The final ever series of Vera has a start date
Brenda Blethyn has decided to hang up Vera's infamous trench coat
Last updated 3rd Dec 2024
It was a sad day for fans of ITV/STV crime drama Vera earlier this year, as bosses announced the upcoming 14th series will be the last ever, as actress Brenda Blethyn OBE has decided to hang up Vera's infamous trench coat.
After filming took place in the North East of England over the last few months, the cast and crew have now completed filming, enjoying a huge party to celebrate!
Attending St James' Park in Newcastle for the wrap party, writer Ann Cleeves wrote on X: 'Emotional final day of Vera filming. Thanks to the whole team for letting me be a part of it. And for an amazing wrap party in the perfect Geordie location'. (sic)
Is Vera ending?
Brenda will return as DCI Vera Stanhope for one final series alongside the rest of the cast, with filming taking place in Northumberland and various other locations in the North East.
Speaking about the news, Brenda said: “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.”
Silverprint Pictures Creative Director Kate Bartlett added: “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.”
When is series 14 out?
Bosses have now confirmed the final ever series, which is made-up of two episodes, will air on Wednesday 1st January and Thursday 2nd January at 8pm on ITV1 and STV.
How many episodes will it have?
Series 14 will be made-up of two 120 minute episodes.
What will it be about?
ITV/STV say of the final series: In the first episode, DCI Vera Stanhope is called to the banks of the Tyne where the body of a young man has been discovered by some anglers. A tangled web of a broken relationship, secret love, grudges, regret, and fraud begins to emerge - has our former inmate been served cold justice, or does his death run deeper?
'The final episode brings Vera back to a familiar place when a body is found at the foot of legendary local stones The Dark Wives - with memories of at the foot of legendary local stones The Dark Wives - with memories of childhood in the background, Vera must work hard to uncover the mystery of why a bright young student would be violently attacked and left so far from home. This poignant episode weaves together past and present and makes for a compelling and emotional farewell'.
How can I watch Vera?
Whilst we wait for the final series, all 13 previous series of Vera are available to stream on ITVX and STV Player.
What is Vera... Farewell Pet?
In mid-October, ITV/STV bosses announced a special celebratory documentary called Vera... Farewell Pet, marking the end of the much-loved detective drama.
The documentary will offer fans and exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the final series, featuring heartfelt interviews with cast members including David Leon, Jon Morrison and Riley Jones - plus author Ann Cleeves - the programme shares their cherished memories of working alongside Brenda Blethyn and reflect on the unique bonds formed throughout the years.
Vera... Farewell Pet will air on Friday 3rd January 9pm on ITV1 and STV.
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Vera first hit our screens way back in 2011, inspired by the character created by bestselling author and Diamond Dagger award-winning writer Ann Cleeves.
To date the show has had 13 series, including 54 amazing episodes.
Producer Huw Kennair Jones said: “Led by the incomparable Brenda Blethyn, from the moment Vera arrived on our screens in 2011 audiences have been enthralled by her many adventures. And whilst we’re sad she’s hanging up her Mac, we’re hugely grateful for 14 brilliant series. Everyone at ITV would like to thank Brenda, Ann Cleeves, Silverprint Pictures and the amazing cast and crew that have made Vera such a continued success.”
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