A second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera has left the show as bosses announced she will return for a thirteenth series.
Following Kenny Doughty’s announcement that she was leaving the show, actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, confirmed that she will not be returning for series 13 due to her theater commitments.
Star Brenda Blethyn will reprise 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 grown into a much-loved and award-winning series with its gripping storylines and compelling performances.
Over the years, the drama has consistently garnered impressive ratings, with an average of six million viewers watching 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 announce he will return for a thirteenth series
In 2021, Brenda Blethyn received the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award for her lead role as Vera, ITV’s longest-running detective, and her many other formative roles throughout her career.
Brenda has also received several awards, including two Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.
The cast returns for three new films alongside Brenda and David, 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 in the series and will air later this year.
Brenda Blethyn said: “It was so much fun working with Kenny and Ibinabo. They were both wonderful 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.”
Kenny announced last week that 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 will not be returning for series 13 due to her theater commitments
He wrote: “After 8 years and 35 Vera films I have taken the difficult decision to give up the DS Healy badge. I can confirm that I am leaving Vera.
“I want to thank everyone who made this wonderful time so joyful, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew, BUT of course my friend and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect protagonist to whom I owe so much.
“I’m lucky to have you as a friend, you make me cry with laughter and you’ve been a rock for me over the years. I can’t say 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 large number of fans took to the comments section to wish him luck on his next career steps.
Author and television producer Russell T. Davies wrote: “Oh mate. Congratulations. you were great 
To the future xx.
He’s done! Kenny Doughty announced last week that 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.«
Another wrote: “Thank you for the amazing stories you’ve seen on screen! Vera has been my comfort TV show for a few years and your character is a big part of that. It’s been a pleasure watching you and Aiden Healy grow.
“I can’t wait to see what your future roles bring! (The next episode will definitely be an emotional one.)
While another fan shared: “Awww no!! awwww gonna miss you so much you and Vera are a good duo.
Source: Daily Mail
Ashley Root is an author and celebrity journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a keen eye for all things celebrity, Ashley is always up-to-date on the latest gossip and trends in the world of entertainment.
