Brenda Blethyn's detective drama series 'Vera' gets renewed for a second season on ITV

ITV has renewed the detective drama series Vera starring Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope and David Leon as DS Joe Ashworth for a second season.

Brenda Blethyn will reprise her role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope.


Vera
International award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn OBE stars in Vera, a new detective drama series adapted from the Vera Stanhope novels by revered novelist Ann Cleeves.

Inspector Stanhope is obsessive about her work and driven by her own demons. If she’s lonely she doesn’t show it and faces the world with caustic wit, guile and courage. Her trusted and long-suffering colleague is Joe Ashworth; he is her right-hand man and surrogate son. Together they approach every new case with unparalleled gusto and professionalism.

Vera Promotional stills
featuring Brenda Blethyn

 (source: ITV)

Here's an article about Vera's second season renewal with more info (via The List):

Vera recommissioned for second series
Filming for four stand-alone episodes of the detective drama has already commenced, with BAFTA-winning actress Brenda Blethyn set to reprise her role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in the show, which is based on the works of crime author Ann Cleeves.

The programme - which is set in Northumberland and Newcastle - averaged 6.6 million viewers with a peak episode of 6.8 million during its first series.

All four 120-minute episodes - which will be directed by Peter Hoar, Julian Holmes and Paul Whittington - will document the mysterious goings on in mostly rural areas of the north-eastern county, with the final production 'Silent Voices' based on Ann's latest novel.


The show is one of four dramas being recomissioned by ITV, alongside 'Scott and Bailey', 'Monroe' and 'Case Sensitive'.

Laura Mackie, Director of Drama Commissioning at ITV Drama, said: "We couldn't be more delighted with the success of 'Vera', 'Case Sensitive', 'Monroe and Scott & Bailey'. It's terrific to think we are commissioning the most watched and appreciated original dramas for the ITV1 audience."

Brenda previously revealed she perfected her Geordie accent for 'Vera' by studying former 'X Factor' judge Cheryl Cole. Read full article.