ITV Vera drops major update on final series following Brenda Blethyn’s ‘sad ending’ hint

ITV has officially confirmed the start date for the final series of Vera through a new television advert that aired on Thursday night.

The broadcaster encouraged viewers to catch up on previous episodes of the hit detective drama on ITVX before the new series premieres in January 2025.

The announcement marks the beginning of the end for the beloved series, which will conclude with its 14th season.

Fans of DCI Stanhope, played by BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn, have been eagerly awaiting confirmation of the return date since it was announced that the show would be coming to an end.

The hit ITV drama first aired in 2011, with Brenda Blethyn making her debut appearance as the now-iconic detective, complete with her trademark trench coat and fishing hat.

The series launched alongside co-star David Leon, with a young Sam Fender making a notable appearance as Vera’s first murder victim.

Over the past 13 years, the show has become a staple of British television, with Blethyn’s portrayal of DCI Stanhope capturing audiences’ hearts worldwide.

The series has been filmed extensively across the North East, including locations such as Blyth, South Shields, Gateshead and the Northumberland village of Glanton.

News of the show’s conclusion hit fans hard when ITV executives announced that the 14th series would be its last.

Adding to viewers’ disappointment, it was revealed that the final run would consist of only two episodes.

Recent filming took place across various North East locations, including scenes shot on the Redcar Esplanade and Hartlepool headland.

The decision to end the long-running series marks a significant moment for British television, with DCI Stanhope’s final cases set to air in just a few months.

ITV’s recent promotional campaign aims to give viewers time to revisit earlier episodes before the series conclusion begins in January.

Brenda Blethyn, who recently completed filming her final scenes as Vera, made a special appearance at London’s British Film Institute for a celebration event titled ‘Vera – End of an Era’.

The BAFTA-winning actress was joined by Vera author Ann Cleeves for the occasion.

The evening included a Q&A session hosted by Emma Kennedy, where both Blethyn and Cleeves engaged with fans in attendance.

During the event, host Emma Kennedy informed the audience they could expect to see the final episodes of Vera ‘in the next year’.

This timing has now been confirmed through ITV’s recent advertising campaign, which specifically points to a January premiere.

News of the January start date quickly spread through online Vera fan communities following the advert’s broadcast.

“Just seen an ad for Vera. Coming to the screens in January 2025 uk. I can’t wait,” one excited viewer posted.

Another fan shared their enthusiasm, writing: “Just seen an advert on ITV in the UK which said ‘Stream the boxset of Vera before the next series starts in January’.”

“If the #Vera Stanhope’s Land Rover doesn’t end up in a museum somewhere, there is something wrong with the world @BrendaBlethyn @ITV,” another shared.

The advert’s appearance on Thursday evening has generated significant buzz among the show’s dedicated fanbase, who have been waiting for official confirmation of when they can see Brenda Blethyn’s final outings as DCI Stanhope.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

• Dick and Angel Strawbridge celebrate ‘stunning gift’ as they make emotional return to chateau
• Ant McPartlin admits he was ‘unprofessional’ during I’m A Celebrity trial as he vows to be ‘kinder’
• Coleen Rooney reflects on husband Wayne’s ‘difficult mistakes’ in ITV I’m A Celebrity admission

It comes shortly after Blethyn dropped a clue indicating her character might meet a sad ending.

Speaking recently at an event for the show, Blethyn was joined by Ann Cleeves, author of the Vera novels the show is based on.

The actress was asked about whether Stanhope would end up being “killed off” in the final episodes.

“No comment,” she responded cryptically, with the host of the event probing: “They’re not going to kill you, are they?”

Keeping her lips sealed, the actress responded: “I’m not going to tell you,” The Express reports.

While the final series will be shorter than usual, viewers will have the added bonus of a special behind-the-scenes documentary.

The programme, titled ‘Vera, Farewell Pet’, will offer fans a glimpse into the making of the beloved series.

This documentary will serve as a consolation for viewers disappointed by the limited two-episode finale.

The documentary and final episodes represent the culmination of over a decade of detective drama that has captivated audiences since 2011.