VERA fans reckon a Happy Valley star could be in line to lead a new spin-off series.
Fans of the long-running ITV crime drama were gutted by news of the show soon ending.
Brenda Bleythn has played the titular detective chief inspector since 2011.
ITV bosses have confirmed the show’s imminent conclusion, with Brenda, 78, returning for one last run.
The final series will air early next year, with two 90-minute episodes.
However, viewers have been vocal in their belief that the show could continue, with some speculating a new murder-mystery could take over Vera’s timeslot.
Bookmakers have also joined in on the speculation, with Happy Valley actress Sarah Lancashire given odds of 6/4 to replace Brenda in a new spin-off.
Following close behind is Diane Morgan with odds of 5/1 as well as Suranne Jones with odds of 7/1.
Although Vera is based on Ann Cleeves’ series of Vera Stanhope novels, the show later moved beyond its source material and began writing original stories.
Vera soon became a staple of ITV programming, with 54 episodes aired to date.
In a statement, Brenda said: “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.
“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 north east and our fans worldwide.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Devastated fans have shared their reactions online to the show ending.
One mourned on X (formerly Twitter): “I’ve just heard Vera is ending, I’m going to sob.”
Another shared: “Oh, I’m sad about Vera ending. She is such a great character and no one could play her as good as Brenda.”
A third added: “Gutted #Vera is ending! I adore this character! But I look forward to seeing @BrendaBlethyn in new roles.”
Previously, a show boss issued a huge update to Vera fans after a cast shake-up in series 13.
In addition to Brenda, co-stars in Vera have included Game of Thrones alum Paul Kaye (Thoros of Myr), The Good Wife star Cush Jumbo and late Friday Night Dinner actor Paul Ritter, among others.