ITV's Vera faces new 'rival' as new detective drama announced with female lead

Vera might have ended but Brenda Blethyn has a new rival as a detective drama has been announced which will air alongside the final series of the ITV show

Vera may not have aired its final series yet, but Brenda Blethyn's iconic character could already be facing competition with the announcement of a new female-led detective drama this week.

It's been 13 years since BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee Brenda first stepped into the shoes of the straight-talking detective DCI Stanhope when Vera premiered on ITV with the pilot episode Hidden Depths.

The episode also featured a young Sam Fender, who still holds the unique distinction of being the show's first-ever murder victim.

A consistent ratings hit for ITV, Vera's popularity has extended globally, captivating audiences in America, Canada, Australia, and Japan with each new episode.

Unfortunately, there won't be many more episodes to come, as channel executives revealed earlier this year that Vera will conclude in 2025, reports Chronicle Live.

Fans were devastated by the news, which came just before Brenda and her co-stars began filming the final two feature-length episodes.

Production took place across the Northeast, with cast and crew seen in locations such as Blyth, Gateshead, and the quaint Northumberland village of Glanton.

The filming of Vera's 14th series concluded in mid-July, and while fans eagerly await ITV's announcement for the airing of new episodes, a fresh detective is making her mark on Channel 5.

Acclaimed actress Sharon D Clarke, known for her roles in Outlander and Lost Boys and Fairies, is confirmed to play the lead role of DCI Ellis in the new crime series titled Ellis.

Sharon will star in this three-part crime series, which, like Vera, will feature two-hour-long episodes. The premiere date for this new drama has yet to be announced.

The series will centre around DCI Ellis and her partner, DS Harper, as they arrive in a new town. Here, Ellis makes every effort to gain the trust of local detectives and assist them in solving mysteries.

Vera returns to ITV in 2025.