Brenda Blethyn welcomes back David Leon for a 13th series of the hit ITV crime drama Vera.

Award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn will return for a 13th series as DCI Vera Stanhope, alongside actor and director David Leon who makes a welcome return as Joe Ashworth.

Inspired by the award-winning author Ann Cleeves, Vera has become a much-loved and acclaimed series, with its compelling storylines and captivating performances. Over the years, the drama has consistently pulled in impressive viewing figures, with an average 6 million viewers tuning in for the last series, including viewing across all devices.

In 2021 Brenda Blethyn received the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award for her starring role as Vera, ITV’s longest-running female detective, and her many other defining roles throughout her career. Brenda is also the recipient of several accolades including two Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.

Cast returning alongside Brenda and David for three new feature length films include Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards. Further castings and information about the new series will be announced when filming commences in the summer.
Actor Kenny Doughty, who played DS Aidan Healey since 2015, recently announced his departure from the drama. Actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, will not be returning for the thirteenth series due to her theatre commitments.

The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves, will be Kenny and Ibinabo’s final appearance in the series. The episode will be scheduled later this year.

Brenda Blethyn commented:
"It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them. I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”

Made by Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios, the thirteenth series will be Executive produced by Will Nicholson and Kate Bartlett. Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones will oversee the production on behalf of ITV.

ITV Studios distributes Vera internationally.
Series 1-12 is available on ITVX.