Vera icon sparks fears show will end after this series as she offers update

29 December 2023 , 07:00

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Vera icon Brenda Blethyn has admitted there are currently no more series of the ITV drama planned, as she shared when the show might come to an end (Image: ITV STUDIOS)

Vera star Brenda Blethyn has opened up about the future of the ITV drama.

A new series of Vera will air in the New Year, with David Leon returning to play DS Joe Ashworth. Joe's return to Vera's team comes after DS Aiden Healy actor Kenny Doughty quit the show after seven years in the role.

Ahead of the new series in early 2024, which will feature three episodes, Brenda has opened up about the possibility of another series of the popular show - and whether the programme could return.

Asked if there will be future series of the ITV drama, she admitted that it might not be a full series on the cards: "At the moment there is nothing planned. But that’s not to say they’re not talking about it. There might be a winding up. I don’t know. Ann Cleeves is also writing her 11th Vera book. So, there’s also that to consider. But a whole series? I think not. We’ll see."

David Leon is returning as DS Joe Ashworth (ITV)

However, actor David Leon is more hopeful of a new series - as he praised the fans who come to watch them film.

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"Vera will continue for as long as the demand for it remains and Brenda feels like she can continue to surprise herself and be challenged by it. She puts so much into it and it is an exhausting shoot. In the past usually filming four feature films back to back. The fans who come to watch filming are always amazed at the level of detail, craftsmanship and time each scene requires. It’s a real challenge to make three or four feature length films back to back," he shared.

"It requires a level of energy and dedication that means you are just living in that bubble for several months. Your life gets put on hold. That’s what it demands. I think one of the reasons Vera has endured is you have these films that usually drop at the beginning of the year and you are left as an audience wanting more. We’ll just have to wait and see if there will be."

Brenda also explained how David's return has "refreshed" the series, as she shared her excitement for him coming back on board.

She said: "David’s return helps refresh the series. People were very upset when he left after having played Joe in the first four series of Vera. And people were delighted when it was announced that he was returning for these new films."

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Jasmine Allday