Vera fans can rest easy as it has now been officially confirmed by ITV that the hit drama will return, days after Brenda Blethyn gave assurances to fans. And the even bigger news is that David Leon is back as Joe Ashworth.
A Sunday night ratings winner for 12 years now, Vera returned to its 8pm slot earlier this year, after viewers had been kept waiting for the 'missing' two episodes from series 11 and four brand new ones from the show's 12th series.
As always, interest in Vera was high and, not just in the UK either, as Brenda's face was seen on billboards in New York, as the new episodes launched to great excitement in America as well.
READ MORE: Netflix's The Night Agent declared 'one of best shows ever' as viewers just can't stop watching
After a dramatic series finale - The Darkest Evening - fans were left wondering if and when they'd get to see Vera back on the case again, with some concerns raised about the show's future when Brenda's sidekick, Kenny Doughty, announced he had quit his role as DS Aiden Healy.
Kenny's departure after eight years came as a big blow to both his Vera co-stars and fans, who were gutted to see him go; but the good news is that Vera WILL be back. and original sidekick David will return to reprise his role as Joe, although there is some mystery over just in what capacity he'll be involved.
Cast returning alongside Brenda and David for three new feature length films include Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards. Further castings and information about the new series will be announced when filming commences in the summer.
Vera series 13 will be preceded by The Rising Tide, which was filmed before Christmas and will be Kenny's final episode.
Sign up to get the latest TV and showbiz news straight to your inbox with the Chronicle TV and celebs newsletter. If you can't see the form below, click HERE
