'Vera's Christmas Special First Look Brings "The Rising Tide"

Some British shows get Christmas specials right out of the gate, a sign of just how strong the ratings are with the general public and the series' popularity. The Doctor Who reboot, for example, Call The Midwife, and All Creatures Great & Small all come to mind. Then there are those who build up to being popular enough after a season or two, like Downton Abbey (which started getting them after its second season), Grantchester (which notably only ever did the one), and The Great British Baking Show, which has done different versions, starting with Masterclasses in Season 5 to actual Holiday editions after moving to Channel4. But Vera took its sweet time, going a dozen seasons before finally landing a Yuletide mystery.

Vera's also taken its time in gaining popularity in the U.S. Unlike some of her detective counterparts, she was not picked up by Masterpiece or national distribution by PBS, contenting herself with appearing on local PBS stations since the series debuted in 2011. Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves and starring Brenda Blethyn (Pride & Prejudice) as DCI Vera Stanhope, the four episodes-a-season show has been airing every year almost like clockwork (save for the single pandemic delayed Season 11). With PBS not interested, Acorn TV swooped in and, for a while, had exclusive rights to the series during Seasons 4-7, streaming alongside Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and helping raise its popularity over here.

In 2017, BritBox scooped up Vera as one of its early gets, and while they may have halted the show's growth for a bit as BritBox's audience growth built from scratch, in the end, it's the reason the show now has a Christmas special. With BritBox in the business of commissioning Festive episodes for the shows it airs with ITV and BBC, like Sister Boniface Mysteries and Beyond Paradise, Vera was a natural choice to get one too.

Here's the feature-length episode's synopsis:

The critically acclaimed detective series, Vera returns with a thrilling feature-length episode titled The Rising Tide, based on the tenth novel by bestselling author Ann Cleeves. This new episode takes DCI Vera Stanhope on a chilling investigation as she finds herself drawn to the enchanting tidal island of Lindisfarne, where a group of lifelong friends reunites every five years to commemorate their enduring bond. What began as a joyous tradition turns sad when one of the friends is discovered dead. 

The tragic death takes a disturbing turn when Vera uncovers that the victim had recently been fired amidst allegations of misconduct. Determined to unearth the truth, Vera delves into the past, questioning the events that transpired during their first reunion on Holy Island. As the tide rises, long-concealed secrets begin to surface, threatening to engulf everyone involved. Vera, aided by her trusted and resourceful team, including Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy navigates treacherous waters, facing danger and deception at every turn. Together, they must unravel the twisted web of lies before another tragedy unfolds. 

The Rising Tide promises to be an unforgettable episode, blending Ann Cleeves' masterful novel with the atmospheric charm of Lindisfarne. Viewers can expect an intense and gripping story that delves into the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the lasting consequences of past actions. 

Brenda Blethyn will star as the titular Vera, with her usual team of Jon Morrison as DC Kenny Lockhart and Jake Ashton-Nelson as PC Billington. Kenny Doughty will also be back as DS Aiden Healy and Ibinabo Jack as DC Jac Williams, their final outings as these characters. Meanwhile, Sarah Kameela Impey will join the cast as pathologist Dr Paula Bennett. 

The two-hour special also brings aboard a host of guest stars, including Clare Holman (The Diplomat), Adrian Mills (Lord of Chaos), Suzette Llewellyn (Culprits), Brian Bovell (Miss Scarlet & The Duke), Orlessa Altass (Corpse Talk), Phil Cornwell (Napoleon), Adrian Rawlins (The Sixth Commandment), Kate Isitt (Last Tango In Halifax), Felicity Dean (Young Wallander), Natasha Patel (Luther), Sara Powell (The Killing Kind), Cora Kirk (Your Christmas or Mine), Martin Turner (The Crown), Eric Richard (Dunkirk), Liz Crowther (Dalgliesh), Phillippa Wilson, Sam Halfpenny and Peter Peverley.

"The Rising Tide" is written by Sally Abbott, directed by Paul Gay, and produced by Debbie Shewell. Vera is made by SilverprintPictures, part of ITV Studios, with executive producers Will Nicholson and Kate Bartlett overseeing the production. Overseeing production on behalf of ITV is Drama Commissioner Huw Kennair-Jones. 

The Vera Season 12 Christmas Special premieres on BritBox on Wednesday, December 20, 2023.