Vera star Brenda Blethyn confirms show's future after season 13

Vera star Brenda Blethyn has confirmed the show's future after season 13.

The latest series of the long-running ITV crime drama came to an end last night (January 21), after three feature-length episodes.

Shortly after the final episode aired, Blethyn took to Twitter/X to reassure viewers that it's not the last we'll see of Vera Stanhope.

When one fan asked: "Why are lots here saying this is the last #Vera?? Have I missed something??," alongside crying emojis, the actress replied: "It's not the last."

brenda blethyn as dci vera stanhope, vera

STUART WOOD//ITV

Blethyn's comments come after the news that two new episodes of Vera will be filmed in spring this year, according to Radio Times.

ITV have confirmed that the feature-length specials will once again see the fan-favourite detective tackle more mysterious cases across the north east. David Leon is also expected to return as DI Joe Ashworth, after recently reprising his role in season 13.

Blethyn shared her relief at Leon's return earlier this month, following Kenny Doughty's departure as DS Aiden Healy on Boxing Day 2023.

"After we filmed 'The Rising Tide' at the end of 2022 I didn't want to do any more without Kenny Doughty, who had decided to leave. But I said, I'll think about it if you can see if David Leon is available to return as Joe Ashworth," she said (via The Mirror).

STUART WOOD//ITV

"And so they did and here I am. I was broken-hearted when David left after series four and equally overjoyed when I heard he was coming back as the relationship between Vera and Joe worked so well.

"They have all of that early history together. I wouldn't have continued if David had not agreed to come back. I just didn't want to start another board game with somebody else when I know I'm not going to do many more. And who would want to do it anyway?"

Vera series 1-13 are available to stream on ITVX.