VERA has revealed the fate of its title character – as the ITV crime drama ended for good.
The long-running show officially concluded on January 2, after a 14-year run on air.
Fans were desperate to know how DCI Vera Stanhope’s story would end.
Brenda Blethyn quit the role last year – as some fans theorised a possible death for the long-running character.
Near the end of the episode, Vera seemingly left her long-time team behind for good.
She visited Chief Superintendent Khalon (Shobna Gulati), who had offered her a promotion.
Spotting an envelope in Vera‘s hands, Chief Superintendent Khalon remarked: “Could this finally be your formal acceptance of your promotion?”
Vera replied: “Well, it’s more about making way, m’am.
“And letting others fly.”
This referenced her earlier remark to Joe Ashworth (David Leon) about him “spreading his wings”.
In a poignant flashback, young Vera told her dad about wanting to join the police.
He responded: “The police is no place for a lass.”
[bc_video account_id=”5067014667001″ application_id=”” aspect_ratio=”16:9″ autoplay=”” caption=”Emmerdale star looks unrecognisable in final Vera episodes 10 years after quitting ITV soap” embed=”in-page” experience_id=”” height=”100%” language_detection=”” max_height=”360px” max_width=”640px” min_width=”0px” mute=”” padding_top=”56%” picture_in_picture=”” player_id=”default” playlist_id=”” playsinline=”” sizing=”responsive” video_id=”6366600852112″ video_ids=”” width=”640px”]As the younger Vera refuted he was wrong, her dad asked: “Am I? You best prove it then, pet.”
In present day, Vera packed up items from her office and left the station for the last time.
But by the next morning, the team were still unaware of her decision.
Joe entered his longtime mentor’s office and found a note addressed to him.
It read: “Time to spread those wings, pet. You’ll be fine. X.”
In earlier scenes, Vera seemingly hinted she would be leaving.
She bought drinks for the team after their latest case – but kept her distance.
Speaking to Joe outside the pub, she called him a “good man” and thanked him for having her back.
Vera’s final scenes saw her bird watching – a passion of her dad’s.
Past episodes of Vera are available to watch on ITVX.
