Vera ITV final series cast 'confirmed' as star posts photo from set of drama

It won't be on screen until next year but the cast for the last ever series of Vera has been 'leaked' thanks to one of the stars of the hit drama posting a photo from the set.

There was heartbreak for Vera fans on Monday, when it was announced by ITV that the much loved detective programme will come to an end next year after 14 series and in what will be its 14th year of gripping millions of viewers. It was back in 2011 that Brenda Blethyn first appeared as her now iconic alter ego DCI Stanhope, with the pilot episode seeing her joined by sidekick David Leon and a young Sam Fender, who played a teenager murder victim.

Since then, Vera has established itself as not just one of ITV's biggest dramas, but also one of the must successful series across all channels, with its ratings topping those of BBC hit Call The Midwife when the two went head to head on Sunday nights earlier this year. News that Vera is ending came out of the blue on Monday, with a statement released by ITV, in which lead star Brenda said she was 'sad' to say 'cheerio' to her character.

READ MORE: ITV Vera to end after 14 series as Brenda Blethyn confirms exit as famous detective

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

As fans reacted with great sadness to the news of Vera finishing next year, the cast were already at work on what will be the final episodes of the drama's 14 year run. A photo shared by ITV saw Vera alongside co-stars David and Riley Jones and Rihannon Clements, who joined the ranks of Northumberland & City Police last year as Steph Duncan, also posted a photo of the script on her Instagram story.

And as well as David being visible in the snap, Rhiannon's photo also confirmed the return of another much loved cast member, as Jon Morrison could also be seen, meaning he will be back on the case as Kenny Lockhart, with there also being a glimpse of Sara Kameela Impey, who joined the Vera cast as new pathologist Dr Paula Bennett, to replace Paul Kaye's Dr Malcolm.

Following the first read through of the script, filming on the new series of Vera is set to commence on April 29.