Vera ITV final series start date 'officially' confirmed 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. And they won't have to wait long.

It's hard to believe that it was all the way back in 2011 when the much-loved ITV show first aired, with BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn donning her now iconic trench coat and fishing hat for the first time, appearing 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 Vera enthusiasts worldwide were hit hard when ITV executives announced that the 14th series, filmed across the North East including on the Redcar Esplanade and Hartlepool headland, would be its last.

Further disappointment came for DCI Stanhope devotees when it was also revealed that the drama's final run would consist of only two episodes, although there will be the added bonus of a behind-the-scenes documentary, Vera, Farewell Pet.

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Brenda Blethyn, who recently filmed her last scenes as Vera, made an appearance at a celebration event titled 'Vera - End of an Era' at London's British Film Institute. She and author Ann Cleeves engaged with fans in the audience, answering their questions alongside the host for the evening, Emma Kennedy.

At the conclusion of the screening, Emma announced to everyone present that they could expect the final episodes of Vera 'in the next year. ' This has now been officially confirmed by ITV in an advert that aired on Thursday night, which many fans noticed, reports Chronicle Live.

The advert encouraged viewers to catch up on all previous episodes of Vera on ITVX before the new series 'starts in January. ' News of the advert quickly spread among Vera fan groups online, with one viewer posting: "Just seen an ad for Vera. Coming to the screens in January 2025 uk. I can't wait" while another commented: "Just seen an advert on ITV in the UK which said "Stream the boxset of Vera before the next series starts in January".

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