Vera ITV star leaves fans demanding return for final episode as cast 'missing' in action

Vera viewers are demanding the return of a fan favourite for the much loved show's final episodes, as other cast members appear to be 'missing' from production on the new series.

It was back in April that ITV announced that Vera will be wrapping up next year, after 14 years and 14 series, with lead star Brenda Blethyn putting on her character's instantly recognisable mac and fishing hat for the final time. Filming on the last ever episodes of the much loved show got going at the end of May, with Brenda having been spotted in a variety of different locations since her trip to Cambois in Northumberland to kick it off.

However, while Brenda and returning co-star David Leon have been clocked by fans shooting scenes in the likes of Gateshead, Blyth, Hartlepool and, most recently, Glanton; other familiar faces from the Vera cast, like Riley Jones, Jon Morrison and series 13 newcomer Rhiannon Clements, have yet to be seen, despite joining Brenda and David for a script read through, on the same day Vera's ending was confirmed.

READ MORE: Vera ITV cast and crew in Northumberland as village's name changed and urgent casting call made

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One person who isn't expected to play any part in Vera series 14 is Ibinabo Jack, after her on screen exit in Christmas special, The Rising Tide. Like co-star Kenny Doughty. Ibinabo left the drama last year but, having missed her in series 13, which aired on ITV earlier this year, fans online have declared they'd 'love' to see her back for the last ever episodes.

Posting in a Vera group on Facebook, in a discussion thread about new series filming and which character they'd like to see back on screen, one wrote: Jac, I would have loved to have seen more of her, I wish she would come back" with another commenting: "Yes, I was gutted when she left"

There has been no word yet on any potential guest stars for the last series of Vera, wit filming so far having also taken place in South Shields, Whitley Bay and Cullercoats.