Why did Kenny Doughty quit Vera and what is he doing now?

ITV Vera star Kenny Doughty, who plays DS Aiden Healy, will be back on screens this week as the broadcaster airs repeats of the long-standing drama.

The crime series, which follows mystery solving DCI Vera Stanhope will come to an end after series 14, following Brenda Blethyn's announcement earlier this year that she was saying goodbye to the show and character. The final two episodes are expected to air in 2025.

Brenda's announcement came following a string of exits from the ITV series, including Kenny Doughty, who confirmed he was quitting Vera in 2023 after eight years in the role of DS Aiden Healy.

Kenny said he had made the "difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge," in a heartfelt statement on Instagram back in March last year. But why did he quit Vera and what has he been doing since?

Why did Kenny Doughty quit Vera?

Kenny, who has been a part of the series for eight years, announced the news with a lengthy and emotional statement on social media last year. Sharing a string of pictures alongside Brenda Blethyn, he wrote: "After eight years and 35 Vera films I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera."

The actor continued: "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 and 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 and have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times."

Turning his attention to his fans, he added: "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 and love for the show."

Kenny later explained that his decision was because he wasnted to step away while he was "still enjoying it," and wanted to seek new challenges.

Kenny explained to Radio Times at the time: "There were lots of personal and professional reasons why I wanted to move on. I have loved doing Vera 100 per cent. It has been a life-changing job for so many reasons. Including working with Brenda Blethyn and in the North East. I feel like an honorary Geordie.

"There is also a real family connection to the crew who I’m still in touch with. It has been nine years since I filmed my first episode in 2014, which was screened in 2015. I just wanted to leave while I was still happy with everything.

"It was a really difficult decision to leave. Because I loved doing that job and I loved working with everybody on the Vera team. But a little part of me, for whatever reason, the little inner self, said to me, 'You should probably call it a day while you're still enjoying it.' To step away and seek new acting challenges."

Kenny's last Vera episode aired on Boxing Day in 2023, the feature-length episode was called The Rising Tide and marked his final appearance.

What is Kenny Doughty doing now?

Kenny has been busy since quitting Vera, filming for a new Channel 5 drama called The Au Pair. Posting a snap of a pint of Guinness on his Instagram earlier this month, Kenny let the cat out of the bag as he revealed he had been shooting in Ireland and sent a message to his new co-stars David Suchet, known for Poirot, Beyond Paradise's Sally Bretton and Lupin star Ludmilla Makowski.

He wrote: "And that is a WRAP on The Au Pair. Thank you to everyone for being so welcoming but huge huge love & appreciation to my fellow actors; Sir David Suchet, Sally Bretton & @ludmillamakowski - what a journey we’ve had!! And thank you Dublin."

Vera series 11, episode five, will air at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.