Vera star Brenda Blethyn
Crime drama 'Vera' is to return for a fifth series next year.
Shooting on four new episodes of the ITV show has begun and Brenda Blethyn will be reprising her role as lead character DCI Vera Stanhope.
The 68-year-old actress will be joined on the programme by 'Stella' star Kenny Doughty, who is playing new character DS Aiden Healy.
Actor David Leon, who played DS Joe Ashworth, has departed the series but Jon Morrison will be returning as DC Kenny Lockhart.
Brenda is very excited to be filming new instalments and to be getting the chance to work with Kenny.
She said: "I am so happy to be embarking on series five of Vera and whilst I'll miss David Leon (Joe Ashworth finally got his long awaited promotion - Celine was delighted!), I'm very glad to be reunited with Jon Morrison, Riley Jones, Cush Jumbo and our new member of the team Kenny Doughty. Northumberland, here we come!"
Kenny - whose character Aiden will investigate a murder at a caravan park with Vera in his first episode - added: "I'm really thrilled to be joining 'Vera'. It's such a fantastic show and I'm especially excited to be working alongside the lovely and brilliant Brenda Blethyn."
Shooting on 'Vera' is expected to be completed by the autumn and the series will hit screens in 2015.
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