Vera's ITV bosses sign up ex Byker Grove and Emmerdale star for guest role in final series

A well known Geordie star, famous for being in both Byker Grove and Emmerdale, has been signed up to take part in the last ever series of Vera, joining an Auf Wiedesehen Pet legend and ex Coronation Street actress as a guest star for its big farewell

There was a lot of sadness the world over earlier this year when it was announced that the much loved drama will be wrapping up on ITV with a 14th and final series, with Brenda Blethyn and her co-stars filming two more feature length murder mysteries over the summer,.

It was revealed by TV execs last month that Vera series 14 will be part of the ITV Christmas line-up, with it also being confirmed that Brenda will be joined on screen by returning cast members like original sidekick David Leon, as well as Riley Jones and Jon Morrison. News of the new episodes also came along with an announcement of several famous faces who will appear as guest stars.

READ MORE:Flights cancelled at Spanish airport as weather sparks delays for UK passengers

READ MORE:Marks and Spencer's 'beautifully soft' bedding in 16 colours branded 'a dream' by shoppers

So far we know that Geordie actor Kevin Whately will make an appearance, along with ex Coronation Street favourite Shobna Gulati, known to millions for playing Sunita in the ITV soap and former Band of Gold actress Kathy Tyson. And now we know that Chelsea Halfpenny, who shot to fame in Byker Grove, before moving onto Emmerdale to take on the role of Amy Wyatt.

Since then, as well as being on stage in huge Newcastle fundraiser Sunday for Sammy and Christmas and the Cathedral, Chelsea has starred in BBC's Casualty and taken on the lead role in the UK tour of smash hit musical Waitress.

Another recognisable face to join the Vera ranks for the final series is Victoria Elliott, star of screen in shows including BBC comedy Hebburn and on stage in Sting musical The Last Ship.