A second Vera star has announced their departure and will not be returning to the beloved ITV drama.
Kenny Doughty, who plays DS Aidan Healey, revealed he will be stepping down from the show.
The much-loved detective series has been renewed for a 13th season with Brenda Blethyn returning as DCI Vera Stanhope alongside actor and director David Leon, who makes a welcome return as Joe Ashworth, reports the Mirror.
However, Ibinabo Jack, who has starred as DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams since 2018, has also called it quits due to theatre commitments.
Kenny, who starred as Aidan since 2015, recently announced his departure from the hit drama.
Speaking on her co-stars' departures, Brenda 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.”
Kenny and Ibinabo’s final appearance in the series will come in a feature-length episode called The rising Tide, based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves.
Vera fans will get to watch their final appearance in the episode set to be scheduled later this year.
Cast returning alongside Brenda and David include Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edward.
ITV will announce further castings and information about the new series when filming commences in the summer.
Kenny recently announced his exit from the ITV drama as he wrote on Instagram : "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 & 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 & have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times."
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