Vera fans 'can't wait' as ITV 'confirms' start date for final series in new TV advert

Vera fans have been given a big clue as to when the hit drama will return for its final series, thanks to a revealing new TV advert. The much-loved ITV show first graced our screens back in 2011, with BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn donning her now-famous trench coat and fishing hat for the first time, alongside co-star David Leon and a young Sam Fender, who holds the unlikely distinction of being Vera's first murder victim.

Fast forward 13 years, and fans worldwide were left reeling when ITV announced that the 14th series, filmed across the North East in locations such as Blyth, South Shields, Gateshead and the Northumberland village of Glanton, would be its last. Further disappointment followed when it was revealed that the final run would consist of just two episodes, although a behind-the-scenes documentary, Vera, Farewell Pet, will provide some consolation.

Just months after filming her final scenes as the iconic detective Vera, Brenda Blethyn joined author Ann Cleeves on stage at the British Film Institute in London for a special celebration event, Vera - End of an Era. During the evening, which included a Q&A session hosted by Emma Kennedy, it was hinted that the final episodes of Vera would air within the next year.

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This has now been officially confirmed by ITV in a recently aired advert, which encouraged viewers to catch up on all previous episodes on ITVX before the new series premieres in January. The news quickly spread among Vera fan groups online, with one excited fan sharing: "Just seen an ad for Vera. Coming to the screens in January 2025 uk. I can't wait," and another posting: "Just seen an advert on ITV in the UK which said "Stream the boxset of Vera before the next series starts in January," reports Chronicle Live.