BRENDA Blethyn has celebrated on social media after her hit character, DCI Vera Stanhope was named among the 'best detectives' in America.

The star, who has been filming across the North-East for the past month for the new series, celebrated on Twitter after being told the news.

Being voted as their fifth favourite detective on the TV, readers of The Washington Post named Vera - even beating Agatha Christie's Miss Marple.

Proving popular in the States, Blethyn is no stranger to drawing in thousands of fans from across the world.

Online, dozens of fan pages for the ITV show have been created with a multitude of fans from the likes of Europe, Malaysia, Phillipines and South America.

Thanking those who voted for her character, Blethyn said: "Many thanks to readers of The Washington Post. So glad you enjoy watching Vera. Thank you."

Last month, ITV confirmed the 11th series of Vera would be hitting our screens in late Spring as they revealed the line-up for 2021. 

The 11th series is set to open as the body of well-respected local builder, Jim Tullman, is found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument.

DCI Vera Stanhope questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously.

The mystery deepens when she discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault.

The strong cast reunited with Blethyn, Jon Morrison who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones who plays DC Mark Edwards, Ibinabo Jack who plays DC Jacqueline Williams and Paul Kaye as Pathologist Malcolm Donahue. Guest stars include Lorraine Ashbourne, Mark Benton and Louis Emerick.