"I’m sad to be saying Cheerio": Farewell to Vera | TV Tonight (2025)

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The last ever episodes of Vera, starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, screen this weekend on ABC.

There are two final instalments plus a behind the scenes special looking back at the hit UK mystery based on the character created by author Ann Cleeves.

Brenda Blethyn said, “Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role. The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Executive Producer Kate Bartlett of Silverprint Pictures said, : “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women: firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And – of course – the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope. We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”

Vera
Episode 1 – “Inside”
Saturday 26 April 7.30pm
DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to the banks of the Tyne where the body of a young man has been washed up. A blow to the head indicates that this wasn’t an accidental drowning and what’s more intriguing is that this person, Zac Martin, had recently been released from prison after serving time for GBH. Having already presented Vera with an important career opportunity, Chief Superintendent Khalon adds to her load by tasking her with investigating a cold case too. A former union man has had his twenty-year conviction for killing his wife overturned which means her killer is still out there. So with two high-profile cases to investigate, Vera looks to her diligent, dynamic and dedicated team to get to the guarded truth. But can Vera get to the bottom of why one of her team is struggling to give as much as they should?

Episode 2 “The Dark Wives”
Sunday 27 April 7.30pm
DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) is called to the foot of ‘The Dark Wives’, three mythical monoliths Vera remembers from her childhood. A bright young student has been violently killed and as if this wasn’t enough, there’s a missing girl to contend with. As the investigation unfolds, Vera pushes her team to piece together what has happened to both youngsters… but why is she cracking the whip more than usual? As Vera challenges the team, a web of intrigue begins to unravel as we learn about fractured relationships, secret projects, corruption, lies and betrayal. Another body. Another avenue of investigation leads Vera to an exciting and dangerous conclusion. Vera is thrust once more into the path of danger and once again shows us why she’s the best. However, there’s no getting away from the fact that a life-affecting change is coming Vera’s way.

Vera: Farewell Pet
Sunday April 27 9pm
In this special documentary, go behind the scenes of the much loved detective drama, with exclusive access to the making of the final series and ask why, after 14 years and 55 feature length episodes, the show remains as popular as ever. Led by twice Oscar nominated Brenda Blethyn, DCI Vera Stanhope has become a staple of British televison, charming audiences worldwide with its complex stories, brilliant performances, and breathtaking Northumberland landscapes. Brenda reflects on her time as Vera and talks about the camaraderie and joy of working on the show. With interviews from key cast members- David Leon (DS Joe Ashworth), Jon Morrison (DC Kenny Lockhart), the directors, crew, and author Ann Cleeves, Vera’s creator. As Vera bids farewell with its final two episodes, this film celebrates its remarkable legacy and gives fans a chance to say ‘farewell, pet’ to one of TV’s most beloved detectives.

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