'Ageing is something to CELEBRATE'

Vowing never to become an actor, Emilia Fox has now been in Silent Witness since 2004

- VICKI POWER

As the star of Silent Witness, we've watched Emilia Fox age gracefully before our eyes. After joining the forensic pathology drama in 2004 when she was 30, during her long tenure in the role of Dr Nikki Alexander, Emilia has lived a full life on screen and off- she's married and divorced, become a mum, and found love again.

Now 47 and having matured into the role of Nikki, Emilia says she is embracing this stage of her life. Certainly, it's looking good, with a solid career in the much-loved TV series and a new love TV producer Jonathan Stadlen.

Emilia had been married to Chernobyl actor Jared Harris between 2005 and 2010, and later had her daughter, Rose, with ex-partner and peace campaigner Jeremy Gilley.

As Emilia approaches her 48th birthday in July, she says, 'I am in my 40s and I want to have a darn good time and feel good about it. Ageing is something we should be grateful for it's a marvellous thing that we've learnt more and experienced more. It's something to celebrate!'

This year she has amilestone to celebrate. Silent Witness has reached its 25th series, which is an incredible achievement in an ever-more-competitive TV landscape.

The story of forensic pathologists who investigate suspicious deaths has gripped the public since it debuted in 1996 with Amanda Burton in the lead role. Since Burton's departure in season eight and Emilia's takeover of the central spot, as Nikki, a flawed but clever forensic anthropologist, the series has continued to flourish.