fans became emotional just minutes into the season finale of the long running BBC drama as they realised they would have to say goodbye to the show for another year.

The episode saw Dr Nikki Alexander (played by Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) preparing for their eagerly awaited weddding while they also tracked a former soldier turned killer who was suffering from a traumatic brain condition.

As things began to heat up viewers took to X to express their sadness that the show was ending. "#SilentWitness Oh here we go!! So sad it's the final episode though. It's been brilliant!" one commented.

Another added: "Already feeling emotional wreck #SilentWitness." A third chimed in: "@EmiliaFox can't believe this is the last in the series, it's gone so quick. Been brilliant as ever. #SilentWitness."

"Another great series of #SilentWitness! The ending was a long time coming!" a fourth wrote referring to Nikki and Jack's impending nuptials.

The two part final instalment was appropriately entitled I Believe In Love and featured recognisable guest stars with two former soap stars front and centre of the story.

One time EastEnders star Joe Absolom played Kelvin Price while Emmerdale alum Amy Nuttall played his estranged ex-wife Peggy.

For much of the two episodes Kelvin appeared to be part of a gang as he went on his killing spree. A surprise twist in the final minutes of the show revealed this was not the case though and the men who were egging him on were in fact in his imagination.

After taking hostages he was shot by police and when Nikki examined his body it transpired they were correct about his brain injury, which he suffered during his time in the army. The implication was the abnormality had been the reason for his actions.

With the case solved Nikki and Jack were free to marry. While they had spent much of the episode trying to organise the logistics of their wedding in between work, their plans went out the window.

When Nikki told Jack she didn't need a big wedding with lots of people he decided they should just go ahead and do it.

They ended up having an intimate ceremony only witnessed by the team and the series ended with them looking forward to their life together as they walked through the city.

Their story will pick up in series 29 which is expected to begin early next year.

All series of Silent Witness are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.