BEACH-GOERS were left starstruck after stumbling onto the film set of ITVs Vera as Brenda Blethyn returned to the region for more filming.
The cast and crew of the hit-show were spotted on a beach in Tynemouth in North Tyneside, and near the North Shields Marina earlier this week.
It comes as the first episode of the 11th series of Vera aired last Sunday, with millions tuning in to see Blethyn reprise as DCI Vera Stanhope.
Read more: County Durham cafe left 'CHOCK-A-BLOCK' in first 24 hours after featuring in ITV Vera
ITV previously confirmed that the first two episodes of the brand new series would air this year, with a further four broadcast next year - and further filming in between.
But earlier this week, one woman was left "surprised" after visiting some of the former locations chosen for filming and stumbled onto cast and crew back there again.
Rachel Malton, of Catterick in North Yorkshire, told The Northern Echo that it had been a "day to remember" for her, and her two children.
Ms Malton said she had no idea Blethyn would be there as she visited the beach near Tynemouth Priory on Tuesday.
She said: "We went to visit some of the spots that Vera had filmed in the area, and as I was walking along I could see there was filming and it was Vera.
"I have been a huge fan for many years, it was a cold and windy day but that never stopped the cast.
"It was definitely amazing seeing how they did their takes and how Vera is made."
Admitting that she had been starstruck, she added: "I would have loved to have got the chance to meet her in person, but I think I was taken aback by all that was going on."
Following filming in Tynemouth, Blethyn was spotted the following day where she was seen a stone's throw away in North Shields.
Bystander Claire Louise captured the moment cast and crew began to roll as scenes were filmed near the marina.
Vera's iconic Land Rover Defender, which has featured throughout the series, was spotted on the banks of the River Tyne as forensic officers were on the scene.
Ms Louise, of Newcastle, said: "As a fan if the programme it was amazing to watch Brenda and Kenny in action.
"They even took the time to stand for photographs. It was well worth the wait."
Earlier this week, the owner of a County Durham cafe said he had been left "shock-a-block" after featuring in the first episode of the brand new series.
Francis Citrone, who owns Citrone's Cafe in Chester-le-Street, said the cafe had been inundated with customers and visitors after appearing in the episode just minutes in.
He said: "There has been loads of interest, everybody has been talking about it all day – it's been good.
Read more: County Durham café left 'CHOCK-A-BLOCK' in first 24 hours after featuring in ITV Vera
"We had been closed for the Bank Holiday Monday, so today (Tuesday) was our first day open and everybody was telling us they'd watched it and saying that they'd seen the café.
"We have just been absolutely chock-a-block."
A spokesperson for ITV previously summed up how the eleventh series will play out with Blethyn and cast returning for more.
They said: "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. Could these two crimes be connected?
"As Vera delves deeper into Jim Tullman’s life she discovers unresolved 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.
"Vera must see through the web of family grievances, jealousies and lies to ensure justice is done."
To catch up on new and old Vera episodes on the ITV Hub - click here
The next episode of Vera airs Sunday at 8pm on ITV and the ITV Hub.
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