Vera’s fate finally revealed in emotional scenes as hit ITV drama comes to an end after 14 years
VERA has revealed the fate of its title character – as the ITV crime drama ended for good.
The long-running show officially concluded on January 2, after a 14-year run on air.
Fans were desperate to know how DCI Vera Stanhope’s story would end.
Brenda Blethyn quit the role last year – as some fans theorised a possible death for the long-running character.
Near the end of the episode, Vera seemingly left her long-time team behind for good.
She visited Chief Superintendent Khalon (Shobna Gulati), who had offered her a promotion.
Spotting an envelope in Vera‘s hands, Chief Superintendent Khalon remarked: “Could this finally be your formal acceptance of your promotion?”
Vera replied: “Well, it’s more about making way, m’am.
“And letting others fly.”
This referenced her earlier remark to Joe Ashworth (David Leon) about him “spreading his wings”.
In a poignant flashback, young Vera told her dad about wanting to join the police.
He responded: “The police is no place for a lass.”
As the younger Vera refuted he was wrong, her dad asked: “Am I? You best prove it then, pet.”
In present day, Vera packed up items from her office and left the station.
But by the next morning, the team were still unaware of her decision.
Joe entered his longtime mentor’s office and found a note addressed to him.
It read: “Time to spread those wings, pet. You’ll be fine. X.”
In earlier scenes, Vera seemingly hinted she would be moving on.
Vera's cast over the last 14 years
Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:
- Brenda Blethyn
- David Leon
- Jon Morrison
- Riley Jones
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Paul Ritter
- Cush Jumbo
- Sonya Cassidy
- Clare Calbraith
- Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Kenny Doughty
- Lisa Hammond
- Noof McEwan
- Christopher Colquhoun
- Steve Evets
- Ibinabo Jack
- Paul Kaye
- Sarah Kameela
- Rhiannon Clements
She bought drinks for the team after their latest case – but kept her distance.
Speaking to Joe outside the pub, she called him a “good man” and thanked him for having her back.
Vera’s final scenes saw her bird watching – a passion of her dad’s.
Past episodes of Vera are available to watch on ITVX.