After it was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic, filming on the new series of Vera is now officially under way, with the cast of the hit ITV drama drawing plenty of interest as they shot scenes in Tynemouth on Monday.
ITV confirmed last month that the show's 11th run would feature six feature length episodes with two due to go into production in in the autumn, for broadcast in 2021 and the remaining four episodes filmed in spring for broadcast in 2022.
Well the ball is now rolling on the first two as Vera stars, including leading lady Brenda Blethyn, were spotted filming at a property in Beach Road near the coast.
A convoy of vans were on the scene as Brenda and crew, all wearing masks, went about their work, with dog lover Brenda taking a keen interest in some of the pooches passing by between takes.
The show's return to filming was teased by Brenda's co-star and Vera's sidekick Kenny Doughty, when he posted a picture of a script on his Instagram on Sunday, writing: " It’s happening!! Feel very lucky to be back in Newcastle.
"First day of filming tomorrow in this new world of Covid. Nervous & excited if I’m honest."
The 11th series of Vera, once again based on the novels of North East author Ann Cleeves, will open with the body of well-respected local builder Jim Tullman found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument.
No-nonsense detective Vera questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously, she discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault.
As she delves deeper into his life she discovers unresolved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara and doting son John Paul, while tensions with old family friends Gary and Lesley Clayton threaten to spill over.
When asked if she'd ever be tempted to 'kill off' Vera, author Ann said: "I sometimes have to pinch myself at how successful the series has become.
" I stopped writing the Shetland books because while I loved the islands, with a population of 23,000 there are not that many stories to tell.
"I love writing about Northumberland because I love the wide palate of possible backgrounds. There is the thriving city of Newcastle, the former pit villages and the old post industrial landscape. So that's why place is important."
