Another Vera star confirms exit from show ahead of ITV’s series 13
ANOTHER Vera star has confirmed their exit from the show ahead of ITV’s series 13.
Today, ITV confirmed Vera would return for a thirteenth series, with Brenda Blethyn once again playing the titular detective.
However, the network also revealed that as well as actor Kenny Doughty – who played Aiden Healy – actress Ibinabo Jack would not be returning.
Ibinabo, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, will not be back due to her theatre commitments.
The news will come as a further blow to Vera fans after Kenny, 47, revealed the sad news he would be quitting his role after eight years.
However, ITV revealed his replacement would be actor David Leon, who is making a welcome return as Joe Ashworth.
Brenda commented: “It’s been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo.
“They’ve both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I’ll miss them.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”
Cast returning alongside Brenda and David for three new feature length films include Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards.
Further castings and information about the new series will be announced when filming commences in the summer.
The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves, will be Kenny and Ibinabo’s final appearance in the series. The episode will be scheduled later this year.
Vera airs on ITV1 and is available on ITVX.