TV fans will be delighted to see a beloved detective return to our screens.
British crime drama Vera is a TV series based on the Vera Stanhope novels by Ann Cleeves. The show ran on ITV for 14 years from 2011 to 2025, starring Brenda Blethyn as the lead character, Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.
“Vera is a nearly retired detective chief inspector of the fictional Northumberland & City Police, who is obsessive about her work. She plods along in a dishevelled state but has a calculating mind and despite her irascible personality, she cares deeply about her work and colleagues,” reads the official synopsis for the series.
Brenda Blethyn hung up her iconic trench coat and hat after wrapping up the 14th and final series of Vera last year. The 80-year-old actress notably stepped away from the beloved role so she could spend more time with her family.
“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,” Brenda said in a statement at the time.
View 3 ImagesBrenda Blethyn is known for playing DCI Vera Stanhope(Image: ITV)
The final episode, which aired on ITV1 in January 2025, saw DCI Stanhope make a big decision about her future. Vera notably decided to retire to the Northumbrian coast with her dog, after turning down a promotion.
Now, Vera fans will be thrilled to hear that the beloved detective is returning to screens, as ITV airs a repeat episode on Monday night (June 29).
Avid fans can reimmerse themselves into Vera’s world when season 13 episode 2, Tender, airs at 8.35pm tonight, straight after Brazil and Japan’s World Cup knockout match.
The episode, which will broadcast until 10.30pm, sees Vera investigate an intriguing and puzzling case after the body of a sickly young girl is found in a railway siding in the middle of nowhere.
The synopsis adds: “The case soon turns up twists and turns that makes Vera question who this girl actually was, and ask if her weakened state allowed someone to take advantage of her.”
View 3 ImagesThe crime drama came to an end last year(Image: ITV)
Vera returns to screens, alongside other fan-favourites like DI Joe Ashworth (David Leon), DC Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison), and DC Mark Edwards (Riley Jones).
Audiences have continued to share their praise for the Newcastle-based series online, with one IMDb user writing: “Vera is the best ever.”
Another added: “10/10 crime series and a must watch for Sunday evening viewing!!!” while a third said: “Best detective show on TV.”
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Someone else commented: “Vera shows up as the best British TV has to offer. Flawless crime drama,” with another similarly sharing: “Vera is everyone’s favourite detective. One of the most remarkable detectives ever.”
A sixth viewer echoed the sentiment, saying: “All time favourite detective. The best series of all time. After 40 years of watching and reading that type of crime drama, this is on the top of my list.”
A Vera repeat will air on ITV1 at 8.35pm on Monday (June 29) and is available to stream on ITVX