A second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama, Vera, has left the show as bosses have announced she will return for a thirteenth series.
Following Kenny Doughty’s announcement that she is leaving the show, actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC’s Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, has confirmed that she will not be returning for series 13 due to her theatrical commitments.
Star Brenda Blethyn reprises her role as no-nonsense detective DCI Vera Stanhope, while actor/director David Leon makes a welcome return as Joe Ashworth.
Inspired by award-winning author Ann Cleeves, VERA has become a popular and acclaimed series with its compelling storylines and captivating performances.
Over the years, the drama has consistently garnered impressive viewership, with an average of six million viewers tuning in for the latest series, including playback across all devices.
Return: A second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera has left the show as bosses have announced she will be returning for a thirteenth series
In 2021, Brenda Blethyn received the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award for her starring role as Vera, ITV’s longest-running detective, and her many other formative roles throughout her career.
Brenda has also received multiple awards including two Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.
Joining Brenda and David, the cast returns for three new feature films, including Jon Morrison who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones who plays DC Mark Edwards.
Further casting and information about the new series will be announced when filming begins in the summer.
Following the news of Kenny and Ibinabo’s departure, The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on Ann Cleeves’ eleventh Vera novel, will be their final appearance on the series and will air later this year.
Brenda Blethyn said: “It was such a pleasure to work with Kenny and Ibinabo. They were both great members of the Vera team and I will miss them.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”
Last week, Kenny announced he was leaving the cast of Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy.
Not coming back: Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams (far left) since 2018, has confirmed she won’t be returning for series 13 due to her theatrical commitments
He wrote: “After 8 years and 35 Vera films, I have made the difficult decision to relinquish DS Healy’s badge. I can confirm that I am leaving Vera.
“I want to thank everyone who made this amazing time so joyful, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my friend and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading man to whom I owe so much.
“I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me cry with laughter and have been a rock to me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. precious times.
“And finally, the Vera fans: I would never have made so many films without you and your support. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you for your loyalty and love for the show. X’
It came after Kenny shared a selection of pictures of himself with his co-stars from the show two weeks earlier, writing: “Thanks for the memories Xx.”
A multitude of fans took to the comments section to wish him luck in his next career steps.
Writer and television producer Russell T. Davies wrote, “Oh buddy. Congratulations. You were wonderful ❤️ Here’s to the future xx.
He is gone! Last week Kenny Doughty announced he was leaving the cast of Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy (pictured with Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera).
Another follower wrote: “It won’t be the same ~ you and Vera have this perfect chemistry together. No Malcolm and now not you! But good luck.’
Someone else wrote: “Thanks for the amazing stories you’ve been apart of on screen! ❤️ Vera has been my comfort tv show for a number of years and your character is a big part of it. It’s been a joy to watch myself and Aiden Healy grow.
“I can’t wait to see what your future roles entail! (The next episode will certainly be an emotional one).’
While another fan shared: “Awww no!! awwww will miss you very much you and Vera are a real doppelganger.