BBC Silent Witness fans have been left divided over the onscreen romance of show leads Emilia Fox, 50, and David Caves, 46, in the new outing of the long-running drama.
The previous series ended with Caves’ character Jack Hodgson proposing to Fox’s alter-ego Dr Nikki Alexander which brought their formerly will-they-won’t-they relationship to the forefront.
In the first episode of the latest run, which kicked off on Monday, Nikki and her team were tasked with solving the murder of an elderly woman whose body was found in a cave.
The two-part storyline deals with the question of what would drive someone to harm such a vulnerable person.
However, away from the investigation, Nikki and Jack also shared many an intimate moment in the series opener, including flirty exchanges in the offices and charged kisses in plaint sight.
Reflecting on her character’s new relationship ahead of the series return, Fox had said it was “the most wonderful feeling when the audience really like something and feel that they’ve got what they wanted.”
Fans were divided over the new onscreen relationship
BBC
Evidently, this was not what every fan wanted as they took to social media to debate the newly loved-up leads during the debut episode on Monday – with some questioning the overly affectionate interactions.
“Of all the absurd aspects to #SilentWitness, the greatest is the relationship between Nikki and Jack. Surely the least believable couple since Trump and Melania,” one disappointedfan quipped.
Another was put off straight away: “10 mins into the new #silentwitness and I am starting to feel that this show needs to be put to sleep. 3 series along and I still hate the Nicky and Jack relationship and there is some horrible acting in this episode!”
Others took issue with the onscreen amorous displays put on by the engaged main characters.
Some viewers were immediately put off by the onscreen romance
BBC
“Ha! Here goes guys .. week 1 of 10 of the rollercoaster that is #SilentWitness. Already the kissing is getting on my nerves,” one wrote.
Another posted incredulously: “I’m not dreaming this right? We’re starting this season with office flirting??!!?!??! And a near af make out scene, okay #silentwitness.”
“Jack and Nicky as a couple is just… odd,” an unconvinced third viewer chipped in.
Despite the negativity, other fans loved the development of Jack and Nikki’s relationship and similarly shared their thoughts online.
One viewer glowed: “Watching Jack and Nikki in a relationship whilst working together really does hit different. The beautiful moments they have together really does shed a little bit of light into a sometimes dark world.”
“What an opener! All the Jakki, making out in the office, Jack’s humour, Harriet’s arrival, the beautiful scenery and the classic twisty who dunnit!! #SilentWitness has done it again, the reason why it’s been going strong since 1996,” another praised. (sic)
Speaking to the BBC before the series debut, both Fox and Caves had spoken glowingly about each other as they approached the new direction with their characters.
Fox has starred on Silent Witness for 22 years
BBC
“You can always rely on him for the most amazing performance. He’s an incredibly skilled actor, which makes it very easy to play opposite him,” Fox said of her co-star while speaking with the BBC.
She added that their relationship of “familiarity and a trust in each other” means she relies on Caves “more than any other actor I’ve ever worked with”.
Remarking on Fox, Caves was similarly full of praise and admiration.
The 46-year-old revealed he had “tremendous time and love for Emilia”.
