Vera first look as Brenda Blethyn and David Leon return for show's 13th series

16 May 2023 , 10:14

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ITV have given a first look at the 13th series of hit show Vera with Brenda Blethyn and David Leon as the pair return amid some huge exits from the programme

ITV has given a first look at the new series of Vera – as Brenda Blethyn and David Leon make their return.

The pair are back at the helm of the ITV hit drama, with filming having kicked off in the north of England for the brand new series. David is back as Joe Ashworth, Vera's trusty sidekick following the exit of her previous co-star Kenny Doughty.

Ahead of the new series, a first look at filming as revealed a "heart-warming" reunion for the two actors, whilst David teased there could be trouble ahead for Vera and Joe's friendship as "they make up for lost time".

Filming has begun on the latest series

Speaking amid filming, Brenda shared: "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."

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She added: "Together, we embark on this new chapter with a terrific script crafted by the brilliant Paul Matthew Thompson."

David Leon also shared: "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."

Executive Producer Will Nicholson commented: "Being from the North East it is always a joy to film Vera here and we are very grateful for the warmth and support from the fans during production. Starting the new series is incredibly exciting and alongside the incomparable Brenda Blethyn and the rest of our talented cast, we are delighted to welcome David Leon back to the show."

Vera is back with Joe for a new series (ITV)

Jon Morrison as DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, Sarah Kameela Impey as Pathologist Dr. Paula Bennett are all returning whilst Rhiannon Clements joins as ambitious DC Steph Duncan.

The opening episode, titled Fast Love, will see DCI Vera Stanhope head to a quiet country lane where a man is found dead after he collided with a car. Finding out he's a popular market trader, she heads down to the market to find out more about him.

She learns much is to be said about the complex man, as those closest to him describe him as antagonistic and arrogant – but is this what caused his death or is there set to be more to be uncovered?

Joe's return causes trouble for Vera, as she's taken aback by his arrival and isn't sure what his motive is.

Jasmine Allday