‘Vera’ confirms return date with first look at Christmas special
ITV has announced when Vera will be back on our screens!
Ahead of a thirteenth season of the long-running crime drama next year, the show is returning with a one-off episode this Christmas.
The feature-length special, called ‘The Rising Tide’, is based on the tenth novel by bestselling author Ann Cleeves.
Brenda Blethyn will reprise her lead role in the episode, which finds DCI Vera Stanhope on a chilling investigation on the enchanting tidal island of Lindisfarne, where a group of lifelong friends reunites every five years to commemorate their enduring bond.
“What began as a joyous tradition turns sad when one of the friends is discovered dead,” the official synopsis for ‘The Rising Tide’ teases. “The tragic death takes a disturbing turn when Vera discovers that the victim had recently been fired amidst allegations of misconduct.
“Determined to unearth the truth, Vera delves into the past, questioning the events that transpired during their first reunion on Holy Island.
“As the tide rises, long-concealed secrets begin to surface, threatening to engulf everyone involved. Vera, aided by her trusted and resourceful team, including Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy (Kenny Doughty), navigates treacherous waters, facing danger and deception at every turn.
“Together, they must unravel the twisted web of lies before another tragedy unfolds.”
When’s the release date?
‘The Rising Tide’ will air in the UK at 8pm on Boxing Day, Tuesday 26 December on ITV1.
It’ll also be available to watch on ITV’s streaming service ITVX.
American viewers are actually getting the episode first, with a premiere on BritBox in the US on Wednesday 20 December.
In the meantime, you can catch up on every episode of Vera so far on BritBox for free with this 7-day trial!
The new special looks set to be the final appearance of Kenny Doughty as DS Aidan Healey.
“I was sad when he said he was leaving,” shared star Brenda Blethyn in a lovely tribute.
“He’s my mate,” she said. “We had filmed eight series together. I’ve never laughed so hard as I did with Kenny Doughty. Kenny and I kept each other company between scenes during long days, weeks and months of filming. I’ll miss him and wish him well.”
The good news is that David Leon is coming back as Joe Ashworth in the next season!
Following this year’s Christmas episode, Vera will be back in early 2024 with Season 13.
“Stepping back into Vera’s shoes for the thirteenth series feels like coming home again,” commented Blethyn.
“The support from the locals in the North East is truly heart-warming and reuniting with the talented David Leon and the rest of our exceptional team is an absolute delight.”
The coming year looks set to be exciting one for fans of British crime dramas, with four other popular ITV detective series also returning with new seasons.
All twelve seasons of Vera are available to watch on BritBox with a free 7-day trial.