Brenda Blethyn has let slip plot details for the first episode of Vera series 12 as filming starts in the North East.
While ITV still haven't shown the final two episodes of series 11, with fans of all things DCI Stanhope left hanging for parts five and six after the show was pulled off air again in January, it's now all systems go for Vera series 12.
Author Ann Cleeves, the woman responsible for the books that have inspired the long-running ITV drama, revealed on Twitter that the Vera cast and crew had arrived in Northumberland to begin production on the new run.
READ MORE: Phillip Schofield gives Holly health update as ITV viewers torn
And, before cameras started rolling on series 12, lead actress Brenda dropped a bit of a spoiler on what to expect from episode one.
The BAFTA winner told Radio Times: "The first (episode) I’ve read is someone found dead on a boat. So there’ll be some nice locations on that one!”
Story lines in series 11 so far have included a hit and run in Blyth, which sparked a kidnap plot that ended in dramatic scenes at South Shields' Ocean Beach theme park, while other filming locations included Gateshead, Chester-le-Street and Amble.
While the exact filming locations for series 12 haven't yet been revealed, the very fact that the cast are back in action has generated a lot of excitement from fans.
Reacting to the news on Twitter, one posted: " @BrendaBlethyn and her amazing team are coming back for season 12. So thankful and Yipppppeeeee!"
A second wrote: "Go #TeamVera! Series 12. 13 years of #VERA How brilliant is that!" with another excited fan Down Under posting: "Good luck with filming...might get the series a lot later being in Australia but all good things come to us that wait."
For the latest What's On news, announcements and reviews direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter.