There will be a new face in the Vera cast this weekend as the new series of the hit detective drama moves to Newcastle city centre for its latest episode.
After nearly a year's wait for a fix of some new Vera action, fans of all things DCi Stanhope had their patience rewarded earlier this month, when the show returned, kicking off with the remaining episodes of series 11 - Vital Signs and The Way The Wind Blows.
With those done and dusted, Vera series kicked off on Sunday night, with Brenda Blethyn's super sleuth tasked with solving the death of a man whose body was found tied to a sailing boat. The episode, called Against The Tide, had many twists and turns, with a recognisable face from the 80s, Watching star Paul Bown in the thick of it.
Another Paul was right at the heart of the action, as Paul Kaye bowed out of the show, much to the upset of viewers who have lapped up his often fraught exchanges with Vera over the last few series.
READ MORE: Vera fans startled by appearance of 80s TV icon in new series
His exit was revealed by leading lady Brenda, with his character Dr Malcom Donahue having one last dig at her famous on screen alias for "trampling all over evidence," as he bid his farewells.
Series 12 continues this Sunday, February 5 with another feature length story from the pen of North East author, Ann Cleeves, as For The Grace of God occupies the drama's familiar 8pm timeslot, which will put it in direct competition with the final ever episode of Happy Valley.
The new episode looks set to feature a number of recogniseabe places for Geordies who tune in, as the plot focuses on goings on in the heart of Newcastle, as the body of a former soldier is discovered.
Ater a series of bad life choices, Lance Corporal Conn Burns found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle. Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships and get him off the streets and it's down to DCI Stanhope to unearth secrets from his past and betrayal in the present in a bid to crack the case.
She will be assisted by Dr Malcom's replacement, Dr Paula Bennett. Paula is played by Sara Kameela Impey, actress, poet and lead singer of the group Lady Parts.
And discussing her arrival, Brenda Blethyn said:: "When they first meet Vera isn’t quite sure what to make of her and thinks she’s a bit too clever for her own good. But she is clever in a good sense."
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