Vera’s Brenda Blethyn reveals fan favourite is returning to hit ITV show at Christmas – after two co-stars quit
VERA star Brenda Blethyn has revealed that a fan-favourite will make a huge comeback during the forthcoming Christmas episode.
DS Aiden Healy - played by Kenny Doughty - and Ibinabo Jack, who portrayed DC Jacqueline 'Jac', revealed they would be leaving the ITV drama earlier this year.
But Brenda has confirmed that PC Billy Billington, played by Jake Ashton-Nelson, will be making a big comeback during the Christmas Special.
PC Billy, who starred in a previous episode back in 2011 as an officer at the police station front desk, will be joining Brenda's DCI Vera Stanhope character and the gang as she continues to solve crimes for the Christmas instalment titled The Rising Tide.
Brenda explained: “PC Billy Billington, played by Jake Ashton-Nelson [is returning]. Jake is terrific in this. He played an officer on the police station front desk in a previous episode.
“Somebody had come in to report something, but he thought they were time wasting and sent them away.
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“Vera really tore him off a strip for that. She told him to listen to what people had to say as it threw a spanner in the works for solving that particular case."
She added: “So we come to this episode, and Billy has put in for secondment to CID. Vera is going to give him a chance, but he exasperates her. He's very funny.
“Vera is his boss, but there's also an element of mothering in her relationship with Billy. She tries to guide him in the right direction but gives him a hard time. Mind you, Vera gives all of her team a hard time!”
Vera's sidekick, DS Aiden Healy, played by Kenny, will make his exit in the special episode after seven years of being on the show.
Speaking about his exit, Brenda said: “I was sad when he said he was leaving. He's my mate. We had filmed eight series together.
“I've never laughed so hard as I did with Kenny Doughty. Vera and Aiden became very close over the years.
She continued: “It's not surprising because she spent most of her time with him at work. And it was a good working relationship.”
Kenny announced his departure from the ITV crime drama with an emotional social media post that read: “After eight years & 35 Vera films, I've made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy's badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.
“I want to thank everyone who's made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew, BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to.
“I feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter & have been a rock for me over the years. I can't thank you enough. Precious times.
He concluded: “And finally, the Vera fans: without you and your support, I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty & love for the show. X.”
Not long after Kenny's announcement, actress Ibinabo Jack, who has portrayed DC Jacqueline 'Jac' Williams since 2018, shared the news that she was also leaving the show after five years due to theatre commitments.
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The special Christmas episode will see Vera being taken back to her previous territory after a wealthy man ends up murdered whilst on a reunion trip with his pals.
Vera: The Rising Tide will air on ITV1 on Boxing Day at 8pm.
