Vera fans blast show for ‘ripping off EastEnders’ as familiar face returns after years off screen

VERA fans have blasted the show as they accused bosses of 'ripping off EastEnders'.

The beloved ITV crime drama returned on Sunday night for its highly-anticipated 13th series.

Brenda Blethyn reprised her role as DCI Vera Stanhope as she got to work on cracking a new case.

But a familiar face made a return in the shape of DS Joe Ashworth.

The actor behind the character, , is back in the show after 10 years away.

However, it seems not all fans were delighted to have the copper back on their screens.

Viewers flooded social media with their reactions, slamming the show for 'bringing Joe back as a p****.

One said: "He's looking and acting like #Eastenders Dean Wicks right now. Really getting on my wick! #Vera."

A second said: "I am not happy with new Joe so far. I miss Aiden."

"Get Aiden back now! Joe’s come back as a p****! #Vera," said a third.

While a fourth commented: "Joe being all arrogant and “know it all” and Vera putting him back in his place. Looking forward to seeing their on screen relationship develop once again."

It comes after viewers were left devastated as Kenny Doughty left the show.

Brenda, 77, admitted his departure had made her consider her own future on the show.

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.

"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."

Vera is available now on ITVX.