Vera star Brenda Blethyn has confirmed there will be another series of the hit ITV drama, as well as making a 'promise' to fans about co-star Kenny Doughty's departure.
Vera fans across the world were left gutted at the start of this week when Kenny, who has been playing Brenda's on screen sidekick DS Aiden Healy for eight years, took to Instagram to announce he'd quit the show, with his statement coming just weeks after he'd panicked followers that something might be up, when he shared a series of backstage photos with his fellow cast members and captioned them 'thank you for the memories.'
After beginning his Insta post with the news that 'handing over DS Healy's badge,' Kenny took time to thank Brenda, writing: "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."
And now, having not publicly addressed Kenny's Vera exit unlike other co-stars like Riley Jones, Brenda has put Vera fans' fears to rest that it might spell the end for the show itself. One of her follower tweeted the BAFTA and Golden Globe winner to ask: "..., put me and millions of others out of our misery... Will you be doing another series of Vera? Hoping and praying that the answer is Yes!"
And rather than keeping them guessing, Brenda replied with a short but sweet "Yes." She also responded to another tweet from a fan which read: "That's fab news but have to say that I'm devastated that @kennydoughty isn't returning..... Whoever replaces him they have big boots to fill kenny will be missed."
Sharing the post on her own Twitter timeline, Brenda added: "I promise you won’t be disappointed."
Brenda's assurance on Vera's future comes as the show's set has made the switch from Wallsend to Killingworth.
As well as a new series of Vera, fans can also look forward to seeing an episode, featuring Kenny, that has already been filmed, with The Rising Tide set to air on ITV later this year.
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