Seventeen years after leaving the Lyell, Sam Ryan returns asking for the team's help after a political assassination. There was a succession of regular supporting characters, changing almost every series, but Dr Leo Dalton (William Gaminara) and Dr Harry Cunningham (Tom Ward), who were introduced in the sixth series, continued as lead characters following Ryan's departure, with Dalton replacing her as professor. Crimes through the eyes of a team of forensic pathologists and forensic scientists. Universal then took over the releases beginning with series 22 on 20 November 2019, and have re-released some earlier seasons this time as individual seasons rather than 2 season editions. 's newsletter, you acknowledge that you have read and accepted hellomagazine.com's privacy policy, the cookies policy, and the website terms of use, and that you consent to hellomagazine.com using your data according to the established laws. We have already mentioned Amandas time on The Commander and her new role in Marcella. But the discovery of her long-lost son confirms that it's time to confront her own past - and her future - and move on. Silent Witness viewers were obsessing over Amanda Burton's return to the forensic thriller after 18 years off-screen. The Keith Miller is a gorgeous Australian cricketer, who used to look particularly dashing at Ascot in a top hat). However, after their mother's death, Wyn moved in with Sam. In 1998, the writer John Milne received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for the second series episode "Blood, Sweat and Tears". [7] The vocal section is performed by Sarah Leonard.[8]. His replacement, Dr Thomas Chamberlain (Richard Lintern), is introduced at the start of the 17th series. A junior sergeant, who joined the team alongside his superior officer, Rachel Selway. Friends Like These: Part 1: Directed by Richard Signy. She is committed to delivering justice wherever she can. Her co-star Emilia weighed in: Its awkward, because they have mutual respect for each other, and are curious about each other. When a second body is discovered, Sam's evidence is called into question, and is used to create the information that the police need to solve the case, before the killer strikes again. More recently, fans will instantly recognise Ruth Gemmell for her part in Netflix smash-hit Bridgerton, in which she plays Lady Violet Bridgerton. spotsylvania regional medical center news silent witness sam ryan son joe There was also a suggestion that her subsequent role as Commander Clare Blake on ITV's The Commander was a driving force behind her move. Lets get the exit explained and consider what the actress did after playing Sam Ryan. An ex-husband, who has left you for a slimmer model but who is prepared to do a little light baby sitting, just won't do. He is succeeded by forensics expert Jack Hodgson (David Caves) and his assistant Clarissa Mullery (Liz Carr). {{#media.media_details}} {{#media.focal_point}}. In the United States the series airs during 'Mystery Monday' on BBC America. Men writers, of course, go and sit in a shed in the garden. While Sam was still growing up, she witness her father be killed in a car explosion. This is pointed out by Trevor, who tells her that she needs to learn to cooperate with the police and work as a team. He is eventually identified by his ex-girlfriend Selina Thomson as Marcus Saul, who had simply disappeared one day some seven years earlier. The 25th series, broadcast in 2022, introduced a new format consisting of one story in six episodes.[1]. [1], Amanda Burton starred as primary character Dr. Sam Ryan before leaving the show during the eighth series. When a truck backs into the corner of a building, a man's decomposing body is found in the wall. Each series is typically made up of a series of two-part stories. If youve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us [email protected], calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page wed love to hear from you. The Lyell Center team solve more than just the original case that took them to Northern Ireland. Now, were sort of seeing that she could be a bit of a double-edged sword, she explained. One of Britain's longest running crime dramas. In 2006, she came back to portray DI Beth Ashdown, and in 2014, played Ellie Brooke. hey cannot thus get rid of their relations," said Mrs Gaskell, referring to women writers and their family responsibilities. When Adams dismisses the death as an open and shut case, one of his juniors, DS Stanley Sharman, decides to enlist Sam's help, to discover the identity of the dead womanand discover just who is responsible for her death. Jaye Griffiths has been a long-running cast member. Probably in a shed. Drama following a team of forensic pathologists as they conduct murder investigations. Marcia Evans 8 episodes, 1996 Arsher Ali . The main character in the original series was based on Professor Helen Whitwell, a forensic pathologist based in Sheffield, who McCrery had known while serving as a police officer. Crimes through the eyes of a team of forensic pathologists and forensic scientists.Crimes through the eyes of a team of forensic pathologists and forensic scientists.Crimes through the eyes of a team of forensic pathologists and forensic scientists. As Silent Witness fans begin Series 24, . Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter to get other stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Detective Constable Marcia Evans (Janice Acquah) series 1. Beryl Ryan 6 episodes, 1996 Michael Landes . By Joe Anderton. Really. Most notably Mrs Merton's question to Debbie McGee: "What first attracted you to the millionaire Paul Daniels? It was also reported at the time that there were tensions and "clashes" behind the scenes between Amanda and crew members. His fate at the end of series 3 was not revealed. He said in a statement: "I have had a fantastic time on the show but feel now is the appropriate time to move on hopefully to other ventures.". Like this story? With Iain Robertson, Christopher Fairbank, Amanda Burton, Mick Ford. He is close to his aunt Sam and goes to stay with her in the debut . Amanda first joined in 1996 but left during series eight, explaining at the time that it was "time to move on". 2023 TV GUIDE, A FANDOM COMPANY. I will so miss @EmiliaFox, #DavidCaves, #RichardLintern and #DanielWeyman. Sam is a highly skilled and diligent pathologist. Shes up to something #SilentWitness, echoed another. There has also been a break-in on campus and drugs have been stolen. After the season 24 finale saw Sam Ryan ringing Nikki Alexander (Emilia. Season 25. Ruth McCabe played Amanda Burton's on-screen sister, Wyn Ryan, and die-hard fans will know that Wyn's relocation to Ireland is one of the reasons behind Sam's move to Ireland upon her departure. An episode first broadcast in April 2012 attracted criticism for its violent and sadistic content. 7.5 (177) Rate. Fans were delighted to see Sam back on-screen. Professor Samantha 'Sam' Ryan (originally titled Dr) was a forensic pathologist. The rain lashes down relentlessly. Its not all TV though, as she has also showcased her talents in such films as 2020s Body of Water (Susan) and earlier efforts like Bronson (Charlies Mum) starring Tom Hardy. Sam is befriended by the young mother who is conflicted. This page was last edited on 22 February 2023, at 16:43. The Dean asks Leo Dalton to speak to some of Read all. Though she also had a role with Cambridge University, giving both lectures and seminars. Emilia Fox plays Dr Nikki Alexander David Caves plays Jack Hodgson Alastair Michael plays Velvy Schur Aki Omoshaybi plays Gabriel. Sam! Episode 1 of 6. After reprising the role from 1996 to 2004, Amanda Burton felt that it was time to move on. Amanda played Dr Sam Ryan for a whopping . He was also notable for not having many speaking lines, and regularly appearing without speaking. Commander Somerville leads the police team who release them though it is Harry who finds the severely injured gunman. However, this was never explained fully by those involved. Now the ranks of the Slaters have thinned, a new family, the Millers, has moved into EastEnders (BBC 1). One commented on Twitter: What an episode, obsessed with Sam Ryan, that scene with Nikki and the look she gave as the phone rang has got me questioning everything right now #SilentWitness., A viewer wrote: Great to see #SilentWitness back on @BBCOne with @EmiliaFox @MrDavidCaves @GenesisLynea As always some twists and turns in tonights 1st episode and fun to have Sam Ryan return.but can she be trusted!? This was true of the Battersbys in Coronation Street and the Slaters in Walford. It was Paul Daniels. In a sinister twist, Joe was the husband of Ellie Miller, Olivia Colman's policewoman character. Evidence suggests that the killing may be linked to a particularly ritualistic form of the black arts, but Sam is unconvinced as the murder bears an uncanny resemblance to another murder committed in the same town many years ago. [9], The BBC had responded to the initial criticism of the episode by saying that it took its responsibility to its audience "extremely seriously" and always tried to "strike the right balance between compelling drama without being unnecessarily graphic". Meanwhile, as Tom Adams closes in on his prime suspect, Sam discovers that he may not be working alone, and a search is launched to find the accomplice of a dangerous criminal. In 2011, for example, Series 14 attracted an average audience of nine million viewers.