Post Mortem

One of the most distinctive features of Silent Witness is its focus on the post mortem process. The pathologists spend much of their time in the Lyell Centre's laboratory, so a huge amount of effort is spent ensuring this aspect of the series is as intriguing and authentic as possible. Click on the clips below to hear more about the post mortems - not for the squeamish.

The Actors

• Emilia Fox - autopsy process

  Emilia describes the autopsy process and how it affects her.

• Tom Ward - post mortem

  Tom Ward talks about his first real-life experience of a post mortem, which was also the first time he met co-star William Gaminara!

• Emilia Fox - post mortem

  Emilia Fox talks about her first experiences of observing real-life post mortems.

• William Gaminara - post mortem

  William Gaminara talks about his first experience of a real-life post mortem process. It was also the first time he met co-star Tom Ward!

• The actors and pathology

  Forensic pathologist Ben Swift talks about how Tom Ward, Emilia Fox and William Gaminara have all learnt a lot about forensic pathology from their roles in Silent Witness.

Prosthetics

• Creating the Silicone Head

  Prosthetics Supervisor Pauline Fowler talks exclusively about the challenges of making the silicone heads for the bodies of the deceased.

• The Making of the Brain

  Prosthetics Supervisor Pauline Fowler describes the process of creating life-like brains for the actors to examine in the cutting room.

• HD TV and Silicone Bodies

  Prosthetics Supervisor Pauline Fowler talks about the making of the incredibly life-like bodies for the show, and the new challenges faced thanks to high-definition television.