It's been confirmed that popular ITV show Vera will return after star of the hit programme Brenda Blethyn gave fans reassurances. 

And, in massive news, David Leon is going to be returning to the show as Vera's trusty sidekick. 

Vera returned to its 8pm slot earlier this year, after viewers had been kept waiting for the 'missing' two episodes from series 11 and four brand new ones from the show's 12th series.

After a dramatic series finale - The Darkest Evening - fans were left wondering when they'd get to see Vera back on the case again, with some concerns raised about the show's future when Brenda's right hand man, Kenny Doughty, announced he had quit his role as DS Aiden Healy.

Kenny's departure after eight years came as a big blow to both his Vera co-stars and fans, who were gutted to see him go; but Vera will be back, and David Leon will reprise his role as DS Joe Ashworth.

Vera series 13 will be preceded by The Rising Tide, which was filmed before Christmas and will be Kenny's final episode.