Latest news with #ITVVera
Wales Online
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement
ITV Vera fans emotional after creator makes 'bombshell' announcement Vera fans have been dealt another blow following Brenda Blethyn's departure from the ITV series Brenda Blethyn says 'it was time' for Vera to come to an end Vera enthusiasts are reeling as Ann Cleeves, the creator of the beloved character and series, delivered a poignant update on her career. Ann, the mastermind behind Detective Vera Stanhope, has confirmed that her forthcoming book will be the final chapter in the saga. During her appearance at the Bath Literature Festival, Ann revealed that the 12th book in the detective series would be the swansong for DCI Stanhope. "There will only be one more Vera novel," she disclosed, before playfully hinting: "But I probably won't kill her off," reports Chronicle Live. "Well, that was a bombshell, wasn't it?" she quipped, acknowledging the gravity of her announcement. Vera's Brenda Blethyn and author Ann Cleeves on the set of the ITV drama (Image: ITV ) Article continues below ITV caller delivers brutal divorce swipe at Paddy McGuinness READ MORE: In the wake of this revelation, fans have flocked to social media to express their dismay, with many feeling devastated. A succinct lament appeared on a Facebook fan page: "Oh no!". "She can't do that," protested another, while someone else queried: "Does this mean there will be no more Vera books?" Another comment read: "She won't be able to do it." A fan expressed their adoration for her work with a tearful emoji: "I love all of her books." David Leon and Brenda Blethyn (Image: (Image: (Image: ITV)) ) This news marks the end of an era that commenced in 1999 with the debut of the first Vera Stanhope novel. Her most recent publication, The Dark Wives, is the eleventh instalment in the series and is currently available. Earlier in the year, Vera's loyal viewers were moved to tears as Brenda Blethyn portrayed her final moments as Vera Stanhope. Although Brenda is amenable to the idea of a Vera special in the future, she has shared her reasons for leaving, including a desire to cherish more time with her family. Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (Image: ITV ) "It was a lovely summer back in 2023, and I came to realise I hadn't had a summer with my husband for 14 years," the actress stated. "Naturally, I missed my family, and my dog Jack, although he was with me in the Northeast. Article continues below "But working all day meant our time together was short. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too."
BBC News
15-02-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sunday for Sammy show to return to Newcastle in 2026
A charity variety show will be back "bigger and better" after a six-year break, its organisers for Sunday for Sammy, which will return on 15 February, 2026 at Newcastle's Utilita Arena, went on sale show, which features a host of well-known North East stars, began in 2000 in honour of Sammy Johnson, known for his roles in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet and Spender, who died in the years, funds from ticket sales have been turned into grants to help emerging local talent in the performing arts. It was last performed in 2020 but an attempt to bring the show back three years later failed due to the cost of living crisis. Ray Laidlaw, Sunday for Sammy's producer, said the team had been "preparing for quite a while" after "Covid hit and knocked us for six".The Lindisfarne member said: "It's taken us this long to get back but the last six months we've been preparing the ground."It's a variety show featuring the best of the North East... I hope the cast list will be as wonderful and varied as it has been in the past."He said it had also been adapted to "make a big splash with young people", as "they're the ones who benefit" from grants following each show and would one day be running it "when we've all retired". As part of the relaunch Kelly Rickhard has been brought it as a new host after organisers said they wanted to refresh the show. She said she had to keep the news secret for several months but was "really excited" ahead of its return, which she said would be a "sell-out success".Explaining how the cast list is also kept a secret until the show begins, she added: "[There will be] really big household names in the music industry that you might associate with the North East."It comes as former ITV Vera actress Brenda Blethyn and Matt Healy, from The 1975, have been announced as patrons.
