‘Silent Witness: Protection’, a two part film and the latest instalment of the long-running crime procedural, will air on BBC One on Monday, 19th January and Tuesday, 20th January at 9pm.
Irish director Daniel O’ Hara – who made his name with short film ‘Yu Ming is Ainm Dom’ and has previously directed UK dramas such as ‘Skins’ and ‘Being Human’ - will helm the two episodes, with Belfast actor David Caves once again reprising the lead role of maverick forensic scientist Dr Jack Hodgson.
Speaking to IFTN about the episode, O’Hara said: ‘From a director's point of view, ‘Silent Witness’ is a great show to work on. There is no real serial element so each two part story is like its’ own film. The lead cast is brilliant - they love diving into a new investigation each time and we get to assemble a guest cast specific to this story.’
The guest cast assembled for ‘Protection’ features a strong Irish contingent with actors Amy Huberman, Des Mc Aleer and Pauline Cadell all set to appear.
Speaking about his guest actors on the upcoming two-parter, the director said: ‘It was nice to have a few Irish voices on set! In 'Protection', Des Mc Aleer and Pauline Cadell are great as a husband and wife who had come through tough times and Amy Huberman is brilliant. I worked with her on ‘The Clinic’ a while ago and she is great at comedy of course, but she has a very serious role here, one that people will identify with. It's been a good show for Irish directors too. Thaddeus O'Sullivan and Anthony Byrne have directed films for the series over the past couple of years.’
Working on a two parter of ‘Silent Witness’ is not new territory for O’ Hara after his work last year on a film entitled ‘Commodity’.
He said: ‘Silent Witness’ is quite a busy shoot so it’s nice to go in this time knowing what to expect and having relationships there with the lead actors and crew from my time here before.’
O’Hara is currently directing a series nine episode of ‘Dr Who’ – slated to air on BBC later in the year.
‘Silent Witness: Protection’ will air on BBC One on Monday, 19th January at 9pm and on Tuesday, 20th January – also at 9pm.
Check out the trailer for the two-part film below: