VERA fans have been devising their own theories about who could replace Brenda Blethyn on the ITV series following the announcement of her departure.
The hit crime drama is ending after series 14, and filming has already begun.
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After filming the upcoming series this summer, the Academy and Emmy-nominated actress will hang up DCI Vera Stanhope’s iconic trench coat and hat.
The new series will feature two feature-length episodes, each running for two hours, adding to the existing 54 episodes of the Vera.
As ITV has announced that the Vera will conclude after Brenda’s final series, fans have taken to X(twitter) and shared their thoughts and theories on who could replace the detective in a spin-off series.
Many fans of the show suggested on a Vera Facebook fan page that DCI Stanhope’s sidekick, Joe Ashworth (David Leon), would become the franchise’s lead character.
One fan wrote: “Maybe there’ll be a spin-off series with Joe or Aiden leading the team.”
“So sorry she is retiring, but wish her the very best,” a second added before saying: “They are filming two more episodes this summer, so perhaps Vera retires and Joe takes over?”
A fourth commented: “I would love a spin-off,” while a fifth added: “Joe’s the man for the job.”
“Is Joe taking over?” someone else asked.
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Brenda confirmed in a heartfelt statement that season 14 would be her last this morning.
The 78-year-old actress 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 Northeast and our fans worldwide.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Director Kate Bartlett added: “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 AnnCleeves, 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.”
Elsewhere, a Vera boss has issued a major update to fans of the ITV drama.
Vera author Ann Cleeves has revealed some exciting news about the famous detective show.
Just before Brenda Blethyn and the cast kick off filming for the new series, Ann has unveiled a new book is in the works.
The author shared the name and cover of her upcoming publication with Express.co.uk at The Royal Television Society Awards.
Ann created Brenda’s well-known character, DCI Stanhope.
Her books led to the creation of the popular ITV show, which premiered in 2011 and became a big hit.
Read more on the Irish Sun
The new book is titled The Dark Wives, and it can be pre-ordered now.
Vera is available to watch on ITVX.
