The Vera journey ends as actor Brenda Blethyn has revealed she is “semi-retired” after leaving the show to spend more time with her family, having not had a summer with her husband “for 14 years”.
Over the years, the show has earned a dedicated following, not just for its mysteries but also for its use of North East as a stunning backdrop.
The first of the final episodes unfolds along the banks of the River Tyne, where the discovery of an ex-prisoner’s body sets the stage for an unforgettable farewell.
Speaking about the region, Blethyn said: “Northumberland and the wider North East is so varied and beautiful.
“It’s not just one thing. It’s the seascapes, the landscapes, the moors, the cities.
“A lot of them steeped in history. And lively. It’s not for nothing that Newcastle is called the party town.
“I must have travelled tens of thousands of miles over the years going to all of the various locations.
“If I’d been on holiday that would’ve been great, but as it was, I’d get in the car at some unearthly hour in the morning and my head is in the script.
“And as I’m in almost every scene, I’m going through what I’m doing that day and then I get out of the car at the other end. So I’m not taking in the joys of sightseeing.
“But I always love everywhere we film. And the people are so nice.”
Here’s a closer look at some iconic North East locations featured in the final series:
Hexham
Doubling as the fictional town of Bentham, Hexham takes centre stage with its lively marketplace and historic abbey with numerous features throughout the entire series.
In 2023, Tyne Green and St Mary’s Chare in Hexham both featured in the two-hour episode titled ‘Vital Signs’.
Filming in Hexham marketplace back in 2023 (Image: NQ)
Bamburgh
Bamburgh Castle (Image: NQ) Bamburgh Castle and its dramatic dunes deliver a striking visual backdrop for the final series.
Lindisfarne
The fictional home of Vera can be found on Lindisfarne Island, also known as ‘Holy Island’, which sits just off the northeast coast. The exterior has continued to serve as the DCI’s home throughout the series.
Corbridge
The historic market town of Corbridge has been featured in multiple episodes of the crime drama.
The 2022 Vera Christmas special, The Rising Tide, was also filmed in the town as it was transformed into the fictional village of Kimmerston for the episode.
Whitley Bay and Tynemouth
The rugged cliffs and vibrant promenades of these coastal towns bring Vera back to the North East’s stunning seascapes.
South Shields and North Shields
These urban areas add depth to the show’s gritty narrative throughout the season with their industrial charm and maritime roots.
Amble and Alnmouth
Known for their picturesque harbours and strong fishing heritage, these coastal gems set the stage for a high-stakes investigation tied to a close-knit community.
The final series of Vera, which aired at the beginning of the year, is available to watch on ITVX.