There was a lot of excitement up by the coast a few years ago, when a popular Turkish restaurant was chosen to be featured in Vera. Well now, it's not just Brenda Blethyn who's set foot inside, as the venue has a growing number of celebrity customers - from Newcastle United players, to TV presenters, Love Island stars and music icon Sam Fender.
Back in 2018, the owners of Turknaz in Whitley Bay, took to Facebook to share their delight at being hand picked by ITV bosses to ber used for an episode of Vera, with their social media post reading: "We are privileged to announce that the award winning ITV series ‘Vera’ have chosen our Turknaz premises to record their new series.
"We can’t wait to see the production team in action and of course, the lovely Vera herself. Turknaz are proud to present to you ‘Vera’ with a Turkish twist."
READ MORE: Football icon's Newcastle restaurant now a 'must try' Sunday dinner spot
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Vera filming meant that the restaurant was closed for a few hours as Brenda and her co-stars shot their scenes, with the BAFTA winning actress then scene on the premises to film the episode, which aired in 2019.
Well Brenda isn't the only big name to have sampled Turknaz's hospitality, as there are few others how have now too graced its social media pages. Elliot Anderson was described by Turknaz bosses as 'the Geordie Maradona' when he and his family, including brother and Love Island contestant Wil, headed there for a bite to eat.
And the owners were also ecstatic at North Shields' Brit winner Sam Fender calling in food and when TV presenter and Packed Lunch star Steph McGovern headed to Turknaz for a meal earlier this year.
