Vera star Brenda Blethyn will be making an unexpected return to screens on Sunday night

Fans of ITV’s hit drama Vera can look forward to a Sunday night treat as Brenda Blethyn makes an unexpected return when the series airs a repeat.

The second episode of Vera’s twelfth series will be showcased on ITV at 8pm, with viewers set to reunite with Brenda’s character, DCI Stanhope, and her right-hand man, Aiden Healy, played by Kenny Doughty.

The storyline for this instalment centres on Lance Corporal Conn Burns, who has struggled to adjust to civilian life and ended up destitute on the streets of Newcastle, but who is determined to turn his fortunes around.

According to the episode synopsis: “Adapting to civilian life was not easy for Lance Corporal Conn Burns, and after a series of bad life choices, he found himself desolate, down and out on the streets of Newcastle.”

It continues: “Attempting to get his life back on track, Conn had recently been making moves that would see him repay old debts, rebuild relationships, and get him off the streets,” reports Wales Online.

As the tale unfolds, DCI Stanhope is brought into the investigation following the shocking discovery of Burns’ body, which leads to revelations of secrets from his past and current betrayals.

Brenda acknowledged earlier in the year that she was ready to retire her iconic hat and coat for good.

While acknowledging how hard it was to step away, Brenda shared her desire to reduce time spent apart from her loved ones.

Speaking at a Q&A, she disclosed: “It was a big decision because I love the job, I love the people I was working with, and I know they loved it too, so it was a little bit of an emotional responsibility as well because if I stop, it’s going to stop.

“I saw on the catering list one day, just on a typical day, there were 76 people, so that’s all those people. I console myself with the fact that there’s a big studio opening in Sunderland next yea,r so there will be lots of jobs available.”

She continued: “I was aware that people who would like to continue on it wouldn’t be able to and that made me feel sad but as much as I like my Newcastle family, I have a family at home and I hadn’t had a summer for 14 years and I thought, ‘Bren, go and have a summer. Go home’. So it was a difficult decision.”

Brenda’s exit was not the only one to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, as Kenny Doughty announced his own departure from the series in 2023.

In the fifth instalment of the ITV drama, Aiden stepped in to fill the shoes left by Vera’s original partner, Joe Ashworth (David Leon).

Yet, come spring 2023, he shared his “difficult decision” to depart. His heartfelt thanks were shared on Instagram: “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 and 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 and have been a rock for me over the years. I can’t thank you enough. Precious times.”

He ended his touching tribute by expressing gratitude to the show’s loyal following, saying: “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 and love for the show.”

After Kenny Doughty’s exit, David Leon reprised his role as Joe on Vera until the series concluded.

Vera airs at 8pm on Sunday on ITV.