Vera enthusiasts were left stunned on Wednesday when the first of the two concluding episodes of the show's final series was unexpectedly released online, hours ahead of its planned broadcast.
The news in spring that Vera would be drawing to a close in 2025 has had fans eagerly awaiting the conclusion of the series, which has enjoyed a successful 14-year stint as one of the UK's most beloved dramas, amassing a global following.
Shooting for the 14th series of Vera took place across the North East from May to July, with leading lady Brenda Blethyn and her fellow actors filming in locations such as Blyth, Gateshead, South Shields and the village of Glanton in Northumberland for the final episodes.
The latest episode, Inside, is set to air tonight on ITV at 8pm, while The Dark Wives, based on the Ann Cleeves novel of the same title, will be broadcast the following evening.
However, eagle-eyed Vera fans who have access to ITVX received a surprise on Wednesday morning when Inside appeared on the streaming platform nearly 12 hours before its primetime slot on main ITV.
Despite the thumbnail for the two-hour episode indicating 'Today 8pm', those who clicked play were able to watch the full episode.
Typically, Vera isn't available for streaming until it has been broadcast on TV, but with anticipation for its final series at an all-time high, many viewers undoubtedly will have taken advantage of the early release, reports Chronicle Live.
Eager viewers have taken to the platform formerly known as Twitter, with floods of praise for the return of ITV's Vera, alongside commendations for the star-studded cast.
One fan gushed: "Loved seeing @ChelseaHP back on my screen in tonight's new #vera watched it early, great stuff." (sic)
They followed up: "Watched tonight's new #Vera early, great stuff from @BrendaBlethyn @rhiannonclem @ChelseaHP @David_J_Leon @Riley_Jones_88 and Jon Morrison." (sic)
Other fans are poised for the prime-time airing, with one vowing: "Will be watching #Vera tonight, tomorrow then the Farewell Vera documentary Friday." (sic)
Another enthusiast penned: "Looking forward to watch the final series of Vera. I definitely will missed watching Vera."
An additional viewer commented excitedly: "Oooh the new year means it's national #vera day! Can't wait." (sic)
Vera opens its doors to new faces, including the introduction of Superintendent Khalon, played by ex-Coronation Street star Shobna Gulati.
In a twist, the show also features guest appearance by actor Kevin Whately, famed for his roles and recently decorated with an OBE, as a retired detective.
Vera airs tonight at 8pm on ITV.
