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Silent Witness has been a staple part of late-night TV across British homes since 1996, and for three decades the BBC crime drama has kept viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the beloved whodunit. Led by Emilia Fox as Dr Nikki Alexander, she and a team of forensic pathologists and scientists work tirelessly to investigate heinous crimes and eventually catch those responsible. With over 28 series, the show holds the record for being the longest-running crime drama on television, surpassing its American rivals such as CSI.

Now, fans have inside knowledge of what it's like being on the set of Silent Witness, as Tonia Dunn opened up about her experience after landing a role on the show as an extra. She revealed that her real-life experience as a croupier guaranteed her a place, as production was seeking someone with casino experience. The mum-of-five admitted: "I didn't know it was Silent Witness actually, it just said a TV show in the Midlands, and I actually went to Chateau Impney, in Droitwich [Worcestershire]."

Speaking to the BBC, Tonia praised: "It was a brilliant experience and not like anything I'd ever done." As for the upcoming episode, she revealed that the interior of Chateau Impney was transformed into a casino for her scenes.

She went on: "[When I was there] I just thought 'I'll just treat it as though I'm in the casino' and that's what I did to try and combat the nerves about it."

Despite her addition to Silent Witness, the star, who hails from Sutton Coldfield, revealed that the secrecy surrounding the storyline "surprised" her.

Tonia added: "I didn't get to know any of the storylines at all, so it will be a surprise for me as well, but I can't wait to see it; it was really professional."

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On Tuesday (February 10), Silent Witness returned to screens with a brand-new episode titled Creekwood, which saw the team, along with Dr Nikki and Jack (played by David Caves), examine the body of an elderly man discovered at a building site.

The investigating officer, DI Ashley Moss (Lydia Wilson), quickly gets a lead when she follows two homeless people who may have seen what happened.

Their investigation is shaken when the post mortem offers up further clues, and as more evidence is gathered, the team find themselves looking into the mental health system both past and present.

The episode featured guest stars Lydia Wilson, Cat Simmons, Megan Cusack, Mark Stobbart, Nichola Burley and Yasmin Davies.