Emilia Fox, best known for her role in Silent Witness, has garnered praise for her latest crime drama Signora Volpe, which fans are comparing to Channel 5's The Madame Blanc Mysteries. The series, which premiered in 2022, features Fox as Sylvia Fox, a former MI6 operative who moves to the Italian countryside seeking a quieter life.
Plot and Setting
Upon arriving in Italy for her niece's wedding, Sylvia finds herself embroiled in a mystery when the groom vanishes and a woman's corpse is discovered in his garden. These events trigger a series of investigations where she uses her intelligence expertise and espionage training, facing danger at every turn.
The show debuted with three feature-length episodes and quickly captivated audiences with its blend of detective work, drama, and stunning Italian scenery, a stark contrast to the often dreary British settings of Silent Witness.
Reception and Ratings
According to IMDb, the series maintains an average score of 7.5/10, with viewers praising its unhurried pace, compelling mysteries, and engaging lead performance. One fan described it as having "beautiful scenery with good acting and interesting stories," adding that Emilia Fox is "always a joy to watch." Another viewer commented on Rotten Tomatoes: "Has all the right stuff, without needing to misrepresent the General population demographics. Love the show! Keep it going." A third added: "Wonderful series: intelligent, warm, suspenseful. Excellent character portrayals. Thoroughly engaging. Beautiful to look at."
Cast and Availability
Fox leads the cast as Sylvia Fox, joined by Tara Fitzgerald as Isabel Vitale, Sylvia's sister; Giovanni Cirfiera as Capitano Riva, the local police captain; and Matteo Carlomagno as Matteo Vitale, Sylvia's nephew. The second season premiered in 2024, and a third season has already been confirmed. Signora Volpe initially streamed on Acorn TV in the UK but is now available for free on Channel4.com.
