Why did Vera star David Leon leave the series?

Vera fans were delighted when it was announced that David Leon would be returning to the programme. 

The actor played Joe Ashworth, sidekick to Brenda Blethyn's DCI Vera Stanhope, from series one to four, before being replaced as the lead detective's right-hand man by Kenny Doughty. 

The popular ITV drama was recently renewed for a 13th season, which will see David's character, DS Joe, reunited with his boss, Vera. But why did the actor leave the show in the first place? 

© ITV/REX/Shutterstock

While the reason behind David's departure wasn't revealed at the time, his co-star Riley Jones, who plays PC Mark Edwards, stated: "I don't know, it might have been for personal reasons," he told Express.co.uk last year. 

"These things happen. When you're kind of going from series to series and there are a couple of months in between."

He continued: "It's just the logistics of contracts and people get offered other jobs and all that type of stuff. So, I couldn't comment about what happened, but these things do happen." 

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Speaking about reuniting with David for the upcoming series, Brenda said: "I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can't wait to get started."

David's return to the drama comes amid the sad news that Kenny Doughty, known for his role as DS Aiden Healy, would be leaving the show. Watch the video below to see Aiden's final moments on-screen with Vera. 

Announcing his departure on social media, Kenny wrote: "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."

© Photographer

He went on to praise the 77-year-old actress, hailing her as "the perfect leading star" who he said has been "a rock for me over the years".

He concluded the statement by thanking fans of the programme. "You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show," he said.

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