Kenny Doughty, famed for his role as DS Aiden Healy in ITV's Vera, is set to grace television screens once more this week as the network airs reruns of the beloved drama, months after his last episode aired on Boxing Day.
The repeats will surely go down a storm with fans who were left distraught after it was announced the detective series, which centres around enigmatic DCI Vera Stanhope, was coming to an end after 14 years following Brenda Blethyn's announcement that she was quitting the show. Audiences can anticipate the final two episodes to be broadcast in 2025.
Brenda's departure was preceded by a series of cast exits from the ITV show, including Kenny Doughty himself, who announced his departure from Vera in 2023 after an eight-year tenure portraying DS Aiden Healy.
In March of the previous year, Kenny expressed his "difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge," through a touching statement on Instagram, reports the Express. But what prompted his exit from Vera, and what has he been up to since?
Why did Kenny Doughty leave Vera?
After an eight-year stint, Kenny disclosed his departure in a heartfelt social media post last year. Accompanied by a selection of photos with co-star Brenda Blethyn, he shared: "After eight years and 35 Vera films I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera."
He went on to express his gratitude: "I want to thank everyone who's made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to."
"I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter and have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times.
"And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show."
Kenny later explained that his decision was because he wasnted to step away while he was "still enjoying it," and wanted to seek new challenges.
Kenny explained to Radio Times at the time: "There were lots of personal and professional reasons why I wanted to move on. I have loved doing Vera 100 per cent. It has been a life-changing job for so many reasons. Including working with Brenda Blethyn and in the North East. I feel like an honorary Geordie."
"There is also a real family connection to the crew who I'm still in touch with. It has been nine years since I filmed my first episode in 2014, which was screened in 2015. I just wanted to leave while I was still happy with everything."
"It was a really difficult decision to leave. Because I loved doing that job and I loved working with everybody on the Vera team. But a little part of me, for whatever reason, the little inner self, said to me, 'You should probably call it a day while you're still enjoying it.' To step away and seek new acting challenges."
Kenny Doughty's final appearance as Vera aired on Boxing Day in 2023, featuring in the feature-length episode titled The Rising Tide.
What has Kenny Doughty been up to since leaving Vera?
Since his departure from the beloved series Vera, Kenny Doughty has not been resting on his laurels. He's currently involved in filming for a new drama on Channel 5 named The Au Pair.
Kenny made the career announcement earlier this month as he took to Instagram with a photo of a pint of Guinness, revealing he'd been filming in Ireland. In his post, he expressed gratitude and shared a heartfelt message to his new co-stars, including the esteemed David Suchet, Sally Bretton of Beyond Paradise fame, and Ludmilla Makowski, known for her role in Lupin.
His Instagram caption read: "And that is a WRAP on The Au Pair. Thank you to everyone for being so welcoming but huge huge love and appreciation to my fellow actors; Sir David Suchet, Sally Bretton and @ludmillamakowski - what a journey we've had! ! And thank you Dublin."
Vera series 11, episode five, will air at 9pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
