Vera actor teams up with Death in Paradise star in huge career move

Vera's Kenny Doughty has landed a new role in Channel 5's upcoming drama, The Au Pair, following his departure from the ITV show. The series will also feature Sir David Suchet, best known for his role as Poirot, and Sally Bretton from Beyond Paradise and Death in Paradise.

The drama is set to explore family dynamics, trust, and hidden truths against the backdrop of the beautiful British countryside," reports Daily Express.

The plot revolves around Zoe Dalton (Sally Bretton), who appears to have it all - a successful husband Chris (Kenny Doughty), two lovely stepchildren, a thriving tailoring business, and a stunning home in an idyllic English town.

However, her life takes a turn when she faces marital problems and her diabetic father, George (David Suchet), moves in next door. As pressure mounts, Zoe reluctantly hires an Au Pair, Sandrine (Ludmilla Makowski), whose arrival triggers unsettling changes in the household, hinting at hidden agendas and long-concealed truths.

Taking to X, Kenny shared a poster from ITV about his cast announcement. Along with the poster he simply wrote: "Yep."

ITV captioned its post: "Secrets are revealed when a family decides to hire extra help... Sir @David_Suchet, Sally Bretton, and @kennydoughty join the new compelling drama, ‘The Au Pair’, coming soon to @channel5_tv. A @MediaPernel and MK1 Studios co-production. Produced in association with ITV Studios."

"Well done Kenny I am happy for you I hope you are keeping well," one fan quickly replied.

Another agreed: "Oh, great news! You will work with David Suchet! I hope to see it also in Italy!!!"

Sally Bretton

Someone else went on: "Kenny mate, I've never seen you as an Au Pair what would Vera think good luck." (sic)

The actor's co-star Brenda Blethyn, who's also bowing out from her iconic role, shared her sentiments about Kenny's departure when he left the series at the end of last year: "I was sad when he said he was leaving. He's my mate. We had filmed eight series together. I've never laughed so hard as I did with Kenny Doughty. Vera and Aiden became very close over the years."

"It's not surprising because she spent most of her time with him at work. And it was a good working relationship between the two characters as well as liking each other.

"Kenny and I kept each other company between scenes during long days, weeks, and months of filming. As well as at weekends because we were both working away from home. It's a total commitment. Kenny was also my neighbour in the apartments where I stay during filming. I'll miss him and wish him well."