[6]. Detective Sergeant Tony Speed (Richard Huw) series 2. Sam is asked to perform a second autopsy on a teenage boy who was killed in a tragic joyriding accident, when despite his parents' protests, the results of the autopsy seem clearhe died of multiple injuries consistent with a high-speed car crash. Dr Alexander is able to assist in a set of cases being investigated by the team, as it turns out she has "worked in forensic pathology in Johannesburg for six months" and is certified by the Home Office to practise. Director Ashley Pearce Writers Stephen Brady Nigel McCrery (deviser) Stars Mark Folan Deasy Paul Dinnen Bryan Murray Amanda Burton as Sam Ryan in Silent Witness series 25 (Credit: BBC One) . ", It is a truth universally acknowledged that any soap family that starts life as louts and layabouts invariably mellows into soft-centred sweeties. On the plus side, it has a large selection of lap dancers. A new character, Dr Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox), was introduced in mid-series eight, based on Dr Brooke Magnanti, a forensic scientist based in Sheffield. I had a very tough time When it started, it was incredible, it was so well received. He has been there for seven years, leading to some really gross conclusions. In Australia (Region 4), series 1 through 23 have been released on DVD through Roadshow Entertainment, starting with series 1 on 7 September 2006 through to series 21 on 28 May 2018. Jim "Bullseye" Bowen, the nearest thing to an undertaker ever to be a presenter, slowly turned to him and said in a Blackburn accent as flat as a cap: "What it is, Paul, is - they don't like you. Sam Ryan assists the police in the investigation of a multi-vehicle collision that results in the death of 11 people. It's not known whether Richard's on-screen death was due to him deciding to walk away from the show, or whether this was a writer's decision. Before the 16th series begins, Harry has left to accept a position in New York City. The pace of the film was funereal, with more pauses than a litter of kittens, but it was far better acted and written than Blue Murder, and featured some heart-stopping shots of icy Irish seas. The main cast of Silent Witness season 26 is as follows. 5 Feb 2020 BBC. With the best intentions. Professor Ryan makes peace with her past and takes control of her future. Yes, it was an amazing, amazing show. Then almost immediately, Jack (David Caves) and Nikki are thinking, Why have we been brought into this? Six celebrities, of whom I only recognised three, had to decide which of them was "flamboyant, naive, irritating and tragic". Rosie Chamberlain 8 episodes, 2018-2020 Doreen Hepburn . Its not just Nikki and Jack who have their suspicions, with fans also questioning The Lyells original pathologist after the episode was broadcast. The Lyell Center team solve more than just the original case that took them to Northern Ireland. Amanda Burton, well known at. At some point while still an adult in Ireland, Sam has an unexpected pregnancy. The actress, who played the iconic role of Sam Ryan from when the show started until series eight, has reprised her part for the 20th anniversary after being asked back by bosses. In the first episode of series 3, it is announced Wyn returned to Ireland. A young mother and her son are hooked up with a man who used to be the friend of the victim. 13 Sep. 2021. Silent Witness is a British crime drama television series produced by the BBC, which focuses on a team of forensic pathology experts and their investigations into various crimes. Similar to Emilia Fox and William Gaminara, Tom Ward, who played Harry Cunningham, was one of Silent Witness' longest standing cast members. Series 26 saw Aki Omoshaybi, Rhiannon May and Alistair Michael join the regular cast. He is filled with hatred. Silent Witness has given me such an amazing opportunity to develop as an actor but I know this is the right time to take a leap of faith, leaving what I know and seeing what other opportunities await.". She can also be too independent for her own good. As Andy, the natty gangster, said, "Personally, I think the whole neighbourhood's on the slide.". However, during the early years of the show several characters appeared regularly to investigate each case. Bad Love: Part 1. As for Sams fate in the narrative, its established that her character had to return home to Ireland after one of her family members became entangled in a murder case. A number of notable actors have made appearances in the show, including Shaun Dooley, John McEnery, Anastasia Hille, Nikki Amuka-Bird, Jack Bandeira,Phil Davis, Deborah Findlay, Duncan Preston, Emily Mortimer, Philip Glenister, Ken Stott, Brendan Coyle, Colin Salmon, Idris Elba, Roberta Taylor, Adrian Lester, Joe Absolom, Kevin Doyle, Nicholas Hoult, Adam James, Jesse Birdsall, Lesley Manville, Josette Simon, Neil Stuke, Stuart