Vera is set to begin Covid-safe filming in autumn - here’s what the new series is about

Lead actor, Brenda Blethyn, will return to the role of DCI Vera Stanhope for the 11th season of the show.
(Getty)Lead actor, Brenda Blethyn, will return to the role of DCI Vera Stanhope for the 11th season of the show.
(Getty)
Lead actor, Brenda Blethyn, will return to the role of DCI Vera Stanhope for the 11th season of the show. (Getty)

ITV Detective series, Vera, is soon set to make a return to the nation’s screens with six new episodes, all filmed under Covid-19 guidelines.

Two episodes are now due to go into production in Northumberland in the autumn, for broadcast in 2021. Lead actor, Brenda Blethyn, will return to the role of DCI Vera Stanhope for the 11th season of the show.

Blethyn said, “I’m really looking forward to working on the next series of Vera.

“The safety of all personnel is always at the forefront of production, and with all the extra Covid precautions in place, we will relish creating and delivering six cracking new episodes.”

The remaining four episodes will be filmed during spring 2021 for broadcast in 2022.

What will happen in the new season?

The 11th season will start with the discovery of local builder, Jim Tullman, found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument. Blethyn’s Vera soon discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault.

She then delves deeper into his life and finds unresolved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara and doting son John Paul, as well as tensions with old family friends, Gary and Lesley Clayton, throwing many characters into the line of suspicion.

The series will also welcome back Kenny Doughty as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison (who plays DC Kenny Lockhart), Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, and Ibinabo Jack, who plays DC Jacqueline Williams.

‘Coming back stronger than ever’

Phil Hunter, executive producer, said, “In the wake of the pandemic, I’m especially thrilled to announce the return of Vera.

“Like many productions, we had to postpone filming back in March and simultaneously begin working on a plan as to how we could bring the series back.

“The brilliant thing about drama production is the creativity, innovation and drive that is present in all who work in it, both in front of and behind the camera.

“Vera is coming back stronger than ever with six new episodes, and whilst we will be following Covid protocols that will keep everyone safe, the work environment will be just as creative, allowing everyone to deliver their best work.”