Vera has been adored by fans ever since it first landed on ITV back in 2011. The drama, which stars Brenda Blethyn as the no-nonsense titular character DCI Vera Stanhope, has gripped viewers for 12 seasons now and the recent announcement about series 13 went down a treat.
But the news was bittersweet for die-hard Vera fans because it came shortly after actor Kenny Doughty, known for his role as DS Aiden Healy, announced he would not return for future episodes. Check out the video below to see Aiden's final moments on screen with Vera.
However, a familiar face will be returning – David Leon. The actor first left the show in 2014 and said he was thrilled to make his comeback at DS Joe Ashworth. But why did he leave in the first place?
We've taken a look back at some of the old cast members who have left Vera and where they are today.
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Kenny Doughty
Last month, Kenny shared the news on social media that he was leaving his role as Aiden Healy behind. "I want to thank everyone who’s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to," he said in part.
It's thought that the actor is stepping away from the role to concentrate on other projects. Fans were quick to wish him well for the future and luck for his upcoming roles.
© PhotographerDavid Leon
David Leon was a regular cast member when the first show aired and Vera's partner, Joe Ashworth. However, the actor walked away from the role in 2014 after four seasons. David, who also works as a producer and director, left the show to pursue other commitments, leaving Brenda "heartbroken" in the process. She told the Mirror: "I never thought I'd get over David leaving. That broke my heart." Upon his return, Brenda said she was "over the moon" to welcome back her old cast mate.
© ITV/REX/ShutterstockCush Jumbo
Cush played DS Bethany Whelan in series two, five and six and ITV's Vera. Her character was killed off by a suspect, so it's perhaps unsurprising that the actress didn't then make a return to the show. The star left Vera to work on major projects in the States. Since leaving the ITV drama, she's appeared in shows such as The Good Wife on CBS and its spin-off, The Good Fight.
© GETTYClare Calbraith
Throughout series three and four, Clare Calbraith played the part of DS Rebecca 'Shep' Shepherd. For series five, Clare was replaced by Cush Jumbo's character, Bethany Whelan. Clare would then go onto focus on other acting roles. She's known for her credits in shows like Unforgotten, Downton Abbey, Grace, Baptiste and more.
© REX/ShutterstockKingsley Ben-Adir
Kingsley Ben-Adir was a regular cast member on Vera between series four and six and again in series eight. He played the part of Dr Marcus Sumner, but left the show to head to Hollywood – and it looks like he made it! In 2020, Kingsley appeared in the role as Malcolm X in the Oscar-nominated movie One Night In Miami alongside Leslie Odom Jr. and the late Lance Reddick. He's also set to appear in Greta Gerwig's upcoming Barbie movie alongside Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling.
© ITV/REX/ShutterstockSonya Cassidy
Sonya Cassidy played the part of David Leon's on-screen wife, Celine Ashworth, between seasons two and four. It's not known why Sonya left the role but given David's exit, it may not have come as a surprise to fans of Vera that the scripts meant Celine would leave with her husband. Since then, she's appeared in Lodge 49, Humans and The Last Kingdom.
© David Livingston/GETTYWunmi Mosaku
DC Holly Lawson, who appeared in the first two season of Vera, was played by Wunmi Mosaku. After appearing the role between 2011 and 2012, she went to pursue other projects Stateside.
© David M. Benett/GETTYWunmi now has credits in MCU television series, Loki, HBO's Lovecraft Country and the film, Alice, Darling.
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