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BBC Reshuffles Silent Witness Schedule After Birmingham Machete Attack

The broadcaster cited sensitivity over a storyline about a racially motivated stabbing set in the city.

Overview

  • Episodes 3–4 of Series 29 (The Enemy Within) were withdrawn hours before broadcast, with episodes 5–6 (Creekwood) airing in their place.
  • A BBC spokesperson linked the switch to a weekend attack in Birmingham in which two boys, aged 14 and 15, were injured; police said a 12-year-old was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and one victim has life‑changing injuries.
  • The postponed two-parter centers on a fatal stabbing in Birmingham and rising racial tensions, closely paralleling aspects of the real incident and this season’s new setting.
  • The show’s official Instagram and updated BBC schedules notified viewers of the late change and directed audiences to BBC iPlayer.
  • Broadcasters list the pulled episodes to air next week following a brief wave of viewer confusion on social media about the swap.