Vera star quits show after eight years leaving fans devastated
He's released an emotional statement
Last updated 21st Mar 2023
ITV crime drama Vera has been a staple of British TV since it first hit our screens back in 2011, making some iconic characters in the process, in the form of DCI Vera Stanhope, DC Kenny Lockhart, and DS Aiden Healy.
But as fans await any news about series 13, one thing we do know is that actor Kenny Doughty, who plays the role of DS Aiden Healy, won't appear, as he's announced he's made the decision to quit his role.
Following eight years on the popular show, Kenny took to social media to confirm his departure in an emotional statement. He wrote: '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.
'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. X' (sic)
Kenny's fellow actors and fans were quick to comment on his post, with many expressing their disappointment.
One wrote: 'Oh no ...... you can't leave Vera who's going to look after her - totally gutted 😢', with another adding: 'It’s not going to be the same ~ you and Vera have that perfect chemistry together. No Malcolm and now no you ! But Good Luck 🤞🏼'. (sic)
Another commented: 'We loved your character and your chemistry with Brenda Blethyn so very much! Wishing you all the best. 👏👏'. (sic)
A fourth then added: 'Thank you for the amazing stories that you have been apart of on screen! ❤️ Vera has been my comfort TV show for a number of years now and your character has been a massive part of that. It's been a joy watching yourself and Aiden Healy grow. Can't wait to see what your future roles Include! (The next episode will certainly be an emotional one)'. (sic)
After roles in shows such as Shameless, Wire in the Blood, Coronation Street and New Tricks in the past, Kenny joined the cast of Vera for series five in 2015, playing the role of DS Aiden Healy, and he quickly made an iconic on-screen relationship with Vera herself, played by actress Brenda Blethyn.
Kenny left fans worried earlier in March when he shared a number of photos from the set of the show, captioned with the words: 'thanks for the memories', alongside a carrousel of images from his time on the series.
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Series 12 of Vera aired on ITV in January-February this year, with four, two-hour long episodes for fans to enjoy.
Following the dramatic ending, fans were left begging bosses for series 13, but at the moment, no news has been revealed.
Fans can watch old episodes of Vera on ITVX.
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