Viewers 'gutted' as beloved crime drama Vera is axed after 14 years

• The crime series features Oscar-nominated actress Brend Blethyn
• READ MORE: Did YOU spot the clues that Vera was ending? 

Viewers have been left gutted after it was announced that the much loved ITV drama Vera is ending after 14 years on screens.

The crime series, which features Brenda Blethyn, 78, as DCI Vera Stanhope and is filmed in the north east, will return for one final series early next year.

The Golden Globe-winning actress will finally hang up her famous trench coat and hat after filming the last installment this summer.

The series first aired in 2011 and is based on the best-selling novels by Ann Cleeves, who says she will continue to write more books with the beloved character.

But viewers said they were ‘crushed’ at the news, with others calling it the ‘end of an era’.

Viewers have been left gutted after it was announced that iconic ITV drama Vera is ending after 14 years on screens

They said: ‘I’m crushed. Loved this show and am so sad to hear the news’;

‘I’ve been disappointed when my favorite character in a book is televised but @BrendaBlethyn has been brilliant, the whole series has been excellent, gorgeous sets, thanks @AnnCleeves’;

‘Damn I’m going miss it. Thank you two goddesses for creating it and portraying her on screen. A big shout out for the numerous others who made it happen’;

‘Can’t believe #Vera is ending. Many happy evenings curled up on the sofa watching this. Thank you and for bringing the character to life #endofanera’;

‘Oh no. One of my favourites on a Sunday evening. It was so refreshing to have a female lead who wasn’t scared to take charge.’

However, others agreed it was time for change after its long stint on air and hoped it would make room for fresh TV, such as more episodes of popular thriller Trigger Point, which stars Vicky McClure.

Viewers commented: ‘Vera is waving goodbye after this series. Never watched an episode, couldn’t get my head around the concept. An elderly woman playing a detective?’;

‘Good news that are finally axing the dreadful #Vera after 13 years. Hopefully this means more episodes of the far better and excellent #TriggerPoint.’

Brenda Blethyn has decided to hang up Vera’s infamous trench coat and hat after filming series 14 in the north east

Iconic ITV drama Vera has come to an end after 14 years on screens. The crime series will see leading star Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope for one epic final season

Brenda said about filming the final series: ‘Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio.

‘But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role.

‘The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart,’ she added emotionally.

Inspired by the award-winning author Ann Cleeves, Vera became a much-loved and acclaimed series, with its compelling storylines and captivating performances.

Over the years, the drama has consistently pulled in impressive viewing figures, with an average six million viewers tuning in for the last series, including viewing across all devices.

But hope is not lost for fans as the latest installment of the Vera series The Dark Wives, once again penned by Cleeves, will be out in August.

Ann said on Twitter: ‘Of course, I’m sad Vera is coming to an end, but what a ride it’s  been! Thanks so much to the magnificent @BrendaBlethyn and team.’

Viewers said they were ‘crushed’ at the news, with others calling it the ‘end of an era’ – but some thought it was time for it to go

Brenda previously cast doubt about her future on Vera after she was left heartbroken over co-star Kenny Doughty’s decision to leave the show.

Actor Kenny, 48, who played DS Aiden Healy, took to Instagram in March last year to let fans know of his departure.

He wrote: ‘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.’

And Brenda was left so saddened by the news that she did not know if she wanted to continue on the programme herself.

She said: ‘After we filmed The Rising Tide at the end of 2022 I didn’t want to do anymore without Kenny Doughty, who had decided to leave.

Before hanging up her infamous trench coat and hat following, Brenda will be return to her beloved Northumberland and North East to film the last instalment this summer

But I said, “I’ll think about it if you can see if David Leon is available to return as Joe Ashworth.” And so they did and here I am.

‘I was broken-hearted when David left after series four and equally overjoyed when I heard he was coming back as the relationship between Vera and Joe worked so well.

‘They have all of that early history together. I wouldn’t have continued if David had not agreed to come back.

‘I just didn’t want to start another board game with somebody else when I know I’m not going to do many more. And who would want to do it anyway?’

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