Emilia Fox, best known as forensic pathologist Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC crime drama Silent Witness, has been in the role since 2004. The 52-year-old British star replaced original lead Amanda Burton, who had played the character for the first eight seasons.
Fox's performance continues to win praise after 22 years, and she is not planning to stop any time soon. Silent Witness is set to return in 2027, with filming officially started on the 30th series. Fox and co-star David Caves are both returning to the show.
First role in Pride and Prejudice
Fox comes from a distinguished acting dynasty. Her younger brother Freddie Fox is known for White House Farm, Cucumber and House of the Dragon. Her parents are actors Joanna David and Edward Fox, and her uncle is The Remains of the Day actor James Fox. Her cousins include Lewis star Laurence Fox, Sanditon's Jack Fox, and Lydia Fox. Her grandfather Robin Fox worked as a theatrical agent.
Before entering the industry, Fox studied English at St Catherine's College, Oxford. During her studies, she landed her first screen role in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, portraying Mr Darcy's younger sibling, Georgiana Darcy. The mini-series saw her act opposite Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, and also featured Adrian Lukis, Alison Steadman, Lucy Briers, Julia Sawalha, Anna Chancellor, Lucy Davis, Crispin Bonham-Carter, and David Bamber.
Career after Pride and Prejudice
Pride and Prejudice was just the beginning for Fox, who was a teen when she landed the part. She subsequently appeared in the BBC's 1999 adaptation of David Copperfield, Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), and the Oscar-winning WWII film The Pianist with Adrien Brody.
Even while working on Silent Witness, Fox has made time for other roles, starring in the likes of Delicious with Dawn French, The Trial of Christine Keeler, Legend Has It, and Signora Volpe.
Reflecting with Woman & Home about starring in Silent Witness, Fox explained what she appreciated most about the part. She said: “It’s given me some really lovely stability being able to really enjoy playing a character and get to know Nikki as well as I possibly can.” She continued: “I feel like we’ve grown alongside each other. I appreciate that so much.”
The star went on to praise the Silent Witness team and hailed co-star Caves, whom she “adored” after working together for 14 years. She also praised all the experts who came onto Silent Witness to serve as advisors on the storylines, saying she learnt much from them. Pride and Prejudice is streaming on U and BBC iPlayer now.
