Fans of ITV's Vera will be thrilled to hear that former cast members are set to reunite on-screen this week as the broadcaster airs reruns of the long-standing drama in the 9pm slot. Paul Kaye, Kenny Doughty, and Ibinabo Jack will all make appearances.
The reruns will evoke mixed feelings for fans following the announcement earlier this year that Brenda Blethyn was stepping down from her role as the mystery-solving DCI Vera Stanhope after a 14-year stint. In light of this news, it is anticipated that the 14th and final series of Vera will air sometime in 2025.
Brenda's announcement followed a series of departures from the ITV series, including Paul, Kenny, and Ibinabo, who left Vera in 2023 due to theatre commitments.
Since 2018, Ibinabo portrayed the character of DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams, becoming a firm favourite among viewers. The news of Ibinabo's exit in March 2023 came just days after Kenny confirmed his departure from the show after an eight-year run as DS Aiden Healy.
Their final appearance in the series was marked by The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves. The special aired on Boxing Day in 2023, marking the duo's farewell.
Reflecting on their departures at the time, Brenda Blethyn remarked: "It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them."
However, Ibinabo has previously backed a Vera prequel, so it might not be the last we see of her on Vera.
During an appearance on BBC Breakfast earlier this year, presenter Jon Kay asked her: "I suppose when Brenda steps down that surely means Vera has to end, doesn't it? You can't have Vera without Brenda."
Ibinabo, who has also appeared on stage in the likes of The Bodyguard and Dreamgirls, responded: "Unless they did a prequel? Like early days? " A huge admirer of that idea, Jon's BBC co-host Sally Nugent exclaimed: "A prequel is a fabulous idea! That's what we need to know, more about Vera's backstory. It's a genius idea! ".
Vera series 11, episode five, is scheduled to broadcast at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
