Vera season 14 is filming in spring 2024 but ITV has announced this series will be final-ever outing for Brenda Blethyn's hit crime drama. Brenda explains why she is hanging up Vera's famous trench coat and hat.
“Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Filming has come hot on the heels of the three-part Vera season 13 which finished on ITV1 in January 2024. The new series was announced directly after the final episode of Vera series 13 on Sunday January 21, 2024. This time Vera will be just two episodes of standalone cases with Brenda Blethyn once again playing the titular detective Vera Stanhope, who operates in north east England. No other casting has been confirmed.
We once asked Brenda how long she envisaged playing the character, she told us: "That’s always a hard one. If no one else wants to do it then I’m up a gum tree aren’t I! But I still love playing her. I love the character and in the novels, she never dies. Ann Cleeves is still writing them and Vera's there forever in the books so I’m happy carrying on!"
Series 13 finished with Vera, Steph and Joe working on a case that saw the murder of a chip shop owner. Here's everything you need to know so far on Vera season 14...
Vera season 14 release date
Vera season 14, which are the final-ever two episodes. will be shown on Wednesday January 1 2025 at 8pm (New Year's Day) then Thursday January 2 at 8pm on ITV1, STV and ITVX. The accompanying factual documentary, Vera farewell pet, will air on Friday January 3, at 9pm on ITV1 and STV and ITVX too.
* All previous 13 series of Vera are currently available for streaming on ITVX in the UK and on BritBox in the US.
Is there a trailer for Vera season 14?
Yes a trailer for Vera season 14 has just been released which you can take a look at below. It covers the emotional final two episodes....
Vera season 14 plot and episode guide
The case and plot details for Vera season 14 are as follows...
Vera season 14 Episode 1: Inside by Phil Mulryne on January 1 2025.
DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to the banks of the Tyne where the body of a young man has been washed up. A blow to the head indicates that this wasn’t an accidental drowning and what’s more intriguing is that this person, Zac Martin, had recently been released from prison after serving time for GBH. Having already presented Vera with an important career opportunity, Chief Superintendent Khalon (Shobna Gulati) adds to her load by tasking her with investigating a cold case too. A former union man has had his twenty-year conviction for killing his wife overturned which means her killer is still out there. So with two high-profile cases to investigate, Vera looks to her diligent, dynamic and dedicated team to get to the guarded truth. But can Vera get to the bottom of why one of her team is struggling to give as much as they should?
Vera season 14 Episode 2: The Dark Wives by Phil Mulryne on Jnaury 2 2025.
Based on the novel by Ann Cleeves, The Dark Wives is the last-ever case for DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) who is called to the foot of ‘The Dark Wives’, three mythical monoliths Vera remembers from her childhood. A bright young student has been violently killed and as if this wasn’t enough, there’s a missing girl to contend with. As the investigation unfolds, Vera pushes her team to piece together what has happened to both youngsters… but why is she cracking the whip more than usual? As Vera challenges the team, a web of intrigue begins to unravel as we learn about fractured relationships, secret projects, corruption, lies and betrayal. Another body. Another avenue of investigation leads Vera to an exciting and dangerous conclusion. Vera is thrust once more into the path of danger and once again shows us why she’s the best. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that a life-affecting change is coming Vera’s way.
Vera season 14 cast
Vera season 14 will again be led by Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope. David Leon is returning as Joe Ashworth as well as Rhiannon Clements as detective Steph Duncan. Shobna Gulati plays Chief Superintendent Khalon.
Brenda Blethyn on filming the final two episodes of Vera
Here's our chat with Brenda Blethyn about this final and fourteenth series of Vera...
We were sad to hear you were bowing out as DCI Stanhope, Brenda. Why was it the right time to leave the show?
Brenda says: "It was such a hard decision. I love Vera and, come next March when I’d normally be about to start filming, I’ll probably be crying. But I’ve been working on the show for six months of every year for the past 13 years, away from my family. So, as much as I love it, it was time to stop."
How did you find filming your last-ever scene as Vera?
"Our producer Will Nicholson had cleverly arranged for our last scene to be in the Incident Room so that all the cast and crew would be there. It’s not the last scene you’ll see on telly, but it was the last one we filmed. As soon as it was a wrap, there were champagne corks popping. It was like a big collective hug. People did speeches, and I did a little impromptu one myself. We were all a bit choked up."
Was there also a wrap party at a later date?
"Yes, it was at St. James’ Park in Newcastle. I was presented with a beautiful cake in the shape of Vera’s Land Rover. I felt very emotional on the train back home from Newcastle [Brenda lives in Kent with her husband Michael and beloved cockapoo Jack]. I will miss my Newcastle family so much, but I fully intend to go back there. It’s party town and a great place for shopping, too!"
All about the Farewell Pet documentary
Farewell Pet is a one-off documentary showing on January 3 2025. ITV and Multistory Media presents this special celebratory documentary marking the end of the beloved TV detective drama, VERA. With exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the final series, viewers will discover the enduring appeal of the show and its profound impact on the cast, crew, and fans alike. Featuring heartfelt interviews with cast members including David Leon, Jon Morrison and Riley Jones, plus author Ann Cleeves, who share their cherished memories of working alongside Brenda Blethyn and reflect on the unique bonds formed throughout the years. As DCI Vera Stanhope prepares to hang up her iconic hat with the last two thrilling episodes, this documentary will capture the extraordinary journey of VERA and its lasting influence on British crime drama. Set against the stunning backdrop of Northumberland, where the landscape became a character in its own right, this celebration honours the show’s remarkable legacy. This hour long documentary offers fans a final chance to say ‘Farewell Pet’ to one of television’s most beloved detectives, DCI Vera Stanhope. Vera…Farewell Pet is produced and directed by Iwan Roberts. The Executive Producer is Mike Blair, Multistory Media.
Behind the scenes and more on Vera season 14
Will Nicholson (Vera, Trust Me, Wire in the Blood) has produced and executive produced 42 episodes of Vera since 2013 and now returns to produce these final two episodes for Vera season 14. Vera is produced in association with ITV Studios, which will handle global distribution. Silverprint Pictures is an ITV Studios company. Vera continues to be one of the bestselling dramas across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
Silverprint Pictures Creative Director Kate Bartlett (Shetland, Vera, Flesh and Blood, The Long Call) has executive produced many of the series since its inception. ITV have commissioned 54 episodes to date before recently confirming a further 2 x 120 minute films which will be the drama’s 14th and final series.
Kate Bartlett says: “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And - of course - the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”
