It's news that Vera fans will be eager to hear: the 10th series of the crime drama might just have started but viewers still want more - and according to its star they will get it.
The first instalment of the current four-parter got under way on January 12, proving the usual hit with fans of the ITV1 hit.
They gave a warm welcome to the first feature-length episode starring Brenda Blethyn back in the role of the raincoat-clad sleuth Vera Stanhope who they have grown to love during the long-running drama which is based on the series of novels written by Whitley Bay author Ann Cleeves..
Reaching the decade milestone is a huge achievement for the drama and its popularity shows no signs of abating.
And that seems confirmed by the fact that plans are already afoot for more on-screen action according to Blethyn who says that an 11th series will indeed happen. The actress was responding to a message on Twitter about a report from TV news site CineAddiction that had quoted Blethyn as saying the team will be starting work this year on a series to air in 2021.
The site had also quoted Phil Hunter, executive producer of Vera - whose 10th series will also air on US streaming service BritBox from January 21, as saying: "Yes, there’ll be more Vera beyond series 10 which is fantastic news."
Twitter user Lilla E then tweeted the actress about the news, asking: "Is this true? There will be a Vera 11? Hoping it is, it would make many, many people very, very happy."
And Blethyn tweeted back to say "True x", prompting Lilla E to write: "Confirmed by the lady herself" and others to say "good news"; "Yeah!" and "Love Vera".
There certainly won't be any shortage of material to keep the TV detective busy in the future. Her creator Cleeves tweeted just before the launch of the current series that she has another new Vera book, called The Darkest Evening, coming out in September.
Follow Whats On NE
We have a dedicated Facebook page for the latest on what to see and where to drink, eat, shop and go out across Newcastle and the North East.
Follow the page here for the best food, drink and shopping deals, information on all kinds of shows and events, and exclusive looks at new restaurants and bars.
