The Scotsman

Vera set for small screen return as new series filming to start

- By LAURA HARDING

Vera will return to screens with six feature-length episodes all filmed under Covid -19 guidelines, I TV has confirmed.

Brenda Blethyn will return to the role of DCI Vera Stanhope for the 11th series of the drama, with two of the episodes due to go into production in Northumber­land in the autumn, for broadcast next year. The remaining four episodes will be filmed from spring 2021 for broadcast in 2022. The 11th series will open with the body of well-respected local builder Jim Tullman found b eaten to death on the steps of the Collingwoo­d Monument.

As Blethyn’s Vera questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously, she discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault.

As she delves deeper into his life, she discovers unre - solved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara and doting son John Paul, while tensions with old family friends Gary and Lesley Clayton threaten to spill over.

The series will see the return of Kenny Doughty as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy.

Blethyn said: “I’m really looking forward to working on the next series of Vera. The safety of all personnel is always at the forefront of production, and with all the extra Covid precaution­s in place, we will relish creating and delivering six cracking new episodes.”

Executive producer Phil Hunter said: “We had to postpone filming back in March and simultaneo­usly begin working on a plan as to how we could bring the series back.”

 ??  ?? 0 Brenda Blethyn returns in the 11th series of Vera
0 Brenda Blethyn returns in the 11th series of Vera

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