A mum of five from Sutton Coldfield has shared her excitement after appearing as an extra on the popular crime drama Silent Witness.
Tonia Dunn described the experience as unforgettable and said it made her feel like a star on set.
Tonia, who works as a croupier in real life, landed the role after a friend told her that a production company needed someone with casino experience. At first, she had no idea she would be working on one of the UK’s longest running crime shows.
From Casino Floor to TV Set
Tonia explained that the casting call did not mention Silent Witness. The job description only said it was for a television show filming in the Midlands. When she arrived at Chateau Impney in Droitwich, Worcestershire, she still did not realise the scale of the project.
Once on set, she discovered that the historic venue had been transformed into a casino for filming. The production team recreated the casino atmosphere inside the building to make the scenes look realistic.
Using Real Life Skills to Beat Nerves
Although the experience felt new and exciting, Tonia said she relied on her professional skills to stay calm. She treated the role just like a normal day at work.
She said that acting as if she was in a real casino helped her control her nerves. This approach allowed her to focus on her role and enjoy the moment instead of feeling overwhelmed.
Her confidence paid off, as she appeared in two scenes during filming. Despite this, she had little idea about the storyline or how her scenes would fit into the final episode.
A Professional and Memorable Experience
Tonia praised the professionalism of the cast and crew throughout the shoot. She said everyone worked efficiently, which made the environment welcoming and exciting.
Even though she did not learn much about the plot, she is looking forward to watching the episode when it airs. Like viewers at home, she will see the final result for the first time on screen.
She described the entire experience as something she had never done before and said it was truly special.
Looking Ahead
For Tonia, the chance to appear on Silent Witness is a memory she will always treasure. While she has no immediate plans to pursue acting further, she remains open to new opportunities.
For now, she is simply excited to watch herself on television and relive a moment that made her feel proud and confident.
