ITV announces Vera's last episodes airing soon with Brenda Blethyn's final appearance

The final series of Vera will air over the festive period and will see Brenda Blethyn return to screens as the much-loved detective for two feature-length episodes

ITV is set to bring back Brenda Blethyn's iconic character for one last time as Vera graces the Christmas schedule. The adored series will conclude with two special feature-length episodes that promise a blend of personal and professional challenges for the seasoned detective.

The compelling final chapters are named Inside and The Dark Wives, promising to entangle viewers in mysteries interspersed with Vera's distinctive personal touch.

Shot across the scenic North East, the concluding season marks the return of familiar faces including David Leon as DI Joe Ashworth, Jon Morrison as DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, Sarah Kameela Impey offering her skills as pathologist Dr Paula Bennett, and Rhiannon Clements stepping into the role of DC Steph Duncan.

Find these eagerly awaited episodes highlighted in the Christmas 2024 preview from ITV, signalling that fans won't have to wait long to reunite with their beloved Vera.

In what's anticipated to be a memorable send-off, Brenda Blethyn will embody the inimitable sleuth for the last time, tackling perplexing cases, reports Chronicle Live.

In Inside, the episode sweeps viewers to the Tyne's edge where a young man's corpse is found by fishermen.

Beneath the surface lies a tangle of lost love, simmering vendettas, sorrow, deception, and perhaps cold revenge all obstacles clouding the darkened truth.

The narrative questions: "Has our former inmate been served cold justice, or does his death run deeper?".

Meanwhile, The Dark Wives promises another dive into familiar terrain, pulling Vera to "a familiar place" amid a harrowing discovery at the base of local legendary stones.

The synopsis reveals: "With memories of childhood in the background, Vera must work hard to uncover the mystery of why a bright young student would be violently attacked and left so far from home."

"This poignant episode weaves together past and present and makes for a compelling and emotional farewell."

Brenda Blethyn, who has graced our screens as the iconic Vera for 14 seasons, announced back in April that she would be hanging up her hat, stating it was the right time to leave.

Upon announcing her exit, Brenda expressed: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end."

"I'm sad to be saying cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 years."

"I'm going to miss [the cast and crew], 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."