Brenda Blethyn returns as DCI Vera Stanhope in series 11. Photo: ITV Studios

While fans of Sanditon and Victoria continue to await word as to whether or not their favorite series will return, the greatness of Vera has been commissioned for an 11th series. Adapted from crime author Ann Cleeves’ novels, the Northumberland-based detective series will be back with Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope of the Northumberland & City Police Department who will, once again, make the streets of Northumberland safe from seascape to cityscape and all points in-between.

ITV STUDIOS PRESENTS VERA
Pictured: Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope.

Not only will Blethyn return in the role of DCI Stanhope but, for the forthcoming series, there will be six new feature-length episodes set against the backdrop of the North East as opposed to the traditional four full-length features. Two of the six episodes will go into production this autumn until December for broadcast in 2021, with the remaining four episodes filmed from spring 2021 for broadcast in 2022.

According to The Killing Times, the 11th series opens when the body of well-respected local builder, Jim Tullman, is found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument. Vera 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.

Alongside Blethyn will be Kenny Doughty who returns as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones who plays DC Mark Edwards and Ibinabo Jack who plays Fraud Squad transfer, DC Jacqueline Williams.

If this wasn’t enough good news for one day, Cleeves’ special announcement of her own back in January on Twitter takes on a whole new meaning now that today is the first day of September!

Well tweeps, while we’re waiting for Vera on ITV, here’s some news of my own: the next Vera book – called The Darkest Evening – will be out in September. @headcrime @panmacmillan @MinotaurBooks @editorcatherine

— Ann Cleeves (@AnnCleeves) January 12, 2020

Vera S11 will return in early 2021 and continue in 2022 on ITV and, hopefully, public television stations in the States not long after.