Crime Drama ‘Vera’ to Return for Series 5

Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope (Photo: ITV)
Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope (Photo: ITV)
Popular British crime drama Vera will officially be back for a fifth season!

Based on the characters from the popular series of novels by Ann Cleves, the show follows the obsessive and driven Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope as she tries to crack some of the toughest cases in Northumberland.

Brenda Blethyn will once again reprise her role as Vera; however, she’ll be getting a new sidekick this year. Long-time cast member David Leon, who played Vera’s loyal right-hand man Joe Ashworth, has departed the show, as his character has finally received a promotion. Vera will be joined instead by newcomer DS Aiden Healey, played by Stella’s Kenny Doughty.

Other returning cast members include Jon Morrison, Cush Jumbo, Kingsley Ben-Adir and Riley Jones

Series 5 will be comprised of four new episodes. Episode One is written by Martha Hillier and follows Vera and Aiden as they investigate a mysterious death at a caravan park. 

“I am so happy to be embarking on series 5 of Vera and whilst I’ll miss David Leon (Joe Ashworth finally got his long awaited promotion – Celine was delighted!)”, said Brenda Blethyn. “I’m very glad to be reunited with Jon Morrison, Riley Jones, Cush Jumbo and our new member of the team Kenny Doughty. Northumberland here we come!’

Filming on the new season has already begun in Northen England and will continue through August of this year. The series is set to screen in the UK in 2015 and hopefully – if this season is any indication – it will be available to American audiences shortly thereafter.

Are you a fan of Vera? 


Lacy Baugher

Lacy's love of British TV is embarrassingly extensive, but primarily centers around evangelizing all things Doctor Who, and watching as many period dramas as possible.

Digital media type by day, she also has a fairly useless degree in British medieval literature, and dearly loves to talk about dream poetry, liminality, and the medieval religious vision. (Sadly, that opportunity presents itself very infrequently.) York apologist, Ninth Doctor enthusiast, and unabashed Ravenclaw. Say hi on Threads or Blue Sky at @LacyMB. 

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