Amanda Burton will return to 'Silent Witness' for the show's 25th anniversary.
Amanda Burton
The 64-year-old actress - who starred in the BBC One drama as pathologist Sam Ryan from 1996 to 2004 before her character left to be with her family in Northern Ireland - is set to make an epic comeback in 2022.
She said in a statement: "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.”
She'll be back with cast members Emilia Fox (Nikki Alexander), David Caves (Jack Hodgson) and Genesis Lynea (Simone Tyler) when the show returns for six new episodes next year.
Emilia described Amanda's return as "the greatest way" to mark the show's milestone.
She added: "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.' ”
And the producers are also delighted to have her back in the fold, with Lawrence Till confirming Sam will be "at the centre of the series".
Lawrence - Executive Producer, BBC Studios Production commented: "I am delighted that Amanda agreed to return to 'Silent Witness' for its Silver Anniversary.
"'Silent Witness' has a large and loyal audience and remains as popular as it has ever been with audiences regularly consolidating at over six million viewers.
"It is fantastic to have Sam Ryan at the centre of the series again alongside our other Lyell characters for a monumental story told in six parts.”
While Jo McClellan - Executive Producer for BBC One - said: "We are so excited for Amanda’s return to the show in its 25th Anniversary year and the centenary of the BBC itself.
"It’s a huge treat for audiences and a reminder of the legacy of this great drama over its many brilliant series and promises an exciting future for series to come.”
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