Vera star announces return to ITV drama after a decade away from show

David Leon will return as Joe Ashworth to ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera, almost a decade after his last appearance on the show.

The 42-year-old actor played DS Joe Ashworth in the first four series from 2011 to 2014, and will appear alongside 77-year-old actress Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope.

Brenda said she was “absolutely delighted to welcome David to the show”, adding that she “can’t wait to get started”.

Jon Morrison will also return as DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, with season 13 consisting of three feature-length episodes.

More casting calls and information about the new series will be announced when filming begins in the summer.

On screen: The actor played DS Joe Ashworth in the first four series from 2011 to 2014, and will appear alongside 77-year-old actress Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope (Joe and Brenda pictured in the show in 2013)

It comes after a second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama, Vera, announced that she had left the show.

Following Kenny Doughty’s announcement that he would be leaving, actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, confirmed that she would not be returning for series 13 due to her stage commitments.

Inspired by award-winning author Ann Cleeves, VERA has become a beloved and highly acclaimed series with its compelling storylines and captivating performances.

Over the years, the drama has consistently garnered impressive viewership figures, with an average of six million viewers tuning in to the latest series, including viewing on all devices.

In 2021, Brenda received the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award for her starring role as Vera, ITV’s longest-serving female detective, and her many other defining roles throughout her career.

Brenda has also received several accolades, including two Oscar nominations, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and a Cannes Film Festival Award for Best Actress.

Following the news of Kenny and Ibinabo’s departures, The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on Vera’s eleventh novel written by Ann Cleeves, will be her last appearance in the series and will air later this year.

Brenda said: ‘It has been a pleasure working alongside Kenny and Ibinabo. They have both been fantastic members of Vera’s team and will be missed.

Return: A second star of ITV’s Sunday night drama Vera has left the show as bosses have announced she will return for a thirteenth series.

Won’t Return: Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018 (far left), has confirmed that she won’t be returning for series 13 due to her theater commitments.

Last week, Kenny announced that he would be leaving the cast of Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy.

He wrote: ‘After 8 years and 35 Vera films, I made the difficult decision to hand over the DS Healy badge. I can confirm that I’m leaving Vera.

“I want to thank everyone who has made this incredible moment so joyful, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my friend and inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect main star to whom I owe so much.

I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me laugh out loud and have been a rock to me over the years. I can not thank you enough. precious times.

‘And finally Vera’s fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for her loyalty and love for the show. X.’

It came after Kenny shared a selection of photos of himself with his co-stars from the show a fortnight earlier, writing: “Thanks for the memories Xx.”

A large number of fans took to the comments section to wish him luck in the next steps of his career.

Television writer-producer Russell T Davies wrote: ‘Oh dude. Congratulations. You have been wonderful ❤️ Here is the future xx.

Is turned off! Last week, Kenny Doughty announced that he would be leaving the cast of Vera after eight years as DS Aiden Healy (pictured with Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera)

Another follower wrote: ‘It’s not going to be the same ~ you and Vera have that perfect chemistry together. Not Malcolm and now not you! But good luck.

Someone else posted: ‘Thank you for the amazing stories you’ve been a part of on screen! ❤️ Vera has been my comfort TV show for several years and your character has been a big part of that. It has been a pleasure watching you and Aiden Healy grow.

‘I can’t wait to see what their future roles include! (Next episode will no doubt be emotional.)’

While another fan shared: ‘Awwww no! awwww I will miss you so much you and Vera are a good double act.