McQuarrie, Paul Copley, Robert Pugh, Melanie Hill, Chris Walker, Jack Dee, Christopher Colquhoun, Ace Bhatti, Richard Todd, Andrew Sachs, Suzanne Bertish, Neil Maskell, Stephen Moore, Anthony Head, Mel Martin, Sean Chapman, Bjrn Floberg, Marian McLoughlin, Angela Bruce, Richard Graham, Prunella Scales, Matthew Marsh, Philip Jackson, Paterson Joseph, Lia Williams, Shaun Dooley, Christopher Fulford, Ben Crompton, Nitin Ganatra, Stuart Graham, Russell Tovey, Neil Jackson, Ron Donachie, Benedict Cumberbatch, Chik Okonkwo, Kellie Bright, Tim Healy, Esther Hall, Michael Nardone, Jack Sheperd, Robert Cavanah, Deborah Findlay, Roshan Seth, Ashley Jensen, Dorian Healy, Cal MacAninch, Shelley King, Annabelle Apsion, Eva Birthistle, Don Gilt, Jude Akuwudike, Jaye Griffiths, John Bowe, Hilton Mcrae, Stephen Walters, Daniel Casey, Caroline Lee-Johnson, Peter Howell, James Hillier, Sorcha Cusack, James Laurenson, Daragh O'Malley, Kathy Kiera Clarke, Anton Lesser, Tom Wu, Peter Wight, Kate Fleetwood, David Harewood, Anastasia Hille, James Wilby, Ramon Tikaram, Richard Harrington, and Julia Ford. She joined the team alongside junior sergeant Tony Speed. There is a serious discovery at the concusion of the first part. Note: This article contains spoilers for Silent Witness' series 23 finale. Zak Khan (Arsher Ali) series 14. In Silent Witness, the mother-son relationship was exceptionally fraught, as Sam Ryan (Amanda Burton) and her son, Joe (Ciaran McMenamin), roared in each other's reddening faces. However, with the first instalment raising many more questions than it answered, actress Amanda has hinted there could be ulterior motives from her beloved character. However, he fails to spot the bomb planted on campus. He knew Peter Ross from a previous posting. The BBC was censured by the editorial committee of the BBC Trust, which said in its report: When the prison officer emerged from the toilet holding the bloodied stick with a pool of blood on the toilet floor, viewers were left in no doubt that an act of sexual violence was being carried out. 12. Who is she working for? He is eventually identified by his ex-girlfriend Selina Thomson as Marcus S Read allWhen a decomposed body is found hidden in the wall of an old factory building, Sam Ryan concludes he was murdered. Silent Witness original cast: Amanda Burton played Sam Ryan Silent Witness began on BBC One on February 21 1996, with a team led by Professor Sam Ryan. When a decomposed body is found hidden in the wall of an old factory building, Sam Ryan concludes he was murdered. [10] It said that "The final scene was not an attempt to gratuitously shock the audience; We acknowledge that certain scenes may have been challenging, but we filmed and presented them in such a way as to make sure that although as a viewer the implication was there, it was never actually shown. Amanda played Sam Ryan from 1996 to 2004 Credit: Alamy. ", it would have taken a heart of stone not to respond: "Pick up tha' musket! Professor Ryan makes peace with her past and takes control of her future. https://t.co/jF8afYLqFx pic.twitter.com/DXoa6vsNJz. Wyn Ryan (Ruth McCabe) series 13. First broadcast in 1996, the series was created by Nigel McCrery, a former murder squad detective based in Nottingham. She last appeared in the show in 2012. As Sam and Trevor uncover information surrounding the circumstances of the murders, elements that once seemed like coincidences soon appear to belong to a more horrific plan. Silent Witness favourite Amanda Burton returned as Professor Sam Ryan in a dramatic instalment on Monday night, but what is she really up to? When a glimpse of Professor Ryan's personal life is revealed to the audience, it leaves them curious for more. Long-Lost Relative: Revealed to have a son at the beginning of Series 8. Son of a surgeon, Dr. Harry Cunningham joined The Thomas Lyell Centre as a trainee pathologist, working alongside Sam Ryan and new recruit Leo Dalton . Shoppers say this new no-needle 'instant filler' is a game changer for lines and wrinkles, This 'curated ear design' brand is a go-to for fashion influencers - and we have a discount, 6 of our favourite bags from the luxe new accessories label to know. Trevor decided to stay in. Nigel McCrery. This series is very often intense and graphic during some of the autopsy scenes, but it is consistently well-written and well-acted. Its very intriguing because shes always been so much on the right side and has always had such integrity for the truth and all the rest of it. When a second body is discovered in similar circumstances, Sam finds herself dealing with a serial killer, who has the hunger to slaughter again. Director 79 Credits Renny Rye 154 Episodes 2020 Richard Signy 153 Episodes 2019 Thaddeus O'Sullivan 17. See production, box office & company info. She