that's a wrap
ITV axes award-winning drama after 14 years on screens as lead star pens emotional tribute to fans
ITV has already revealed details of the drama's final-ever episodes that will air next year
ITV HAS confirmed Vera is coming to an end after a whopping 14 series on air.
The beloved crime drama sees Brenda Blethyn play the role of DCI Vera Stanhope, who is tasked with investigating complex murders.
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However, Brenda, 78, will film the 14th and final series as ITV bosses announced the series is coming to an end.
Speaking about the show ending, Brenda said: “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.
more on vera
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Vera will return for a final series early next year, with ITV commissioning just two episodes - each running for 90 minutes.
Originally based on the books by , Vera has since moved beyond its source material to focus on stories of its own.
The drama first aired in 2011 and has been a staple of ITV's schedule ever since with 54 episodes broadcast to date.
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Fans have been left stunned by the news, with one writing on social media: "Gutted. It’s really good but it’s understandable as brenda is doing other things I believe and it is gruelling I remember her saying. Still gutted."
A second wrote: "Aww such a shame. It’s a terrific show but I’m not entirely surprised given the reduced episode count of late. Hope the early announcement means they can end the series properly."
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"She's in her 70s in real life she'd have retired years ago," said a third.
Brenda previously cast doubt on the future of Vera in an exclusive interview with The Sun's TV Mag earlier this year.
As the most recent series drew to a close she revealed execs had not yet green lit another instalment.
Vera's cast over the last 14 years
Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:
- Brenda Blethyn
- David Leon
- Jon Morrison
- Riley Jones
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Paul Ritter
- Cush Jumbo
- Sonya Cassidy
- Clare Calbraith
- Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Kenny Doughty
- Lisa Hammond
- Noof McEwan
- Christopher Colquhoun
- Steve Evets
- Ibinabo Jack
- Paul Kaye
- Sarah Kameela
- Rhiannon Clements
Paying tribute to the show, Vera's Creative Director Kate Bartlett said: “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera.
"So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn.
"She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times.
"And - of course - the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”
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