David Leon is officially back in the Vera fold, being snapped with co-star Brenda Blethyn, as filming gets underway for the new series. And it's been revealed that his character's return will unsettle Brenda's famous alias as she's left questioning his motives.
There was upset for both leading lady Brenda and fans of the ITV drama when David confirmed he was leaving his role as Joe Ashworth after four series in the role, with Brenda even admitting earlier this year that she still wasn't over his exit.
BAFTA winner Brenda suffered another blow last month when David's replacement, Kenny Doughty, confirmed that hew was walking away from playing Vera's sidekick, DS Aiden Healy,. after eight years on the show, with Ibinabo Jack also leaving the drama.
They will be seen on screen for a final time when already filmed special The Rising Tide airs later this year and, in a shock turn of events, week,s after Kenny's departure was confirmed, it was announced that David would be coming back to Vera for the new series.
READ MORE: Vera new series filming begins as Northumberland residents given notice
And now he's been seen on set with Brenda to shoot three new feature length episodes for Vera series 13. Talking about returning to Vera, David said: ""I’m thrilled to be returning to Vera. It's fantastic to be back in the North East and reunited with Brenda and the crew for the new series. I’m looking forward to exploring the relationship between Joe and Vera as they make up for lost time.”
Clearly delighted to be back on set and alongside old partner in crime David, Brenda commented: "Stepping back into Vera's shoes for the thirteenth series feels like coming home again. The support from the locals in the North East is truly heart-warming and reuniting with the talented David Leon and the rest of our exceptional team is an absolute delight."
Returning to join Brenda in the new series are DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, Sarah Kameela Impey as Pathologist Dr. Paula Bennett
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