ITV has confirmed that Vera will return for a 13th series next year, with Brenda Blethyn reprising her role as the titular detective.

The veteran actress has starred as DCI Vera Stanhope since 2011, making the character the longest-serving female detective currently on British TV.

Kenny Doughty (DS Aidan Healey) and Ibinabo Jack (DC Jac Williams) will not be returning for the next series, although David Leon - last seen as DS Joe Ashworth in series four - will be back in the cast.

"It's been such a pleasure to work alongside Kenny and Ibinabo," said Blethyn. "They've both been terrific members of the Vera team, and I'll miss them.

"I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can't wait to get started."

Filming on the three new feature-length stories is due to begin this summer.