Vera fans 'switch off' ITV and rush to watch hit drama as schedule change sparks complaints

An old episode of Vera attracted a large audience on Sunday night, as viewers were left distinctly unimpressed by the fact that ITV dedicated four hours of its schedule to Soccer Aid, as the event raised over £15 million for charity.

First launched in 2006 by best mates Robbie Williams and Jonathan Wilkes, now annual fundraiser Soccer Aid has now pulled in more than £106 million for global cause UNICEF and was back at the weekend as its location switched from Old Trafford to Stamford Bridge. Kick off at Chelsea's ground was 7.30pm, but coverage on ITV began 90 minutes earlier at 6pm and ran until after the final whistle and blown and the trophy was presented to England.

Having not won in five years, Frank Lampard's side ended up being 6-3 winners this time round, thanks to goals from ex pros Joe Cole, Theo Walcott and Ellen White and two from super sub and Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett. Many viewers at home soaked up every single minute of the extensive Soccer Aid coverage, but others did the exact opposite and switched straight over, with many grateful for the fact that a Vera repeat was on ITV3.

READ MORE: Soccer Aid 2024 RECAP: England 6-3 World XI as Steven Bartlett scores twice

Get all the latest TV and showbiz news and gossip from Chronicle Live with our free newsletter

The episode in question was series 11's Tyger Tyger, a kidnap mystery from two years ago, featuring a cameo from well known Geordie actress Charlie Hardwick, as well as starring roles, of course, for lead star Brenda Blethyn and her now former sidekick Kenny Doughty. Quick to express their relief for Vera being on.

Taking to X, one wrote: "Thank Goodness for Vera repeats on itv3. Hate bloody football. Bad enough we have the Euro's to suffer all summer. Can't believe it's been on for 4 hours" as a second reacted: "Watching Vera on itv 3. Hate bloody football!!"