Vera fans rejoice as show favourite returns for final ever series as they’re pictured on set with Brenda Blethyn

VERA enthusiasts are in for a huge surprise as it has been confirmed that a fan-favourite character will be returning to screens for the final series.

Brenda Blethyn and other cast members of the hit ITV crime drama have been spotted on set as filming for the upcoming 14th series began at the end of May.

On Friday, Brenda, who plays the role of beloved detective DCI Vera Stanhope, was seen on set in Northumberland with co-star Jon Morrison.

Jon, who has played the role of much-loved Kenny Lockhart since the show started in 2011 and now fans of the show can breathe a sigh of relief as he will be appearing in the final season. 

Throughout Vera’s run, DC Kenny was a highly respected member of DCI Stanhope’s team at Northumbria and City Police.

Fans of the show quickly took to his straightforward approach to work, and special relationship with his equally candid boss, which made him a prominent character in the series.

Since filming began, David Leon, who portrays DS Joe Ashworth, has been sighted in locations such as Blyth, Gateshead, South Shields and Hartlepool alongside Brenda.

But recently, Jon joined the pair on set as the Vera cast filmed a massive crowd scene in the Northumberland village of Glanton.

After a day of filming delays due to the General Election, the cast resumed shooting in Glanton on Friday morning.

Many locals were seen on camera as the village hosted a Pagan-style parade, following several online calls for extras for one of the Vera storylines.

Jon was seen among the crowd who gathered for filming, as one enthusiastic fan captured him on camera before his scenes were shot.

Filming for series 14 of Vera is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with the two episodes already set to air in early 2025.

Over the past 14 years, the series has reached significant heights and has gained an enormous fan base.

Speaking on Vera’s last and final series, Brenda praised the show as she called working on the detective series a joy from start to finish.

The 78-year-old admitted that it was sad to say goodbye to the hit show while also paying tribute to her co-stars who have been with her for years.

Brenda said in a statement to ITV: “I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 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 North East and our fans worldwide.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Vera is available to watch on ITVX.