Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return

Brenda is bowing out of her Vera role at the end of this series (Image: ITV)

Brenda Blethyn has teased fans with the promise of a significant on-screen clash between her character and David Leon's in the last series of the hit drama, following his surprise return last year.

David joined Brenda when Vera first debuted on ITV in 2011, depicting DCI Stanhope's dependable aide Joe Ashworth over the first four seasons. His abrupt exit shockingly rattled both Brenda and avid viewers, paving the way for Kenny Doughty to take over the role.

Intriguingly, it was Kenny's own departure in 2023 that facilitated David's return, with Brenda openly admitting at an event in London last month that she would've left if a new assistant had been brought in.

His character made a dramatic re-entry in the show's 13th series earlier this year, revealing to his former colleagues at Northumberland and City Police that he was present to 'observe' them, following scrutiny over shortcomings in their case-solving practices.

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Yet by the season's end, David's persona had reclaimed his spot as Vera's chief confidant, all the while dealing with personal turmoil due to his father's terminal condition, reports the Mirror.

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The pair have reunited for the final series of Vera (Image: ITV)

Joe's decline and confrontational stance with Vera in the last series stems from his father's passing.

"Unveiling their tense dynamic, Brenda admitted: "In the first episode she suspects Joe is not coping with the death of his father and it becomes a bit of an issue, it's fair to say. There's something up with Joe at the start of this series."

She added: "He's dragging his feet. Vera obviously has a soft spot for Joe. But she doesn't carry people. Everyone has to pull their weight. And if there is something up, say what it is."

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David Leon plays DI Joe Ashworth (Image: ITV)

"We filmed a scene involving Vera and Joe on the St Mary's Island causeway near Whitley Bay which is quite the exchange of words. There's a history between them. In the very first episode of Vera, Joe scattered her father Hector's ashes. It had a real impact on Vera."

Adding further, she added: "I love working with David. He only left after series four to pursue writing and directing, and no sooner had he done so that his film won an award at the Tribeca Film Festival. But he did return to direct an episode of Vera, Black Ice, series 8 episode 2."

ITV has announced the premiere of the final series of Vera on January 1, with its dramatic conclusion airing shortly after on January 2. A special tribute documentary, Vera, Farewell Pet, is scheduled to be broadcast on Friday, January 3.

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Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return

Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return

Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return

Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return

Brenda Blethyn teases 'showdown' with Vera co-star after surprise return