ITV Vera's Brenda Blethyn replacement 'sealed' as Happy Valley icon

Vera enthusiasts have been speculating about who might step into Brenda Blethyn's shoes following her announcement that she's leaving the beloved ITV series. Brenda confirmed on Monday that the next series will be her swansong, sharing a touching statement with fans.

The esteemed actress expressed: "Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end and I'm sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last fourteen years. I'll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role."

She continued: "The Producers, dream cast, and crew have been fabulous and I'm going to miss them, but I won't forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the northeast, and our fans worldwide. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Brenda Blethyn, nominated for both Academy and Emmy awards, is set to hang up DCI Vera Stanhope's iconic trench coat and hat after the upcoming summer shoot. The new series will consist of two feature-length episodes, contributing to the show's impressive tally of 54 episodes to date.

Kate Bartlett, the director, also commented: "It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women.

"Firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And - of course - the amazing AnnCleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope."

She concluded: "We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show."

While it seems that the beloved ITV drama may conclude following Brenda's final series, viewers have been vocal with their predictions and ideas on who might fill the detective's shoes. Some speculate that another gripping murder mystery could take over Vera's prime Sunday evening spot.

The bookmakers have also weighed in on the action and shared their odds on who could replace the iconic actress - and the star that has been tipped as the favourite is Happy Valley's Sarah Lancashire.

Oddsmakers at BestAnonymousCasinos.com have priced up specials on what happens next for ITV's hit drama.

Sarah has been given odds of 6/4 to replace Brenda in a new Vera spin-off.

Diane Morgan is close behind with odds of 5/1, with Suranne Jones in third place with odds of 7/1.

Liam Solomon Head of PR for BestAnonymousCasinos.com said: "As Brenda Blethyn departs from her 14-year run as the beloved detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, many fans are wondering what is next for the crime series?

"Strong suggestions coming from ITV insiders say that a Vera spin-off is already being discussed, and a show could be announced after the season 14 finale. Sarah Lancashire, who is considered English TV drama royalty, is heavily tipped to play the leading role in the spin-off ITV series."

Vera is expected to return to ITV in 2025.