ITV has joyfully announced that Steph Duncan, portrayed by Rhiannon Clements, will return for the final series of Vera. This comes after fans were concerned that the actress might not be back for the series finale due to her other work commitments.
Rhiannon frequently updates her followers about her daily life, and recently, she has been seen in a stage show titled Underdog: The Other Other Bronte.
It's thought that the actress has been performing on stage while Brenda Blethyn and the rest of the cast have been filming for Vera. However, ITV has since confirmed to Express.co.uk that Rhiannon will be gracing our screens next year as DC Stephanie Clements.
While the creators are remaining tight-lipped about the grand finale plot details, one observant fan shared an interesting snippet on a Vera Facebook group. Amid discussions, one member asked: "Are they still filming? " which led to another fan confirming: "Yes."
In further conversations on the page, fans implored the bosses to bring back another favourite character - Jac Williams.
Expressing affection for past characters, a fan expressed regret: "Jac, I would have loved to have seen more of her, I wish she would come back."
This sentiment was mirrored by another: "Yes, I was gutted when she left."
Ibinabo Jack played DS Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams for five years before leaving due to "theatre commitments".
The baton was swiftly passed to the plucky new DC Steph Duncan, embodied by Rhiannon, following a change in cast.
Moreover, fans were left reaching for tissues at the end of 2020 when Kenny Doughty bid an emotional adieu as Aiden Healy, marking a touching departure from the show.
The actor admitted that leaving the beloved series was difficult but felt it was the right choice.
Viewers of the show navigated through a whirlwind of feelings with Kenny's exit but found solace in the comeback of a familiar face.
David Leon made a welcome return to the fold as Vera's original sidekick, Joe Ashworth, earlier in the year.
Excitement is surging for the broadcast of Vera's final season set to air in the early months of next year. Brenda Blethyn shared her sentiments on her time coming to a close, remarking: "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."
She voiced her heartfelt gratitude, saying: "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 celebrated actress also lauded her colleagues: "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 northeast and our fans worldwide."
In her emotional farewell, Brenda expressed her profound appreciation: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart," she signed off.
Vera returns to ITV next year.