Vera star Brenda Blethyn’s fate ‘confirmed’ in series finale as writer drops ‘deadly’ clue

Fans of Vera may need to prepare themselves for some intense drama in the final series of the hit show, as it’s been disclosed that Brenda Blethyn’s renowned character will confront a ‘deadly threat’ in Northumberland in her last feature-length mystery.

Over the past 13 years, Vera has not only been one of the most consistently popular crime series on British TV, but it has also amassed a large international fanbase, with audiences in America, Australia and Japan eagerly awaiting each new episode of the beloved ITV programme.

The 13th series of Vera aired earlier this year, and then, just a few months later, came the news that fans had been dreading; the show will conclude in 2025, with BAFTA winner Brenda reprising her role as the TV detective for the last time.

Ann Cleeves, the author who brought Vera to life in her DSCI Stanhope novels, announced at this year’s Royal Television Society North East awards that she had been working on a new book – The Dark Wives.

Ahead of its release this week, more details have emerged about its plot and the potential danger Vera and her team find themselves in, reports Chronicle Live.

The upcoming novel, as teased by publisher Pan Macmillan, hints at a ‘local myth and a deadly threat. ‘ An online synopsis for The Dark Wives follows Vera as she investigates a corpse found in Northumberland’s wild countryside.

When a teenage girl’s disappearance seems connected to the death, a second body surfaces.

The synopsis teases: “But it seems that there are dark secrets in their community – ones that may be far more dangerous than she (Vera) could ever have believed.”

While fans eagerly await, the broadcast date for the 14th series of Vera remains unconfirmed; an ITV Drama spokesperson told ChronicleLive that it would likely air ‘at some point’ in 2025.

Hardcore fans have been also coming up with their own theories about DCI Stanhope’s exit. On a Facebook fan page dedicated to Vera, one fan shared a photo of the detective standing outside a pub named The Stanhope Arms, sparking discussions about Vera’s destiny.

The fan who posted the photos wrote: “After all these years, finally got to see Vera be filmed at Glanton today.”

One fan replied: “Fab pics but what about the pub? The Stanhope Arms,” while a different fan theorised: “The Stanhope Arms, Vera must have an interest in it,” while yet another queried: “The Stanhope Arms?”

Adding to the speculation, one viewer suggested: “They changed the name of the pub, makes me think it’s maybe her half-sisters?”

Vera will return to ITV in 2025.