Vera's ITV schedule 'replacement' confirmed as another detective drama

BBC Breakfast: Ann Cleeves talks about Vera tv adaptation

Fans of the crime drama Vera can find comfort in the return of another popular series as Brenda Blethyn's iconic character takes her final bow.

Earlier this year, the announcement that Vera would end after a 14-year run and 14 series disappointed fans in the UK and globally.

Brenda first stepped into the role of the formidable DCI Vera Stanhope in 2011, donning the now instantly recognisable trench coat and fishing hat, with no inkling of the immense popularity the show would garner.

Consistently attracting millions of viewers for ITV, Vera's appeal extended worldwide, with audiences in America, Japan, and Australia eagerly following the investigations of DCI Stanhope and her Northumberland and City Police colleagues.

The latest series of Vera aired in the UK in January, and it was only months later that the news of its termination was announced.

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Brenda Blethyn and David Leon in Vera (Image: ITV)

Vera's final series will begin on ITV on January 1, and the gripping finale will air the following night.

However, ITV is not scaling back on its crime drama offerings in the New Year, announcing that the immensely popular Grantchester will also return to screens next month, just a week after Vera.

Chronicle Live reports that the ninth instalment of the show, starring Robson Green, will premiere on January 8. The episode will feature a major plot point: Reverend Will Davenport's departure (Tom Brittney).

The upcoming series will be Brenda's last (Image: ITV)

A preview of Grantchester's series 9 states: "It's 1961, and life is good for Will and Geordie. The families are always together, from Sunday lunches to planning summer holidays.

"With honorary Grandparents Mrs C and Jack and adopted uncles Daniel and Leonard, it's one big happy family! But when Will is approached with a life-changing offer, can he leave Grantchester and Geordie behind?

"As Geordie struggles with personal loss and ever-growing family conflict between Cathy and teenage daughter, Esme he has no one to turn to. But when he arrests an intruder breaking into the Vicarage, he may find his days of working with a Vicar are not over."

Vera will return on January 1 on ITV.

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