Crime show fans go wild as they discover ‘90s version of Vera’ ahead of ITV show’s final episodes

AS FANS of Vera prepare to bid farewell to the beloved ITV series, many are finding comfort in a nostalgic crime drama being dubbed the ’90s version of Vera’.

After an incredible 14 season run, Brenda Blethyn is stepping down from her role as detective Vera Stanhope.

PA

Crime fans have been left at a loose end now that Vera is coming to a close[/caption]

BBC

Viewers have discovered a similar show the BBC made in the 90s[/caption]

BBC

Hetty Wainthropp Investigates also centres around an older female detective[/caption]

The actress previously made an emotional statement with the news, telling fans: “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 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 last episode of the series is set to air on January 2, and Brenda has already admitted that the finale will be heart-wrenching.

While fans come to terms with the end of Vera, many have turned to an older British gem for solace.

Some viewers are just discovering Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, a 1990s crime series starring Patricia Routledge.

The show follows private investigator Hetty Wainthropp as she embarks on a career solving crime in her 60s.

The series aired from 1995 to 1998, and featured 27 episodes of Hetty unraveling mysteries with the help of her husband Robert and a young assistant named Geoffrey.

Patricia Routledge hit out at BBC bosses when they suddenly axed the show, fuming: “We were betrayed by the BBC.

“We finished series four of Hetty Wainthropp, we were told there was going to be a series five. But no word ever came.

“How rude. The BBC is run by 10-year-old children.”

Now, as 2025 approaches, she would no doubt be delighted to hear that a new generation of viewers is discovering the nostalgic charm of Hetty Wainthropp Investigates.

New fans have taken to social media to rave about the show, with one saying: “Hetty Wainthropp Investigates was proper good Sunday evening fayre wasn’t it? Like Pie in the Sky. Northern brass bands and 90s fashions.”

Another asked: “Why did no-one tell me that Hetty Wainthropp Investigates is basically a 90s version of Vera? Started it last week and am loving it so far.”