tries to remain neutral and detached, but sometimes becomes emotionally involved in her cases and will occasionally bend the rules or overstep her duties as a pathologist to find the truth. Professor Ryan makes peace with her past and takes control of her future.The Lyell Center team solve more than just the original case that took them to Northern Ireland. There has also been a br Read allWhen a decomposed body is found hidden in the wall of an old factory building, Sam Ryan concludes he was murdered. She told Metro.co.uk and other press: Is Sam really telling the truth? But neither Trevor nor Superintendent Tom Adams accepts her findings, and believe that she is reading between the lines. Find out more here Emma Thompson's daughter lands role in BBC's Silent Witness, Silent Witness: Viewers spot major blunder in series 25, Silent Witness viewers left worried for beloved character in 25th series return. As he was a police officer and it was during the Troubles, Sam initially believed that her father was killed by a bomb planted by the IRA. Fans are now working through its third season and acquainting themselves with the new addition of Amanda Burton as Katherine Maguire. She will now leave Silent Witness and resurface on ITV as a policewoman in The Commander. ", Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. The cast was joined by Genesis Lynea from series 24,[1] who departed at the end of series 25. When a decomposed body is found hidden in the wall of an old factory building, Sam Ryan concludes he was murdered. The drama's writer, Tim Prager, said: "When Tom Ward decided it was time for him to leave Silent Witness, he left with the gratitude of everyone involved in the show for the contribution he had made to its success.". Silent Witness continues tonight at 9pm on BBC One. Have something to tell us about this article? A promising year of television is already underway and January has delivered a number of highlights through broadcast and streaming. However, Sam's anguished cry last night of "It's just been one huge joke!" Both Blue Murder (ITV1) and Silent Witness (BBC1) were about career women up to their collar bones in children. On Tuesday, January 26th 2021, ITV audiences welcomed back Marcella to the screen at long last. Fans were delighted to see Sam back on-screen after 18 years away, where she was immediately plunged straight back into the centre of the action. MORE : Alice Levine admits shes terrified of panel shows: I did 8 Out Of 10 Cats and was completely frozen, MORE : Dan Walker shares first glimpse of new Channel 5 show days after quitting BBC Breakfast, Katie Price causes major headache for Channel 4 bosses as she quits TV comeback at last minute, Frankie Boyle rips into Matt Hancock in a few precious moments of pure comedy gold, Love Island fans cringe at Kai Fagans high school students watching steamy hideaway antics, Gogglebox star Ellie Warner reveals babys gender in adorable moment with sister Izzis young children. Nikki and Harry are trapped in a classroom with some students, one of whom, the mortally wounded Matt Frisk, was one of Jason's tormentors. Sam investigates a politician who was at the center of this kind of activity. Amanda Burton's Professor Sam Ryan is a clever, highly-intelligent and sometimes intimidating coroner and professor at London University. Silent Witness Wiki is a FANDOM TV Community. If you wish to change your mind and would like to stop receiving communications from hellomagazine.com, you can revoke your consent by clicking on "unsubscribe" in the footer of the newsletter. A charming child who, oddly, did not seem to recognise her. (I rather resent his name. The main character in the original series was based on Professor. By registering to HELLO! In other news, is a Silent Witness season 24 release date confirmed? Same and the others end up in Northern Ireland where her father, the cop, was assassinated. He is eventually identified by his ex-girlfriend Selina Thomson as Marcus Saul, who had simply disappeared one day some seven years earlier. A very relevant warning in the case of young Darren Miller. When female forensic pathologist Dr. Sam Ryan stumbles upon a mutilated body in a graveyard in the dark of night, the quiet English town of Northwick is changed forever. With Neil Jackson, Bernard Gallagher, Mary Healey, Jane Hazlegrove. Even Bernard Shaw, who had no children, sat in a shed to be on the safe side. When a decomposed body is found hidden in the wall of an old factory building, Sam Ryan concludes he was murdered. He is eventually identified by his ex-girlfriend Selina Thomson as Marcus Saul, who had simply disappeared one day some seven years earlier. For Sam, it is a case that is soon to turn personal. Sadly for fans, the dramatic final episode of season 24 is the last