\'Silent Witness\' has been renewed for two more series.
The BBC have confirmed the long-running crime drama will stay on screen to celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2022, despite two major characters, Clarissa Mullery (Liz Carr) and Thomas Chamberlain (Richard Lintern) departing the show in its series 23 finale on Wednesday (05.02.20).
Piers Wenger, BBC Drama Controller, confirmed: "\'Silent Witness\' entertains audiences from all generations and continues to be one of the UK\'s most successful returning crime drama series.
"I\'m thrilled it will continue to grip the nation in 2021, and can\'t wait for viewers to see what is in store for its 25th Anniversary in 2022."
Meanwhile, show bosses have paid tribute to their departing cast members.
Executive producer Richard Stokes said: "Liz and Richard, in their individual and brilliant ways, brought so much to Silent Witness. They have been much loved characters and will be missed by us all at The Lyell."
Liz is "incredibly proud" of her long stint on the show as she was only supposed to feature in a handful of episodes.
She said: "After eight years of getting to play the fabulous character Clarissa Mullery, I\'ve decided it\'s time to leave \'Silent Witness\'. To quote Clarissa, \'I just know, deep down -- that it\'s time for me to move on, to focus less on the dead and more on the living. On life.\'
"Originally only employed for four episodes as Jack\'s sidekick, I am incredibly proud that I leave as a main character in one of the BBC\'s landmark dramas.
"\'Silent Witness\' has given me such an amazing opportunity to develop as an actor but I know this is the right time to take a leap of faith, leaving what I know and seeing what other opportunities await. It has been a rollercoaster of a ride but I feel I\'m leaving on an exhilarating high."
The actress went on to pay tribute to her co-stars, including Emilia Fox, David Caves, Dan Weyman and Richard.
She added: "I will very much miss the other Lyell regulars -- Emilia, David and Richard along with my on-screen husband, Dan Weyman -- I have loved working alongside them for the past eight series and I leave knowing I have their love and support for my decision.
"My hugest thanks goes out to the audiences and fans who have followed me and Clarissa over the years. Without your love for the character, I doubt I\'d have made it through my first series! I hope you\'ll understand why we felt it was time to leave and that you\'ll continue your support for \'Silent Witness\' whilst hopefully following me in all my future adventures."
