The BBC drama has seen its fair share of shocks over a mammoth 21 series, and a number of cast changes, but tonight it went one step further to have a brand new character propose after only one date.
Doctor Nikki Alexander (played by Emilia Fox) had embarked on a flirtatious tryst with American embassy employee Matt Garcia (Michael Landes) in yesterday’s first part of A Special Relationship, which concluded tonight.
Following a successful first date the pair slept together, but Nikki was suddenly left alone and her new beau was kidnapped by an unhinged South African killer out for political revenge.
As the team finally managed to rescue Matt from the mystery gunman, it wasn’t long until he was healing and leaving hospital to be with Nikki once more.
Showing a rare emotional side, Nikki began to reveal all about her horrific experience in Mexico last season, even referencing her colleague Jack Hodgins’ (David Caves) struggle to cope after the ordeal.
She then confessed: “I want as many good things as possible in my life, and I think I do want to share it with someone.
“Yeah someone. You, I want to share it with you,” she added shyly, as the pair embraced.
But the character wasn’t prepared for Matt’s sudden declaration of love as he tugged off her hairband and wrapped it around her ring finger.
“Wait I didn’t mean… You are absolutely bl**dy crazy,” she laughed in dismay.
Puzzled, fans took to Twitter at the bizarre twist.
“Oh my god you’ve banged once..that we know of. What the hell makes him so special they’re even having this conversation #SilentWitness,” one person asked.
Another wrote: “I’m crying. This is so bad it’s hilarious. #SilentWitness.”
Not everyone felt the same, as one person said: “I love Matt and Nikki #silentwitness,” echoed by: “@mclandes @EmiliaFox Ok, VERY excited for #MichaelLandes to appear in more #SilentWitness in the future!! I bl**dy hope so!!! #Nikki & #Matt make a cute couple!”
Regardless of the reaction, American character Matt headed back to Washington for another job opportunity, leaving Nikki to say her emotional goodbyes.
Speaking about a potential return, actor Michael told Radio Times: “I get offered a big job to go back to America but it’s set up that it’s not over. I can get a ticket, I can come back, she can come and visit me. I think they love each other but that’s my take.
“I think adults know who they are and what they want and I think going through trauma could make people a little more vulnerable or raw or open.
“It does happen quickly but I don’t think love has a rule.”
Silent Witness continues Monday at 9pm on BBC One.
