She will be joined by Kenny Doughty as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morris as Detective Constable Jon Morrison, Ibinabo Jack as Detective Constable Jacqueline Williams and Riley Jones as Detective Constable Mark Edwards, while Paul Kaye returns as pathologist Dr Malcolm Donahue.
The first of four feature-length episodes will air from 8pm to 10pm on Sunday, January 12.
The stories, made by Silverprint Pictures, which is part of the ITV Studios, are inspired by the best-selling novels and characters created by crime writer Ann Cleeves.
Take a look at the North East (and nearby) locations featured in the new series ….
. Vera.jpg
The cast of Vera. Picture: ITV/Silverprint | Other 3rd Party Photo: ITV/Silverprint
. Sunderland Greyhound Stadium
Sunderland Greyhound Stadium features in episode 4.
Picture: Kevin Brady | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Kevin Brady
. Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle features in episode 1. Also look out for the Tan Hill Inn, Gateshead Snooker Centre, Neptune Garage (Fisher Street), Tanfield School and Retro Bar in Newcastle.
Picture: Google | Other 3rd Party Photo: Google
. Marsden Grotto
The Grotto, Marsden Bay, can be seen in episode 4. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Stu Norton
. Tranwell Woods, near Morpeth
Tranwell Woods, near Morpeth
Tranwell Woods appears in episode 1 when Vera (Brenda Blethyn) has to unravel the circumstances of self-styled entrepreneur Freddie Gill’s death when his body is found by bailiffs attempting to repossess his house. | Other 3rd Party Photo: No
. The University Hospital of Hartlepool.
The University Hospital of Hartlepool features in episode 2. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: No
1. Sunderland Greyhound Stadium
Sunderland Greyhound Stadium features in episode 4.
Picture: Kevin Brady | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Kevin Brady
2. Freeman Hospital, Newcastle
The Freeman Hospital in Newcastle features in episode 1. Also look out for the Tan Hill Inn, Gateshead Snooker Centre, Neptune Garage (Fisher Street), Tanfield School and Retro Bar in Newcastle.
Picture: Google | Other 3rd Party Photo: Google
3. Marsden Grotto
The Grotto, Marsden Bay, can be seen in episode 4. | JPIMedia Resell Photo: Stu Norton
4. Tranwell Woods, near Morpeth
Tranwell Woods, near Morpeth
Tranwell Woods appears in episode 1 when Vera (Brenda Blethyn) has to unravel the circumstances of self-styled entrepreneur Freddie Gill’s death when his body is found by bailiffs attempting to repossess his house. | Other 3rd Party Photo: No