Riley Jones has declared he is 'more than happy' in his role on Vera, as many fans were left pushing for a promotion for his character.
North East actor Riley has been playing DC Mark Edwards in the much loved ITV drama for over a decade, with his on-screen alias being a key member of DCI Stanhope's team as she attempts to get to the bottom of a growing number of murder mysteries.
While Vera co-stars Kenny Doughty and Ibinabo Jack have both been confirmed to be leaving the show, Riley is happy to report that he'll be back when the time comes to start filming Vera series 13, which was announced by ITV last week.
Another casting change for the next run of the Sunday night favourite will see David Leon return to the fold, having quit his role as DCI Stanhope's original sidekick, DS Joe Ashworth, at the end of series four. It is not yet known just in what capacity or rank Joe will return in, which could still leave an opening for a new sidekick for Vera.
READ MORE: Vera star Kenny Doughty's famous girlfriend lands role in another Ann Cleeves drama
And Riley, or rather Mark, is the person many viewers want to see make the step up to the role, with one tweeting: "I'm only going to be OK if DC Mark Edwards takes over as Vera's sidekick"
Staying grounded, Riley said while he would be delighted to be featured more, he is very much enjoying the way things are going at present. Speaking to the Express, he said: "Whatever was to happen I'd be happy to have more to do.
"But it is how the show goes and I am more than happy in my role in the show and I have been there for a long time now. It is great to hear that fans want to see more, that is always lovely to hear."
He added: "... it feels like the audience has seen Mark grow up at the same time as me as an actor growing up. It's lovely to hear the audience would like to see more because that can't possibly be a bad thing."
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