they'll see of our favorite regular characters, Dr Nikki Alexander, Jack Hodgson and the newly-introduced Simone Tyler, for quite some time until Silent Witness is back on our screens with the next season. The 64-year-old Northern Irish actress will be familiar to Silent Witness fans as Dr. Sam Ryan from seasons 1 through to 8, having reprised the role across 9 years. He is eventually identified by his ex-girlfriend Selina Thomson as Marcus Saul, who had simply disappeared one day some seven years earlier. The actress, who played the iconic role of Sam Ryan from when the show started until series eight, has reprised her part for the 20th anniversary after being asked back by bosses. In Blue Murder, DCI Janine Lewis (Caroline Quentin) has just returned to duty in a floppy top having had her fourth child. Sam can come across as being somewhat blunt or cold, but is warm and considerate towards her loved ones. Very little of Sam Ryan's private life leaks into the series, and the series' primary focus on the murder in question is somewhat unusual to this genre. Series 25. still from Silent Witness, BBC et al., IMDb. Sam moved to London after she was offered the job of professor at a university, becoming the head of the newly formed. Blue Murder is set in Manchester. Tom Adams' replacement, following his resignation from the force. On life'. Continuing the working-mother theme, a lap dancer, looking in her bag for the address of a brothel, takes out a packet of baby wipes. Professor Ryan makes peace with her past and takes control of her future. . Considering the show has run for a whopping 23 seasons and fans are anticipating more soon, some are wondering what made her give up the role. She called upon her successor Nikki Alexander (Emilia Fox) for help after her husband Jomo (Hugh Quarshie) was wounded in a shooting that killed the health secretary. The first three series were set in Cambridge. [9] There were 632 complaints made about the fifteenth-series episode Redhill, written by Ed Whitmore, which included a scene depicting a sadistic sexual and murderous attack. This British Nordic-noir series was written, directed and produced by Swedish screenwriter Hans Rosenfeldt (The Bridge) and first aired in April 2016. However, as Trevor performed the post mortem, Sam is reluctant to go up against her friend and colleague, in an attempt to find the answers that the family are looking for. What is the Hindi language plot outline for Silent Witness (1996)? Director Ashley Pearce Writers Stephen Brady Nigel McCrery (deviser) Stars Amanda Burton Daragh O'Malley Ciarn McMenamin Similar to other stars on the show, Jaye Griffiths appeared numerous times throughout the show's run. But the episode has a stark, intense ending which pushes the series in another direction. As well as being a pathologist in his own right, Trevor was Sam's business partner, owning half of the morgue and its facilities. The programme remained in an academic setting until the end of series 16 when the Lyell appeared to have become separated from the University and operated as a stand-alone institution. ", Paul Daniels is fated to be on the receiving end of such unplayable bouncers. "She comes back and it's not immediately obvious what her motives are, whether she's trustworthy. Save Last night, there was another significant development in the penultimate episode of Silent Witness season 25. In the style of a murder-cop show starring someone besides a cop, Professor Ryan manages to solve all of the cases herself, only occasionally calling on the aid of one of the actual police officers. However, his investigation is halted by the discovery of the decomposed body of a homeless drug addict in the local underground toilet block. Written by a woman. A fifth novel, "In Search of Evil", was due to be released in 2003, but its publication was cancelled. "[11], The show has also been criticised by reviewer Michael Hogan. She runs across her son (of course we don't know at this point what happened concerning him). Sam Ryan has appeared in a total of 54 episodes, giving her the fourth highest episode count out of all the main cast. WATCH: Silent Witness returns for the anniversary special, But Amanda isn't the only star who has walked away from the drama over the years. I will not keep you in agonising suspense. Amanda Burton returns to #SilentWitness, with six new episodes to mark the show . Put on a Bus: Leaves the show in Series 8 to spend more time with her family in Ireland. The actress joined the show back in 1996 as Sam Ryan and starred in 54 episodes before leaving in 2004 when her character returned home to Northern Ireland to be with her family. A chipmunk, observing SJ Perelman in his shed, deduced that his job was rolling up balls of paper and throwing them in a waste-paper basket.