While he has announced he has quit Vera after eight years, Kenny Doughty will appear as DS Aiden Healy one final time, in an episode that's already been filmed.
Fans were left confused and rather panicked at the start of March, when former Coronation Street actor Kenny posted a series of photos of him and his Vera co-stars on Instagram, along with the words 'thank you for the memories.' After he failed to elaborate on the context of the caption, fans of the much loved drama worried for it's future, especially in light of the fact that another series is still to be confirmed by ITV execs.
And, while we still don't know what's going on with Vera itself, Kenny has now confirmed he has left the show, revealing the 'tough' decision to walk away from his role in an Insta post on Monday evening.
As well as announcing his departure, Kenny took the opportunity to thanks his Vera colleagues and loyal fans, as many of them were left gutted by his statement. But, the good news for those Vera viewers left upset and somewhat blindsided by Kenny's exit from the show is that he will star in one last episode.
It was actually Kenny who confirmed that the Vera cast and crew had reunited towards the end of last year to film 'something special,' with that something being the screen adaptation of author Ann Cleeves' latest book, The Rising Tide. The Vera team were spotted by fans in locations like Corbridge, Durham and Holy Island as production battled some pretty dodgy weather.
Ann's 10th Vera Stanhope novel is focused bon a group of friends who spent a memorable weekend on Holy Island 50 years ago. Every five years the return to the picturesque location to celebrate their friendship and remember the friend who was swept away on the causeway on the first reunion years earlier.
However, when one of the group is found hanged and misconduct allegations come to light, Vera has to try and unravel what secrets the friends are hiding, as she and her team are put in danger.
ITV have yet to confirm when The Rising Tide will air, although it is expected to be later this year.
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