ITV Vera fans had a shock when beloved star Brenda Blethyn cast doubts over the future of the show.

She confirmed that there are not currently any plans for future series after Series 13 airs.

The series has been showing off the North East since 2011 when the first series made its debut.

It achieved such success that there was even a Christmas special filmed this year.

Fans were left reeling when Kenny Doughty made his final appearance as Aiden Healy and Ibinabo Jack also bowed out of her role.

The return of David Leon, as Joe Ashworth, in series 13 has had a mixed reaction as some viewers worry he will replace Brenda in the next series.

One viewer took to social media and said: "Yeah if they really want Joe to take over from #Vera (please no ITV) they needed to bring him back better than they have."

The new series will be just three episodes long, shorter than normal.

Brenda said before the new series launch:  "At the moment there is nothing planned.

"But that’s not to say they’re not talking about it. There might be a winding up.

"I don’t know. Ann is also writing her 11th Vera book. So, there’s also that to consider.

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"But a whole series? I think not. We’ll see.”

One viewer reacted to the news by saying: "I hope this isn't the last series of Vera (with Vera). Best thing on TV."

Fans will have to wait and see how the series ends to get an indication of what the future of the series will be.