Paul Kaye was involved in an on-screen spat with Brenda Blethyn in his final episode of Vera, with his exit from the ITV show leaving fans gutted.
Paul, who shot to fame as shock journo Dennis Pennis back in the 90s, has been a popular member of the Vera cast for the last few series, with millions of viewers enjoying the banter between his character Doctor Malcolm Donahue and Brenda's leading lady Vera, with the pathologist and no nonsense detective often trading verbal lows over how to handle things.
It was Brenda who confirmed Paul was leaving Vera earlier this month, with her telling ITV: "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."
READ MORE: Where is Vera filmed? New series and past locations used in the ITV drama
Fans hoping for another classic Vera vs Malcolm war of words in Paul's last episode in the role weren't disappointed, as the two locked horns within minutes of feature length story Against the Tide starting on Sunday.
The mystery DCI Stanhope was tasked with getting to the bottom of this week involved the the body of a man found tied to a sailing boat.
When Vera arrived on the scene, Dr Malcolm was already busy trying to preserve evidence and looked fed up as he greeted her with the less than friendly welcome of: "Ah and another police officer tramples all over the crime scene. I'd just prefer it if people didn't stomp all over the evidence. I'm funny like that."
Being cuttingly straight to the point with her reply, Vera fired back: "I've never known you to be funny Malcolm."
After Vera sought answers, Dr Malcolm was very vague with his responses and, when quizzed again retorted: "At the risk of repeating myself DCI Stanhope!"
Unsatisfied with what her sparring partner was offering, Vera quipped: "Come on, give us something Malcolm!" But, it was Malcolm who got the last word in, as he bid goodbye to Vera by adding: "Dont forget to trample on more evidence on the way out!"
There was then a final exchange between them later on in the episode, as Vera wished him luck, for him to tell her: "Thanks, it's been fun. ...sort of!"
There was an outpouring of upset over Malcolm's exit on Twitter, with one posting: "We don't want Malcolm to go" and another tweeting: "Don't let Malcolm go Vera"
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