First look at Vera series 13 as filming begins
David Leon is back on the show!
Last updated 16th May 2023
Following the popular 12th series back in February, ITV and STV bosses confirmed hit show Vera had been commissioned for a 13th series, with main actress Brenda Blethyn reprising her iconic role as DCI Vera Stanhope.
The show, which first started airing back in 2011, has become massively popular with fans across the nation, pulling in impressive viewing figures over the last 12 years with its gripping storylines, so fans will be over the moon to learn filming for series 13 has now started!
ITV/STV and Silverprint Pictures have released first look images of Brenda Blethyn and David Leon as filming begins in the heart of North East England.
Check out the first look photos from Vera series 13 below:
Vera series 13
Vera series 13
What will happen in Vera series 13?
Bosses have so far only released information about the first episode of series 13, which is titled Fast Love.
According to bosses: 'In the opening episode, DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to a quiet country lane where a young man has been found dead following a collision with a car. Vera discovers that the victim is a popular market trader so heads down to his pitch to start to put together an idea of who the man is.
'As the investigation gathers pace, Vera learns that this cheeky chappy was a complex character. Antagonistic, arrogant and able to get what he wanted but did all of this come at a price? Adding to the complexity of the case, Vera is taken aback by Joe Ashworth's (David Leon) return and is unsure of his motives.'
Who will be on the new series of Vera?
Actress Brenda Blethyn will once again play the role of DCI Vera Stanhope, but the big news is the return of actor David Leon, who is returning to the show to play the role of DS Joe Ashworth.
As fans will know, David portrayed the role of DS Ashworth during series one-four, between 2011-2014.
Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edward, will also return for the three brand new feature length films.
Brenda Blethyn commented: "It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them. I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”
Actor Kenny Lockhart, who played the role of DS Aiden Healy in the series, announced he'd made the decision to quit last month, and therefore wont feature in series 13.
He told fans on social media: 'After 8 years & 35 Vera films I’ve made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy’s badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.
'I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to. I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter & have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times.
'And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty & love for the show. X' (sic)
Kenny isn't the only one not returning, actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, will not be returning for the 13th series due to her theatre commitments.
When is Vera back on TV?
It hasn't yet been announced when the 13th series of Vera will air, but with filming taking place now, we imagine it will return in early 2024.
Where is Vera filmed?
Since it first hit our screens in 2011, Vera has been set and filmed around the North East of England.
After filming for series 13 commenced, Executive Producer Will Nicholson commented: “Being from the North East it is always a joy to film Vera here and we are very grateful for the warmth and support from the fans during production. Starting the new series is incredibly exciting and alongside the incomparable Brenda Blethyn and the rest of our talented cast, we are delighted to welcome David Leon back to the show."
How can I watch Vera?
Vera airs on ITV and STV, with old episodes available to stream for free on ITVX and the STV Player.
Check out all of the TV crime dramas available to binge right now:
Red Eye (ITVX)
Starring Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi, ITV/STV's adrenaline-filled drama Red Eye is set on an overnight flight from London to Beijing and the corridors of power within Whitehall. Fans were quick to binge the six-part drama when it aired in April 2024.
Kin (BBC iPlayer)
Series one of Irish drama Kin landed on BBC iPlayer in 2023 and viewers have been hooked since! Starring Charlie Cox, Clare Dunne and Emmett J. Scanlan, the drama tells the story of a fictional Dublin family embroiled in gangland war and speaks to the enduring unbreakable bonds of blood and family. Series two is also now available on BBC iPlayer.
Vigil (BBC iPlayer)
It was the BBC's most-watched new drama of 2021, so you don't want to miss out on Vigil, starring Suranne Jones and Martin Compston. Series two was released in December 2023, with all episodes now available to binge.
Love & Death (ITVX and STV Player)
Starring Elizabeth Olsen and Jesse Plemons, Love & Death is a mini-series which follows the real-life story of the murder case surrounding Candy Montgomery, who killed her friend Betty Gore, following an affair with her husband Allan.
The Tourist (BBC iPlayer)
Viewers were hooked on BBC series The Tourist in early 2022, starring Northern Irish actor Jamie Dornan. Series two landed on New Year's Day in 2024, with all episode available to binge now.
Mr Bates vs The Post Office (ITVX and STV Player)
Arriving in early 2024, Mr Bates vs The Post Office is a four-part series based on the real-life story of postmaster Alan Bates, who led the campaign to expose what is considered the most widespread miscarriage of justice in British history. Toby Jones, Katherine Kelly, Will Mellor, and Julie Hesmondhalgh all appear.
After the Flood (ITVX and STV Player)
Landing on ITV/STV in the first few weeks of January 2024, After the Flood stars Peaky Blinders actress Sophie Rundle as PC Joanna Marshall. The six-part series follows Joanna leading an investigation after she finds an identified man dead in a lift in a underground car park after a devastating flood.
Trigger Point (ITVX and STV Player)
Vicky McClure plays the role of EXPO officer Lana Washington in high octane drama Trigger Point. All six episodes from series one are available to watch now, with series two also now out on ITVX and STV Player.
Blue Lights (BBC iPlayer)
Set and filmed in Northern Ireland, Blue Lights follows three rookie police officers working in Belfast. All episodes of series one are available to stream, as is series two which was released in April 2024.
The Long Shadow (ITVX and STV Player)
The Long Shadow follows the five-year manhunt for the serial killer Peter Sutcliffe, commonly referred to as The Yorkshire Ripper. The seven-part drama stars the likes of Katherine Kelly, Charley Webb, Mark Stobbart, Liz White and Toby Jones.
Inside Man (BBC iPlayer)
Starring David Tennant and Stanley Tucci, BBC drama Inside Man has left viewers on the edge of their seats with lots of twists and turns.
