Vera fans will be pleased to hear the popular crime drama will be returning for season 13. The series sees Brenda Blethyn in the starring role as DCI Vera Stanhope, ITV's longest-running female detective.
Cast returning alongside Brenda for three new feature-length films include David Leon, who makes a welcome return as Joe Ashworth, Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards. ITV has said further castings and information about the new series will be announced when filming commences in the summer.
The news comes following the departure of two long-standing stars. Actor Kenny Doughty, who played DS Aidan Healey since 2015, recently announced he was quitting the series. For more showbiz and television stories get our newsletter here.
Read more: ITV Vera star breaks silence as Kenny Doughty quits the show with lengthy statement
In a lengthy Instagram post, he said: "After eight years and 35 Vera films I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera."
The actor continued: "I want to thank everyone who's made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to.
"I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times."
Turning his attention to his fans, he added: "And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show." You can read more here.
Actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams since 2018, will also not be returning for the thirteenth series due to her theatre commitments. The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves, will be Kenny and Ibinabo's final appearance in the series. The episode will be scheduled later this year.
Brenda Blethyn commented: "It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them. I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started."
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