ITV finally confirms Vera star Kenny Doughty’s replacement as DS Aiden Healy after shock exit
ITV has finally confirmed Vera star Kenny Doughty’s replacement as DS Aiden Healy after his shock exit.
The 47-year-old actor quit the show after eight years ealier this month, leaving fans devastated.
Brenda Blethyn – who plays Vera – teased fans that they “wouldn’t be disappointed” by his replacement, and now ITV has confirmed who it will be.
Announcing Vera would be returning for a thirteenth series, ITV revealed actor and director David Leon would be making a welcome return as Joe Ashworth.
Cast returning alongside Brenda and David for three new feature length films include Jon Morrison, who plays DC Kenny Lockhart and Riley Jones, who plays DC Mark Edwards.
Further castings and information about the new series will be announced when filming commences in the summer.
However actress Ibinabo Jack, who has played DC Jacqueline ‘Jac’ Williams since 2018, will not be returning for the thirteenth series due to her theatre commitments.
The Rising Tide, a feature-length episode based on the eleventh Vera novel written by Ann Cleeves, will be Kenny and Ibinabo’s final appearance in the series. The episode will be scheduled later this year.
Brenda Blethyn commented: “It’s been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo.
“They’ve both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I’ll miss them.
“I’m absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”
David, 42, originally appeared on the show for the first four series from 2011 to 2014, before leaving after Joe was promoted.