Silent Witness' Jack Hodgson shows off new body art in latest episode, but does actor David Caves really have a tattoo?
Never mind the ink, look at those hard-earned guns!
Silent Witness favourite Jack Hodgson has had quite the reinvention in series 29… He’s already debuted off his bold new beard [we like!] and, this week, he’s showing off his new tattoo. But does actor David Caves really have a tattoo?
In episodes 5 and 6 of the BBC One forensic crime drama – The Enemy Within Part 1 and 2 – David gets to flex his muscles when his character Jack gets in the boxing ring.
However, he soon realises his new gym buddies aren’t quite the men he thought they were… As Jack’s new case focuses on the incendiary issue of race, he attempts to unwind at a boxing gym. However he is horrified to discover the other boxers have bigoted opinions. Should he speak up, or keep quiet?
Of course, fans of the show will know that The Lyell Team have relocated to Birmingham, and are now working in The Bowman Centre.
That means making new friends, and sometimes new enemies… Here’s everything you need to know about Jack Hodgson’s new ink, and if actor David Caves has that tattoo in real life.
Jack Hodgson – played by David Caves – shows off new tattoo in Silent Witness
Silent Witness fan favourite Jack Hodgson – played by David Caves – displays a striking new tattoo in the latest episodes of the forensic drama.
Viewers will see him working out at a boxing club in a sleeveless black hoodie. In doing so, he not only shows off his muscular arms, but also his new tattoo.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen the character topless, but it IS the first time we’ve seen his body art. The ink shows an Imperial helmet, the type worn by Roman legionaries. Below the picture are written the words “Strength & Honour”.
As the picture suggests, the phrase “strength and honour” has roots in ancient Roman culture, specifically in Latin. The Latin phrase “virtus et honor” translates to “strength and honour”. In Roman society, “virtus” referred not just to physical strength but also to moral excellence, courage, and valour.
Well, never mind the Romans, we think Jack can tick all those boxes, too!
Does Jack Hodgson actor David Caves have a tattoo in real life?
David Caves does not have that particular tattoo in real life. It’s a costume tattoo designed especially for his character Jack Hodgson. Viewers have also seen the character with other tattoos before, including a scorpion tattoo.
The Northern-Irish actor, 47, is known for keeping his private life – and body art – very private. But recent pictures of him, including a fundraising film for Shine Cancer Support, show clean arms with no tattoos.
He’s been in the crime drama ever since 2013 when he first joined as forensic scientist Jack Hodgson. After years of will-they-won’t-they lingering looks across the lab, Jack and Nikki finally got married at the end of Silent Witness series 28.
Timeline of Nikki and Jack's relationship in Silent Witness
2013: Jack Hodgson first met Dr Nikki Alexander when he joined The Lyell Centre in series 16. It wasn't love at first sight, but they became close colleagues and later good friends.
2017: Fans will know one of their most momentous scenes in the early days was when Jack had to race against the clock to save Nikki from being buried alive at the end of series 20.
2018: Despite her growing feelings for Jack, Nikki dated dishy American Matt, played by Michael Landes, during series 21, 22 and 23.
2021: After nine series of will-they-won’t-they lingering looks, the pair finally gave in to their feelings for each other at the end of series 24 in 2021. The pair first shared an emotionally-charged kiss roughly halfway into the 10th and final episode. Both of them had flirted with romance elsewhere in the series – Jack with a friend of Simone, and Nikki with student Ollie. But they could no longer deny the chemistry between them.
2022: Following years of close friendship, their relationship deepened significantly in series 25. They enjoyed their first date, and Nikki was there for Jack when his dad died.
2024: The couple got closer and more committed during series 27. Jack declared his love for Nikki at the end of Death By A Thousand Hits (in a cemetery!). In the season finale, the loved-up pair made the ultimate commitment to each other. They got engaged during very sweet scenes. Handing her an engagement ring (cunningly disguised in an evidence bag), Jack told her: "I can't imagine a day without you. Will you marry me, Nikki? Will you?" And, naturally, Nikki (Emilia Fox) said yes. After a big smooch, of course.
2025: They married in a small, intimate ceremony during the season 28 finale.
2026: Jack and Nikki are now husband and wife, and have started a new life in Birmingham.
Is David Caves really a boxer?
David, who has also appeared in the Channel 5 drama 15 Days, is a boxer and martial arts fan in real life. David’s character Jack is an amateur cage fighter, boxer and mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter on-screen. Something that viewers have seen on screen since series 27.
And, off-screen, David does box and practise martial arts, too. He only began pursuing martial arts after landing the role in 2012, though, as he wanted to learn as much as he could for the fight scenes. And they look pretty convincing to us!
Talking about boxing on screen, David once said: “Jack does mixed martial arts and boxing is definitely a part of that, but by no means it all. Actors generally love the physical stuff because it’s immediately dynamic and you have a very strong, simple action to play. For example, my fist must connect with this punch bag, or I must get this series of moves right with my partner in the scene. It’s always great to film. Plus, it’s so integral to who Jack is. Fighters have a very particular mindset and discipline which I love to get into when playing the part. He’s a doer and I like that he gets stuff done.”
David Caves portrays Jack Hodgson in Silent Witness
Belfast-born David Caves reprises his role as Jack Hodgson in series 29 of Silent Witness, a role he’s played since 2013. The character has been Dr Nikki Alexander’s right hand man for more than 10 years.
A forensic scientist, he was hired by the Lyell Centre following the departure of Harry Cunningham. Although Nikki and Jack’s relationship kept viewers guessing for years, the will-they-won’t-they ended in 2022. That year, the couple finally got together, and are now married and sickeningly loved-up! They are even talking about – whisper – kids!
After graduating from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (LAMDA) in 2005, David Caves appeared in a variety of stage productions. These included The Beggar’s Opera at Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, and The Changeling at the Southwark Playhouse.
His first TV role was playing the dad in the short film Paddy, before he went on portray Berenger in the 2014 film Ironclad: Battle for Blood. In 2016, he starred as Clint Hillin the film Jackie, alongside actress Natalie Portman. He went on to play Michael in the murder mystery drama 15 Days on Channel 5, opposite The Good Ship Murder actress Catherine Tyldesley.
The 47-year-old also portrayed Joe in the film Widow’s Walk.
Read more: Cast of Silent Witness’ The Disappearance of Alice Hill part 1 and 2 include Adam Rayner and Mollie Winnard
