Vera | Series 13 Preview (ITV1)

Starring the internationally acclaimed and award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn as DCI Vera Stanhope, this new series sees the return of actor and director David Leon as Joe Ashworth.

Joining Brenda and David for the three new feature-length episodes are Jon Morrison as DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones as DC Mark Edwards, Sarah Kameela Impey as pathologist Dr Paula Bennett, and Rhiannon Clements (Ridley, Hollyoaks) as new and ambitious DC Steph Duncan who joins Vera’s team.

In the opening episode, DCI Vera Stanhope investigates the suspicious death of a market trader and reveals a web of secrets, lies and betrayal while an enigmatic figure from her past returns.

Episode two sees Vera delve into the case of a sickly young girl found in a remote railway siding, unearthing twisted family dynamics and raising questions about trust and exploitation in the process.

In the final episode, Vera investigates the murder of a chip shop co-owner and exposes hidden debts, broken promises, and family conflicts while unveiling secrets and culprits.

The three self-contained crime stories in the new series draw inspiration from the best-selling novels and characters created by acclaimed crime writer Ann Cleeves.

Vera returns Sunday 7th January at 8pm on ITV1.