Silent Witness fans were in tears after last night’s episode and have demanded a major shake-up from BBC writers.

The latest instalment of the crime drama saw Dr Nikki Alexander and her team handle a case after a woman’s severed hand was found, leading to the forensic pathologist navigating court as the investigation developed.

Soon the hand was identified as Faith’s, a female barrister who was missing, and suspicions began to turn towards a man called Stefan.

Nikki told Faith’s partner, Lucy, that there was some hope she may be still alive.

Unknown DNA was found on Faith’s hand and Nikki suggested conducting a DNA test on Faith’s son, Josh.

The Doctor’s gentle interactions with the young boy caused emotional responses from some viewers, with some even urging Nikki to have her own child in the plot. 

After what was the fifth episode of the 28th series, fans took to social media to share their views. 

Emilia Fox as Dr Nikki Alexander in last night’s episode of Silent Witness

The Doctor’s gentle interactions with the young boy caused emotional responses from some viewers, with some even urging Nikki to have her own child in the plot

They claimed that Nikki deserved to have a family of her own after displaying strong maternal instincts and handling of children – and urged the show’s writers to take note.

One fan wrote on X: ‘And once again we see Nikki’s maternal nature and love of children in dealing with Josh. Surely this must be pointing to something… #SilentWitness.’

Another emotionally penned: ‘The way Nikki looks at the kid and makes him feel so comfortable with her in an instant she’s so maternal #silentwitness.’

Someone else commented: ‘Nikki and another child. Please make this woman a Mum. #silentwitness.’

A fourth posted: ‘She would make the sweetest mom.’

While another said: ‘Nikki with kids is so cute.’ 

Someone else wrote: ‘Nikki and children.’

Another viewer said: ‘Oh Nikki you can see how she’s trying to hold it together.’

While someone else commented on the episode as a whole: ‘Harrowing episode but very good.’ 

Viewers don’t have long to wait as the next episode airs tonight.

After the latest instalment of the 28th series, fans took to social media to share their views

There will be ten episodes in total this series, all an hour long and broadcast on Mondays and Tuesdays. 

The 28th series of the much-loved BBC drama kicked off earlier this month and just last week fans took to social media to question the low lighting.

The episode saw Dr Nikki investigate the murder of an estate agent.

However, many fans were left baffled about why they filmed the scenes with barely any light – which they said made it hard to actually see what was going on.

Watch Silent Witness on BBC One or stream it on iPlayer.