think how much I spent on coffee delivery while filming for seven months!

Tell us what it is like filming with Emilia, Maggie and David.

I love all three of them so much, they have really made this job a joy. It was a treat filming in Birmingham with them as we were able to hang out more after we had wrapped because we were all staying away from home. We laugh every day on set and all feel very proud to be part of this team.

Without spoilers, what was your favourite scene to film this series?

Our fabulous director Tracey Rooney gave me a David Beckham moment where I wouldn’t be surprised if I get a call from Sabrina Wiegman trying to recruit me for the England Football Team.

Do you see any of yourself in your character?

I see similarities in Kit’s optimism with myself, I think both of us try to find the positive in situations. Kit is also someone who uses 100 words instead of 10, just like myself! There are a lot of Kit’s outfits that I want to steal as well!

Do people ever mistake you for your character on the street? Are there any funny stories from engaging with the public?

It’s lovely when people come up and want to talk about Silent Witness, there is so much love for the show and the characters that people go out of their way to congratulate you on being part of it. I’ve been shopping in Birmingham with David and people spot one of us and then can’t believe it when they see the other one there as well, that’s quite entertaining!