Filming for new series of ITV drama Vera takes place in Amble

Actress Brenda Blethyn and other cast members were filming around the town’s harbour area on Friday.

Six feature length episodes are being filmed around the North East for series 11.

Two will go into production this autumn until Christmas for broadcast in 2021 with the remaining four episodes filmed from spring 2021 for broadcast in 2022.

The eleventh series, based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, opens when the body of well-respected local builder, Jim Tullman, is found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument.

DCI Vera Stanhope (Blethyn) questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously. The mystery deepens when she discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault. Could these two crimes be connected?

As Vera delves deeper into Tullman’s life she discovers unresolved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara and doting son John Paul, while tensions with old family friends Gary and Lesley Clayton threaten to spill over. Vera must see through the web of family grievances, jealousies and lies to ensure justice is done.

The ensemble cast include Kenny Doughty who returns as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones who plays DC Mark Edwards and Ibinabo Jack who plays DC Jacqueline Williams.

Brenda Blethyn, speaking when the new series was announced, said: “I’m really looking forward to working on the next series of Vera. The safety of all personnel is always at the forefront of production, and with all the extra Covid precautions in place we will relish creating and delivering six cracking new episodes.”

Executive producer Phil Hunter added: “Like many productions we had to postpone filming back in March and simultaneously begin working on a plan as to how we could bring the series back.

"Vera is coming back stronger than ever with six new episodes, and whilst we will be following Covid protocols that will keep everyone safe; the work environment will be just as creative allowing everyone to deliver their best work.”

The new series is being made by Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

If you can, please do pick up a copy when you are at the shops. Thank you for your support.