Vera's David Leon made 'secret' return to hit ITV drama after quitting

While many viewers are well aware that David Leon made a shock return to Vera earlier this year, the actor had actually already been back on set behind the camera, with him opening up earlier this week on what it was like to direct an episode of the hit drama.

Geordie star David was by Brenda Blethyn's side when Vera launched back in 2011 with pilot episode Hidden Depths, focused on the mysterious death of a teenager played by a young Sam Fender. That lit the touch paper on the nation's love affair with the now iconic TV detective and paved the way for 13 series of Vera, with David starring a sidekick Joe Ashworth for the first series, before deciding to walk away from the role.

His decision left Brenda heartbroken, with the lead actress then dealt another blow early last year, when David's replacement, Aiden Healy actor Kenny Doughty, also decided to quit, having filmed his final scenes in character for Christmas special The Rising Tide. Kenny's exit could have ultimately been the end for Vera; however, in a turn of events no-one saw coming, David was persuaded to comeback as Joe, with him re-joining the cast for series 13 and then again for what will be the show's 14th and final series.

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The last ever episodes of Vera were filmed all over the North East in the summer, with it now being confirmed that they will air in the New Year and, on Tuesday night, David joined Brenda, Vera author Ann Cleeves and other members of the ITV cast and crew at a special event in London to mark both the culmination of the hugely popular drama and its success.

The event - Vera End of an Era - was held at the British Film Institute and during the 95 minute screening an d Q&A, David's unexpected directorial role was discussed by both the man himself and co-star Brenda, with David saying going back to take on the role behind camera made him appreciate the tremendous work ethic of everybody involved and also just how much of 'a family' everyone is who works on Vera.

After quitting Vera first time round, David won an award for his directing at the world famous Tribeca Film Festival, having also been on screen pre-Vera in hit BBC series Cutting It, alongside stars like Amanda Holden and Sarah Parish.