Actor Kenny Doughty has paid tribute to a Durham-born Vera colleague Mark Allen who sadly passed away earlier this year as viewers tuned in in their droves to the new series.
Fan favourite Kenny, who is back on screen alongside Brenda Blethyn' s title character as sidekick Aiden Healy, took to Twitter after credits rolled on the second episode of series 11.
Just like the first one - Witness - which aired over August Bank Holiday weekend, Recovery took fans through many twists and turns before hurtling to a gripping conclusion, with Kenny right at the heart of the action.
READ MORE: Where has Vera series 11 been filmed so far?
Posting on his Twitter account, former Shameless star Kenny firstly thanked viewers for all their messages about the new series, before honouring Vera set painter Mark, who died in April following complications with Covid and had previously worked on Inspector George Gently.
He posted: "Thank you for lovely messages. Wonderful ep & fantastic cast & director @cebohon1
"Big respect to our crew. Especially Mark Allen - who sadly passed away. Will miss his laugh & his twinkle. Be at peace friend. Now Vera fans - you will see the next 4 eps in 2022! Until then x."
Another one of the Vera crew, Phillip Brown thanked Kenny for his tribute, writing: "hank you for mentioning Mark. A great man and so pleased to consider him a close friend.
"Hardly anyone will have any idea the hours/years dedicated to #Vera. Every set and location the past 8 years or more. Deserving of the recognition."
On his own Twitter page, Phillip added: "He was well respected across the industry. I was glad to call him a friend. These episodes will be the last he completed before taking ill."
Plenty of Vera fans also responded to Kenny's tweet, with one replying: "RIP mark. Thank you once again to you and all the cast and crew. Another excellent episode this evening. Will miss you guys, huge well done to all involved. A great drama. my Sunday's will be a bit empty."
A second told him: "Absolutely outstanding episode, so well written, directed and performed - so sad to hear about Mark Allen, must have been hard for all of you."
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