ITV crime drama Vera has seen many brilliant actors come and go within the cast since it began airing in 2011.
While Brenda Blethyn has been a staple as leading character DCI Vera Stanhope, other cast members have moved onto pastures new – and one former star of the show has landed big success in Hollywood.
Fans may remember the character Dr Marcus Sumner who was a part of the Vera family between series four and six, as well as in series eight, who was played by Kingsley Ben-Adir. The actor, who left the show in 2018, played the role of Vera's trusted pathologist and confidante who would assist the detective on some complicated murder cases.
But since departing his role as Marcus, Kingsley has landed some exciting roles in major movies. In 2020, the star portrayed Malcolm X in the Regina King-directed movie, One Night in Miami, which also starred Leslie Odom Jr. and the late Lance Reddick. The film was a big success and was nominated for a slew of awards including an Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay.
MORE: Midsomer Murders: 6 stars who quit and why
MORE: Unforgotten: ITV reveals future of drama following dramatic series five finale
© ITV/REX/ShutterstockAnd Kingsley's success doesn't stop there, he's also set to appear in Greta Gerwig's highly-anticipated Barbie film which has a glittering cast.
In addition to Kingsley, Hollywood A-Listers Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie are leading the way as Barbie and Ken, while other big names like Will Ferrell, Simu Liu, Michael Cera and America Ferrera also star. Like Ryan, Kingsley is playing a Ken doll in the film.
© InstagramMeanwhile, the cast of Vera has had a recent shake-up as Kenny Doughty announced his departure from the show after eight years. The actor wrote on Instagram: "After 8 years & 35 Vera films I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.
"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 and inspiration Brenda Blethyn." Not only that, former star David Leon is set to make a return as DS Joe Ashworth when the show returns for series 13.
Don't want to miss a story? Sign up to our What to Watch newsletter and get the heads-up on the shows and films everyone’s talking about.
