The second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera has taken a break from the show, with Bosses announcing she will return for the thirteenth series.
Following Kenny Doughty’s announcement of his departure from the show, actress Ibinabo Jacques, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, has confirmed that she will not be returning for series 13 due to her theatrical commitments.
Star Brenda Blethyn is set to reprise her role once again as no-nonsense DCI detective Vera Stanhope, while actor-director David Lyon makes a welcome return as Joe Ashworth.
Inspired by award-winning author Anne Cleaves, the VERA series has become critically beloved and acclaimed, with its compelling stories and captivating performances.
Over the years, the drama has attracted impressive viewing figures, with an average of six million viewers tuning into the latest series, including watching across all devices.
Return: A second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera has taken a break from the show, with Bosses announcing 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 female detective, and many other specific roles throughout her career.
Brenda has also received numerous accolades including two Academy Award nominations, a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and the Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.
The cast returns alongside Brenda and David for three new feature films that include John Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards.
More cast and information about the new series will be announced when filming begins in the summer.
Following the news of Kenny and Ibinabo’s exit, The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel by Anne Cleaves, will be their last appearance in the series, and will air later this year.
Brenda Blethyn said: ‘It’s been a pleasure working alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They were both amazing members of Vera’s team, and I will miss them both.
“I am absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and I can’t wait to get started.”
Last week, Kenny announced he was leaving Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy.
Won’t be back: Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018 (far left), 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’ve made the difficult decision to hand over the DS Healy badge. I can confirm that I will leave Vera.
I want to thank everyone who made this amazing time so happy, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew but of course my friend and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star to whom I am so indebted.
I feel so lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and you’ve been a rock to me over the years. I cannot thank you enough. Precious times.
And finally, Vera fans: without you and your support I wouldn’t have made so many movies. You really are the best fan in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love of the show. X. ‘
It came after Kenny shared a selection of photos of himself and his co-stars from the show two weeks ago, writing: “Thank you for the memories Xx.”
A large number of fans took to the comments section to wish him well in his next career move.
Screenwriter and TV producer Russell T Davies wrote: “Here’s the future xx.
He’s out! Last week, Kenny Doty announced he was leaving Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy (pictured with Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera)
Another follower wrote: “It wouldn’t be the same – you and Vera have such perfect chemistry together.” No Malcolm and now neither you! But good luck.
Someone else posted: “Thank you for the amazing stories you’ve been so far away from on screen!” ❤️ Vera has been my go-to TV show for a number of years now and your character has been a huge part of that. It’s been a joy watching yourself and Aiden Healy grow up.
Can’t wait to see what your future roles entail! (The next episode will definitely be an emotional one.)
While another fan said: ‘Awwww no!! You awwww will be missed so much and Vera will truly be a double act.
