Vera fan shares series update as they issue plea about character return for finale

Following Brenda Blethyn's announcement that she was quitting Vera, fans have been eager to discover how DCI Stanhope's storyline will play out. Will she sail off into the sunset or will the beloved character be killed off?

While the storyline for the series finale is being kept well under wraps, one eagled-eyed fan shared an exciting update on a Vera Facebook fan page. One fan asked: “Are they still filming?” while another simply replied: “Yes.”

On another post, fans also pleaded about one character's return after she was replaced in the latest series, which aired earlier this year.

When speaking about their favourite characters, one fan said: “Jac, I would have loved to have seen more of her, I wish she would come back.” Another agreed: “Yes, I was gutted when she left.”

Other fans said their favourite character was Aiden, who made his swift exit in last year’s Christmas episode. But could the icon be making a return to bid farewell to DCI Stanhope?

Actress Ibinabo Jack played DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams for five years before deciding to leave the show due to "theatre commitments".

She was soon replaced by Rhiannon, who played ambitious DC Steph Duncan.

It is unclear whether Rhiannon will be making a return to the series finale as the cast hasn't been confirmed just yet.

At the end of last year, fans were also left sobbing after Kenny Doughty filmed his final scenes as Aiden Healy.

The actor admitted it was a difficult decision to leave the drama, but felt it was the right one.

It was a bittersweet departure for fans because as Kenny left the show, a familiar face returned.

David Leon, who played Vera's original sidekick, Joe Ashworth, made his comeback earlier this year.

Vera's final series is expected to air early next year. Speaking about her decision to leave the show, Brenda explained: "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 northeast and our fans worldwide."

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she concluded.

Vera will return next year on ITV.