Silent Witness filming sparks chaos as Coastguard called over dead body prop on banks of Thames

Silent Witness filming sparked chaos on Wednesday morning as the Coastguard were called over reports of a dead body on the banks of the Thames.

The figure was a prop used in production of the BBC crime drama’s 27th series, which kicked off around London’s Hammersmith Bridge.

A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said: ‘Chiswick RNLI Lifeboat and a Marine Police unit were sent to Hammersmith Bridge at approx. 8.30am today (22 March), following multiple reports from members of the public about a person in the water. On arrival, it was determined there was no one in danger.’

Emilia Fox, who joined the show in 2004, was seen in character as Dr. Nikki Alexander for a 19th year and was joined by new addition actor John Thomson.

Crew members were snapped getting Cold Feet actor John ready for action as they hooked up his mics, while Emilia got dressed into a white coverall.

Phew! The figure was a prop used in production of the BBC crime drama’s 27th series, which kicked off around London’s Hammersmith Bridge

In typical Silent Witness fashion, the on-screen forensic pathologist appeared to be inspecting a body found near the bridge.

Emilia appeared in high spirits as she flashed a smile in between takes, surrounded by cast and crew as they set up shop in the West London location.

The actress was dressed in a white forensic coverall for the scenes, wrapping up in a navy padded coat as she battled the outdoor cold during filming.

Adding a pair of welly boots, her blonde locks were pulled back into a dutch milkmaid braid while the hair and makeup team touched her up before the cameras rolled.

Joined her for the scenes, John appeared to be portraying an inspector role as he sported a navy suit and red stiped tie for the scenes. 

He also donned welly boots while walking alongside the star as they approached a body doll lying on the ground, appearing to be a dead body.

Filming the scenes, the duo leaned down to inspect the body, with police tape wrapped around the scene. 

David Caves was also spotted on the scene later on with a bloody mark on his face, sporting a navy blue coverall.

The snaps mark the first time that cast has been spotted filming for the new season, after the airing of series 26 came to a close in February. 

Scene: In typical Silent Witness fashion, the on-screen forensic pathologist appeared to be inspecting a body found near the bridge

What a pair! Emilia Fox, who joined the show in 2004, got into character as Dr. Nikki Alexander for a 19th year as she was joined by new addition actor John Thomson

Chilly? The actress was dressed in a white forensic coverall for the scenes, wrapping up in a navy padded coat as she battled the outdoor cold during filming

Running since 1996, the drama follows forensic pathologists at the Lyell centre as they investigate gritty crimes and grapple with personal and professional hurdles.

Silent Witness is often filmed in London’s Acton, remaining close by with the new scenes at Hammersmith Bridge.

Emilia’s character Nikki is at the centre of the drama and finally came together romantically with colleague Jack Hodgson (David Caves) during the series 26 finale – after a decade of a ‘will they, won’t they’ storyline.

Despite joining the show back in 2004, the actress isn’t planning on stepping down anytime soon.

She recently told Radio Times: ‘I have always said that I would like to do this job while I love it, and I still love it,’ she said. ‘And they might say, ‘No, we don’t want you to do this anymore,’ and that’s someone else’s decision.’

While there is no official release date for the new series, it is expected to be released around January 2024 – if it follows suit of previous airing schedules.