Brenda Blethyn has confirmed that a popular Vera character will leave during the new series, with her paying tribute to co-star Paul Kaye as he moves onto pastures new.
After a almost a year's absence from our screens, Vera will finally make its return to ITV on Sunday, January 15 for a six episode run, which will begin with the 'missing' episodes of series 11, before four feature length stories to kick off the brand new series. The episodes will see BAFA winner Brenda back in the famous mac and hat of the no nonsense DCI Stanhope, alongside other actors like her on-screen sidekick Kenny Doughty and Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards.
Someone else back in the fold for Vera's highly anticipated return is Paul, 58, who first shot to fame in the 90s as spoof reporter Dennis Pennis. But, while viewers will see him at the heart of the action as Pathologist Dr. Malcolm Donahue, it won't be for long, as in an interview for ITV, Brenda has revealed that he will leave in episode three.
READ MORE: When is Vera back on ITV? Return date confirmed as 'missing episodes' finally set to air
Discussing Paul's departure and the relation ship between Dr. Malcolm and Vera, Brenda said: "We say goodbye to the wonderful Paul Kaye as pathologist Dr Malcolm Donahue in the third new film ‘Against The Tide’.
"Paul is one of the most positive people I know. No matter what the circumstances he’ll find something positive to say. There was total respect between Vera and Malcolm along with some very dry humour from him. “The relationship between Vera and Malcolm has been interesting to play."
Brenda also teased details of Malcolm's replacement and a new co-star, adding: "But his replacement is good news. A pathologist called Dr Paula Bennett played by Sarah Kameela Impey. 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 good sense.
“We meet Paula in the fourth film ‘For The Grace Of God’. That’s a really good story that deals with ex-Army personnel and homelessness when a former soldier ends up down and out on the streets of Newcastle."
*Lorraine Kelly returns to host her ITV show after operation
*Ruth Langsford breaks news of Eamonn's nasty fall and family tragedy
*James Jordan defends 'thinner' comment about wife Ola's weight after backlash
*Giovanni Pernice recruits Strictly co-star for his own tour
