ITV has confirmed Vera will return for a new series in 2025, putting to bed fears the crime drama had been axed.

The broadcaster made the announcement after the last episode of the North East-based show’s latest run aired on Sunday night.

ITV said the show will return to our screens next year for its fourteenth series.

Meanwhile lead actress Brenda Blethyn replied to a concerned fan on Twitter saying, “it’s not the last.”

Blethyn had sparked concerns earlier this month the beloved show’s thirteenth series may have been its last.

The Northern Echo: Filming for last night's episode in Redcar back in August 2023.Filming for last night's episode in Redcar back in August 2023. (Image: Terry Blackburn)

The 77-year-old actress told The Sun’s TV Mag: “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 Cleeves is also writing her 11th Vera book. So, there’s also that to consider.

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

Sunday’s episode saw a murder at a Redcar chippy as the unorthodox detective sought to work out whodunit.

Blethyn previously revealed she didn’t want to return when Kenny Doughty stepped down as sidekick DS Aiden Healy. He last appeared in the Christmas special before it was explained the character had moved down under.

But the star decided to return when former sidekick DCI Joe Ashworth, played by David Leon, agreed to reprise his role in the drama.

Recommended reading:

Get more from The Northern Echo and start 2024 informed with 50% off an annual subscription or enjoy 3 months for just £3. Dive into local news and fulfill your resolution to stay updated. Click here.

She told the Mirror: "After we filmed The Rising Tide at the end of 2022 I didn’t want to do anymore without Kenny Doughty, who had decided to leave. But I said, ‘I’ll think about it if you can see if David Leon is available to return as Joe Ashworth’.

“And so they did and here I am. I was broken-hearted when David left after series four and equally overjoyed when I heard he was coming back as the relationship between Vera and Joe worked so well. They have all of that early history together.

“"I wouldn’t have continued if David had not agreed to come back. I just didn’t want to start another board game with somebody else when I know I’m not going to do many more. And who would want to do it anyway?"