fans said the same thing as they tuned in to watch the first episode of series 28 on Monday night.
During the episode, Dr. Nikki Alexander (played by Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) were joined by two new cast members – Maggie Steed and Francesca Mills.
In the new series, Maggie Steed plays Harriet Maven – the new Head of The Lyell Centre – while Francesca Mills plays Kit Brooks, a Crime Analyst who works with Jack.
The synopsis for the first instalment reads: “Part one of two. The body of an elderly woman is found in a cave, with her fingerprints burnt off and a posy of foxgloves at her side that she did not pick herself.
“The case is complicated further when they discover that she died three months before her body was discovered. Jack is apprehensive about the arrival of their new boss, Professor Harriet Maven (Maggie Steed).”
Don’t miss…
Maggie Steed made an appearance in the new series (Image: BBC)
However, just moments into the new series, fans took to social media to share their thoughts and many noticed that two characters seemed to be missing from the long-running drama.
Fans quickly questioned where Velvy (Alastair Michael) and Gabriel (Aki Omoshaybi) were.
Taking to X, one wrote: “No Velvey or Gabriel? Not a good start.”
“Subtle way of telling us Velvy’s b****red off then #SilentWitness,” another penned while a third added: “So that explains why Gabriel and Velvy have left. I had thought Gabriel would be to do with the university and I’m so pleased for Velvy. Jack has been a good mentor and inspiration to him.”
Someone else commented: “And just as I was warming to Velvey’s infectious smile, they’ve binned him off. #silentwitness.”
Gabriel and Velvy seemed to be missing (Image: BBC)
“Will Velvy and Gabriel be returning to this series? #SilentWitness,” another asked.
One fan shared their disappointment: “No Gabriel, Velvy or Cara is disappointing #silentwitness.” (sic)
The synopsis for the second episode, which airs tomorrow night, reads: “As Benjamin continues his search for Gloria, Nikki makes a disturbing discovery that brings them closer to the truth.
“Plus, a new team member joins the Lyell, and Lauren and Gary find themselves unknowingly caught up in a scam.”
Silent Witness returns on Tuesday at 9pm on One.