Vera's Brenda Blethyn welcomes back co-star who 'broke her heart' when he quit

01 April 2023 , 21:21

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Vera's Brenda Blethyn welcomes back co-star who 'broke her heart' when he quit

Brenda Blethyn is "over the moon" to welcome David Leon back to ITV drama, Vera.

The show will be back for its thirteenth series with a very familiar face as actor and director David returns to the ITV drama as the much-loved Joe Ashworth. Joe stood alongside Vera for a number of series, but was replaced by Kenny Doughty, who plays DS Aidan Healey when Joe made the move away from Newcastle upon Tyne.

However, David will be back as Joe for the new series as Kenny quits the ITV drama and actress Brenda Blethyn has shared her excitement at being reunited with her former co-star.

Brenda Blethyn alongside her co-star David Leon (ITV)

She said: "It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them. I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started."

Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams since 2018, will not be returning for the thirteenth series due to her theatre commitments whilst Kenny will also step down from his role as Aidan.

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In a statement, Kenny shared: "After 8 years & 35 Vera films I’ve made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy’s badge.

"I can confirm I am leaving Vera. I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to. I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter & have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times."

Brenda alongside Kenny, who has quit the show (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

He also had a sweet message for fans, thanking them for their support, as he added: "And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films.

"You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty & love for the show."

Brenda previously admitted her heart was broken when David stepped down from the show.

"I never thought I’d get over David going – that broke my heart," she recently confessed to the Mirror. "But Kenny is a joy. He’s my mate. He’s great company on set along with the rest of the cast, the crew and the directors."

Jasmine Allday