ITV Vera series return: When is Brenda Blethyn quitting her role as DCI Vera Stanhope?

Fans of ITV's long-standing crime drama Vera will be delighted to know the show is back on screens this week.

Sadly, the broadcaster is just airing repeats from series 11, starting with episodes five and six, but it means viewers will once again get to see the team back in action.

The reruns will feel bittersweet for some fans as they will reunite cast members including Kenny Doughty, Paul Kaye, and Ibinabo Jack, who have all since quit their roles.

The biggest exit, however, came this year, when Brenda Blethyn herself, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope, announced she was leaving the show after 14 years.

Brenda, 78, confirmed she was stepping down from her beloved role as Vera with a tearful exit statement back in April. Brenda has played Vera, who is inspired by the character created by bestselling author and writer Ann Cleeves since filming began in 2011.

In a statement earlier this year, 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."

When is Brenda Blethyn quitting Vera?

Brenda is set to return to the iconic role of Vera for one, final series. Filming for series 14 took place this summer and will consist of two feature-length episodes both 120 minutes long.

It's been reported that the final two instalments that make up the 14th and final series will air in 2025. Kate Bartlett, who has executive produced many of the series since its inception, said at the time of Brenda's announcement: "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."

According to Chronicle Live, the final ever day of Vera filming took place on Friday, July 12, with actors including David Leon and Jon Morrison, famous for playing Kenny Lockhart, spotted filming in Cambois and Blyth in Northumberland.

Until the new series is out next year, viewers can watch all 13 seasons on ITVX, while ITV1 will be airing repeats of series 11 for the next two weeks.