PREVIEW: Vera (Series 11), ITV

The strong ensemble cast reunited with Blethyn 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.

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 (Brenda Blethyn) questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously.

The mystery deepens when she discovers that Tullman was to testify against Marcus Hynde (Lewis Cope), a promising cadet footballer facing charges of GBH. Are the two crimes connected? The traumatised victim, Victor (Noah Bailey), and his sister Monica (Amber James) demand their day in court, while Hynde’s delinquent brother Patrick (Conor Lowson) and fiercely protective mother Andrea (Sophie Stanton) insist that Tullman was wrong; Marcus is innocent!

As Vera delves deeper into Jim Tullman’s life she discovers unresolved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara (Lorraine Ashbourne) and doting son John Paul (Micky McGregor), while tensions with old family friends Gary (Ged Simmons) and Lesley Clayton (Elizabeth Marsh) threaten to spill over.

Vera must see through the web of family grievances, jealousies and lies to ensure justice is done.

Vera returns Sunday 29th August at 8pm on ITV.