TVTV NewsSilent WitnessThe long-running BBC crime drama has been popular with fans since it first aired in 1996.09:37, 22 Jul 2026The BBC confirmed the news this week.‌It's been announced that the beloved crime-drama Silent Witness has been put out to competitive tender.‌This means that the BBC are inviting external production companies to compete and pitch to them in order to obtain a contract to produce the series.‌The BBC have an obligation to open its television and radio production to competitive render Under the terms of its 2016 BBC Charter and Agreement.An official statement by the BBC reads: "We're putting the production of long-running BBC drama Silent Witness out for competition."The full invitation to tender, including eligibility criteria, will be published on this website in the coming weeks, with enough time for suppliers to do appropriate research and preparation.‌"The BBC will continue to broadcast the programme and will retain all rights. This activity forms part of our commitment to making a range of commissioning opportunities available to the market."This comes days after Silent Witness fans have issued the same demand ahead of its upcoming series.‌In March, series 29 came to an end with viewers thrilled that another instalment was on the way as the BBC confirmed shortly afterwards that series 30 would air next year.On the show's official Instagram, they showed a throwback clip of beloved character Clarissa Mullery (Liz Carr) leaving the programme in 2020 after eight years.Content cannot be displayed without consent‌It wasn't long before people commented on her emotional exit, with many urging Liz to reprise her role in the future.One person said: "I miss Clarissa; she played that character brilliantly. I wish she would make a guest appearance in Season 30."Someone else wrote: "Clarissa, you legend! What an amazing character she was, and Liz Carr played her perfectly. She's sorely missed, and I'd love to see her make a guest appearance in series 30!"‌Another commented: "I miss Clarissa and so hope that she will make a visit to the Bowman Centre in S30!!! Btw, these last two eps (S23) were shocking to me as I really didn't think that she was going to leave - especially after losing Thomas!While a fourth shared: "I would love Clarissa to make a guest announcement for S30 anniversary. Missed very much. X"Article continues belowSilent Witness is available to watch on BBC iPlayerChoose Daily Mirror as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.‌Silent WitnessBBC