Amanda Burton cuts a smart figure on the set of Silent Witness in Liverpool

She last appeared in Silent Witness back in 2004.

But Amanda Burton proved that 17 years away has not impacted her ability to step into the shoes of Professor Sam Ryan in the highly acclaimed BBC drama. 

The 64-year-old actress, who debuted as Sam in 1996, is returning to the series to mark its 25th anniversary and was spotted on set in Liverpool earlier this week. 

The Northern Irish star looked as though she had never been away, cutting a smart figure in a trouser suit and blouse.

Crew members ensured that her slicked back tresses were nothing short of perfect and Amanda looked buoyant as she engaged in conversation between takes with Emilia Fox, who plays Dr. Nikki Alexander on the crime drama.

In one shot, Amanda – also renowned for her appearance in soap Brookside – appeared deep in thought as she stood beside a police car. 

Back in role: In one shot, Amanda – also renowned for her appearance in soap Brookside – appeared deep in thought as she stood beside a police car

Professor Sam Ryan: Amanda starred in 54 episodes before departing in 2004, when her character returned home to Northern Ireland to be with her family [pictured in 1999]

Treatment: Crew members ensured that her slicked back tresses were nothing short of perfect and Amanda looked buoyant as she engaged in conversation between takes

Like she’s never been away: The actress proved that 17 years away has not impacted her ability to step back effortlessly into the role of Professor Sam Ryan in the BBC drama

Amanda starred in 54 episodes before departing in 2004, when her character returned home to Northern Ireland to be with her family. 

Of reprising her role, she told the Radio Times: ‘I am so excited to be returning to Silent Witness and stepping back into Sam Ryan’s shoes – with a difference.

‘Audiences can look forward to plenty of twists and turns as they discover what Sam’s been doing since leaving the Lyell.’

Co-stars: She was joined on set by Emilia Fox who stars as Dr. Nikki Alexander on the crime drama

Reunion: The pair were pictured laughing on set as they mingled with crew members

All in the details: Amanda got the finished touches done to her hair as she prepared to film 

The six brand new episodes that Amanda is set to star in will mark the 25th anniversary of the BBC One drama. 

Since her exit after the eighth series, the show has featured an ensemble cast, which initially consisted of William Gaminara, Tom Ward and Emilia, and later on David Caves, Liz Carr and Richard Lintern.

Emilia said: ‘It is such a delight and thrill to be working with Amanda. To have Sam Ryan back again at the heart of the show is the greatest way of all to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Silent Witness.’

The 24th series of Silent Witness concluded this week and the next series is due to air on BBC One next year

Exciting: The 24th series of Silent Witness concluded this week and the next series is due to air on BBC One next year