NINETEEN years after its innovative, trail-blazing debut, pathology and forensics drama Silent Witness returns for five two-part stories. Emilia Fox who plays Dr Nikki Alexander agreed to be examined about her ten years in the series.

What initially attracted you to the role?

When Nikki was first introduced she was a tomboy and she was a real live wire. She’d thrown herself into everything whether it’d be hobbies or work or the people that she became involved with. She was really good at betting on horse racing – I remember that. Her specialist skills were archaeological anthropology and I found that fascinating linked with the pathology as well, so there was something to really get your teeth into as an actress.

What do you think are Nikki’s best and worst traits?

Nikki’s best trait is that she throws herself into her work with heart and soul but it’s probably also her worst trait because she sometimes gets involved too deeply and can’t really stand back from the situation. She has terrible taste in male suitors and I think that is probably to do with an absent father

Do you relate to Nikki yourself?

We’ve sort of grown together over ten years, so I do relate to her in because I have been her for so long. She contains a lot of me in her. I try to keep elements separate but she’s been a constant through all sorts of bits of my own life, so yes I do relate to her in many ways.

Do you have to research for your role?

When I got the part, it was suggested that I go and see an autopsy. He was an old man, so it seemed like a natural death but what was fascinating was the process of going through the body until finally pinning down exactly what it was that had caused his death.

My fear was that I would faint or be embarrassing in that situation, and of course because it was so riveting you don’t. I really understood why Silent Witness is a programme that people are interested in, because it is the detective process of going through the body and the clues are there in front of you.

I remember being on the train going back and feeling quite upset by it. Then by the end of the train journey I thought actually, no, life is all about living it in the moment and making the most of it while you’re here. This was backed up by a second autopsy I saw on a young man who had a tragic untimely death, which really reconfirmed that we must make the most of life.

Do you have a most memorable moment so far?

My most memorable moment was when I sat as myself at the desk in the science room, and Tom (Ward) who was playing Harry came in and went ‘That’s my desk you’re sitting at’ and from that moment it formed that relationship which was always teasing. It happened unexpectedly but it really was the foundation for the next eight years of filming.

How do you balance your work and family life?

It’s a juggle. You’ve just got to constantly keep the balls in the air and have lots of support, which I do with Rose’s Dad and Cassie who lives with me. Contrary to what people believe – that filming can be difficult being a parent – it can also be incredibly good because you get afternoons, mornings or days off.

So there are lots of opportunities to go back and be with my daughter, Rose, that I wouldn’t have if I was doing a nine to five job. The studio is really close to my house, so I’ve always been able to go backwards and forwards in any breaks I have in the day. In fact she used to have her very own Silent Witness room which was way bigger than any of our trailers.