THE date Brenda Blethyn will return to our television screens in two brand new episodes of Vera has been released - and fans won't have long to wait.

Four brand new episodes of the hugely popular show will air on ITV as part of series 11, which was partially broadcast earlier this year.

Featuring Blethyn, Kenny Doughty and cast, the first new episode will air over two hours at 8pm on Sunday, January 9, 2022.

For series 11, Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope, has been spotted filming across the region including in County Durham, Teesside and Sunderland.

Read more: 22 pictures as filming for ITV Vera in Chester-le-Street wraps up

ITV previously revealed the new series would be split into two feature-length episodes, broadcast in August and September, this year, while a further four would air next year.

The Northern Echo:

Brenda Blethyn while filming for series 11 in Chester-le-Street Pictures: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES & BEN HOPSON

On social media, hundreds of excited fans shared their anticipation of four new action-packed episodes.

Describing her sheer excitement ahead of the show's return, Vicky Broughton said: "The best news - 2022 is saved by Vera."

An excited Christine Gray said: "Brilliant, we can't wait - we have missed you so much Vera."

ITV previously said: "Series 11 will see the return of Kenny Doughty as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison as Detective Constable Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as Detective Constable Mark Edwards and Ibinabo Jack as Detective Constable Jacqueline Williams."

The new episodes will be broadcast on ITV and on the ITV Hub 

--

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054