Vera fan-favourite returns for final series after being spotted with Brenda Blethyn on set
Fans of the ITV series Vera have been given a huge boost as a major star is set to be returning to film the final series of the popular show.
Vera: DS Joe Ashworth joins Vera in her garden
Vera enthusiasts are in for a treat as it's been confirmed that the much-loved Jon Morrison will return for the show's final series, following his sighting on set in Northumberland on Friday.
Jon has portrayed Kenny Lockhart, a highly valued member of DCI Stanhope's team at Northumbria and City Police, from the beginning.
His straightforward approach to work and rapport with his equally candid boss have endeared him to viewers.
Since filming commenced for the 14th and final series at the end of May, Brenda Blethyn and returning co-star David Leon are the only main stars spotted in locations such as Blyth, Gateshead, South Shields and Hartlepool.
However, fans who were worried about Jon's absence can now rest easy. He was seen on set alongside Brenda and David, as the Vera cast filmed a large crowd scene in the Northumberland village of Glanton on Friday.
READ MORE Chris Kamara says he's 'stopped feeling sorry' as he shares health update [LATEST]
After a day's delay in filming due to the General Election, the Vera team resumed shooting in Glanton on Friday morning.
Following several online calls for extras, many locals found themselves on camera as the village hosted a Pagan-style parade for one of the Vera storylines.
Among the crowd of people gathered for filming was Jon, who was captured on camera by an enthusiastic fan before his scenes were shot.
The upcoming series of Vera is expected to conclude filming in the coming weeks, with the two episodes set to premiere in early 2025.
Don't miss...
Good Morning Britain fans say 'it's inappropriate' as they issue complaint [REACTION]
Four in a Bed B&B owner 'insulted' as guest makes 'excessive' underpayment [VIDEO]
EastEnders 40th anniversary plot 'confirmed' with huge returns teased [SOAP]
The series, which first aired back in 2011, has grown a huge fan base over the past 14 years.
Touching on the show coming to an end, Brenda Blethyn has nothing but praise as she called working on the detective show a joy from start to finish
Although the 78-year-old confessed it's sad to be saying goodbye, she paid tribute to her co-stars who have been with her over the years.
In a statement to ITV, she said: “I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 years.
“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 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 North East and our fans worldwide.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Vera is available to watch on ITVX.
