Yahoo News Vera's Ibinabo Jack hinted at ITV spin-off before drama's end was confirmed
A former Vera star hinted at a spin-off being a possibility before it was even announced that the drama was coming to an end, with Ibinabo Jack keen on the idea of a prequel.
There were shockwaves amongst Vera fans last week, when it was revealed that the ITV drama's 14th series will be the last, as leading lady Brenda Blethyn puts on her character's famous trench coat and fishing hat combo for a final time. As soon as news broke of Vera wrapping up next year, speculation started on a spin-off being in the pipeline, as names like David Leon, Kenny Doughty and even Happy Valley legend Sarah Lancashire were put in the frame.
Several bookies are of the opinion that a Vera spin-off is a 'done deal' given the show still puts in very impressive viewing figures, 13 years after its debut. And Ibinabo, who quit her role as Northumberland & City team member Jac Williams last year, has already floated the suggestion of one.
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During an appearance on BBC Breakfast, presenter Jon Kay asked her: "I suppose when Brenda steps down that surely means Vera has to end, doesn't it? You can't have Vera without Brenda."
Ibinabo, who has also appeared on stage in the likes of The Bodyguard and Dreamgirls, replied: "Unless they did a prequel? Like early days?" A big fan of that suggestion, Jon's BBC co-host Sally Nugent reacted: "A prequel is a fabulous idea! That's what we need to know, more of Vera's backstory. It's a genius idea! ".
Like her former Vera colleague Kenny Doughty, who also announced his departure from the much loved programme last year, Ibinabo was last seen in character in Christmas special The Rising Tide, which attracted a large audience on ITV1 on Boxing Day.