The Suspect (ITVX and STV Player)
Aidan Turner stars clinical psychologist Dr Joe O'Loughlin in ITV/STV drama The Suspect.
The Capture (BBC iPlayer)
After series one aired in 2019, the BBC released series two of hit drama The Capture in 2022, featuring Holliday Grainger, Ron Perlman and Lia Williams.
You can watch both series now on BBC iPlayer.
Karen Pirie (ITVX and STV Player)
Debuting in early September, drama Karen Pirie has been a massive hit with fans, as Karen and her team must overcome the judgement of her superiors and find the culprit in time.
Crossfire (BBC iPlayer)
Keeley Hawes stars in BBC drama Crossfire which sees a holiday turn from heaven to hell with a gunshot - and the consequences will linger long after the final bullets are fired.
The Responder (BBC iPlayer)
Another new BBC crime drama for 2022 is Martin Freeman's The Responder. The drama follows Martin's character, a night-shift copper under stress in Liverpool, as he pairs up with the local rookie.
All five episodes are available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Happy Valley (BBC iPlayer)
Now the third and final series has come to an end, you can watch series one-three on the BBC iPlayer now.
Manhunt: The Night Stalker (ITVX and STV Player)
Martin Clunes plays the role of Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sutton as he portrays the real-life investigation into the serial burglar and rapist who terrorised South London for 17 years.
Time (BBC iPlayer)
Originally airing on the BBC in June 2021, fans were loving this drama featuring Sean Bean and Stephen Graham. In 2023, a second series landed, this time taking place in an all-female prison, starring Jodie Whittaker, Bella Ramsay, and Siobhan Finneran.
All episodes from both series are now available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
Marcella (ITVX and STV Player)
Following the cliffhanger ending to series three of ITV's hit drama Marcella, fans are crying out for a fourth series. Although nothing has been confirmed just yet, you can re-watch series three on ITVX/STV Player.
The Fall (BBC iPlayer)
Despite originally airing in 2013, The Fall, starring Gillian Anderson and Jamie Dornan, became a big hit again during lockdown in 2020, and now all three series of the hit show are available to binge on the BBC iPlayer.
Coma (Channel 5)
Hitting our screens in March 2024, Coma is a four-part thriller which concerns a family man whose life is changed after making one split-second decision. Jason Watkins and Claire Skinner star in the series.
Deadwater Fell (All4)
Channel 4 delighted us with dark crime thriller Deadwater Fell in 2020, starring David Tennant, Cush Jumbo, Matthew McNulty and Anna Madeley. Series one is available to watch on All4.
The Bay (ITVX and STV Player)
There's so far been four successful series of The Bay! All episodes are now available on ITVX and STV Player.
Bloodlands (BBC iPlayer)
Created by Line of Duty writer Jed Mercurio and starring Northern Irish actor James Nesbitt, Bloodlands was a big hit at the start of 2021. All episodes from series one are available on the BBC iPlayer now.
The Missing (BBC iPlayer)
Another hit crime drama by the talented brothers Harry and Jack Williams. The Missing first aired in 2014, with series 2 landing two years later. Despite both series following different stories, a number of characters remain the same, including Tchéky Karyo as investigator Julien Baptiste. Both series are now available on the BBC iPlayer.
Luther (BBC iPlayer)
As we wait for any more series of hit crime drama Luther, re-watch all six series with actor Idris Elba playing the role of DCI John Luther.
Unforgotten (ITVX and STV Player)
You can catch up on all five previous series of crime drama Unforgotten, before series six lands later in the year!
The Bridge (BBC iPlayer)
Originally released back in 2011 in Sweden and Denmark, all four series of The Bridge are now available on the BBC iPlayer.
The Pembrokeshire Murders (ITVX and STV Player)
Featuring popular actor Luke Evans as Detective Superintendent Steve Wilkins, this three-part miniseries based on the real life Pembrokeshire murders by Welsh serial killer John Cooper is available to watch now.
The Investigation (BBC iPlayer)
Originally from Denmark, series 1 of BBC drama The Investigation is based on the real-life murder case of Swedish journalist Kim Wall in 2017. All six episodes are available now on the BBC iPlayer.
Vera (ITVX and STV Player)
Fans catch catch Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope in all 13 series.
Silent Witness (BBC iPlayer)
If you are looking for something to keep you going for a while, Silent Witness is certainly a good shout! A massive 23 series of the hit show are available to watch on the BBC iPlayer.
Line of Duty (BBC iPlayer)
If you fancy re-watching the previous series of Jed Mercurio's Line of Duty, you can binge series one-six on the BBC iPlayer now!
Better (BBC iPlayer)
Debuting on the BBC in February 2023, Leeds-based drama Better is 'a thrilling redemption story' featuring Leila Farzad as DCI Lou Slack, and Andrew Buchan as Col McHugh.
Litvinenko (ITVX and STV Player)
Starring David Tennant, this four-part ITVX/STV Player drama documents the story of the murder of Former Russian spy Alexander Litvinenko.
Love Rat (Channel 5)
Sally Lindsay and Neil Morrissey appear in Channel 5 drama Love Rat, which first aired in March 2024. All four episodes are available to binge now.
Red Eye (ITVX and STV Player)
Debuting in April 2024, Richard Armitage and Jing Lusi star in Red Eye, an adrenaline-filled drama which is set on an overnight flight from London to Beijing. All six episodes are available to stream now.
Whilst we await series 13, series 1-12 of Vera is available on ITVX and STV Player now.
Now read:
Vera star quits show after eight years leaving fans devastated
The location of The White Lotus season 3 has been 'revealed'
First look at new crime drama Six Four