Brenda Blethyn has prompted excitement among the fandom of ITV's Vera thanks to her latest social media post.
The 78-year-old leads the long-running crime drama in the role of DCI Vera Stanhope - a hardened, experienced, quick-witted and savvy crime-solver.
And while uncertainty surrounded the future of the show after its recent 13th series finale, several Vera stars have since confirmed Vera and co would be back.
Now, Blethyn has revealed the crew appears to be on track for a release date which is billed for next year.
The update came on X after one of Blethyn's fans reached out to her with the question: "When will the filming of Vera begin, please?"
They added: "Can't wait to see you all in and around North Tyneside. Brilliant programme xxx."
Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (left) alongside David Leon's Joe Ashworth
ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
The post caught the eye of Blethyn who reposted the Vera fan's probe with the definitive answer: "End april."
Inevitably, it didn't take long for Blethyn's fanbase to inundate the post with their excitable reactions.
"So happy you are making another series my favourite detective on telly," one fan replied.
A second weighed in: "Such good news! I don't want to wish my life away, but I can't wait for it to be on TV."
end april https://t.co/It0T4OwoDP
— Brenda Blethyn (@BrendaBlethyn) February 25, 2024
"Excellent news, absolutely adore the show x," a third added while a fourth shared: "Can't wait, have had to watch vera from series one."
Elsewhere, a fifth commented: "I'll be keeping an eye out for where you will be filming, loved it when you came to Washington Xx." (sic)
Blethyn will be joined by the likes of David Leon and Riley Jones among others when the series returns to ITV in 2025.
The future of Vera had looked uncertain heading into series 13 which recently aired on the channel, after Blethyn admitted she previously wanted to quit following the exit of Kenny Doughty.
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Brenda Blethyn will return to Vera filming in April 2024
ITV/SHUTTERSTOCK
However, bosses pulled out the stops to get Leon back on board as Joe Ashworth after he'd left the show a decade earlier which prompted Blethyn to change her mind.
Both Blethyn and Jones put any uncertainty to rest shortly after the final feature-length episode of series 13, with the latter sharing a snap from behind the scenes.
"Didn’t think you could get rid of us that easily did you?! #Vera," Jones said as he confirmed the show's future.
He signed off the post: "See you in 2025!"