Brenda Blethyn stars as DCI Vera Stanhope, with David Leon as DS Joe Ashworth and Kenny Doughty as DS Aiden Healy.
Main cast
- DCI Vera StanhopeBrenda Blethyn1–13Main
- DS Joe AshworthDavid Leon1–3, 9–13Main
- DS Aiden HealyKenny Doughty4–13Main
Supporting cast
- Dr. Malcolm DonahuePaul Kaye1–13Supp
- DC Kenny LockhartJon Morrison1–13Supp
- DC Mark EdwardsRiley Jones1–13Supp
- DC Bethany WhelanCush Jumbo1–3Supp
- DS Ken MarsdenMark Weinman7–13Supp
- DC ShepIbinabo Jack11–13Supp
Guest & voice
- Helen MiltonRebecca Front1Guest
- Margaret HealyClare Higgins4Guest
- Nathan HarkerRory Kinnear5Guest
- Ian SalterTom Wilkinson6Guest
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About this cast
Vera is a British crime drama series based on Ann Cleeves’ novels, starring Brenda Blethyn as the brilliant and eccentric Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. The series follows Vera and her team as they solve murders in Northumberland and the surrounding areas.
FAQs
Who plays Vera Stanhope in Vera?
Brenda Blethyn plays DCI Vera Stanhope.
Who plays DS Joe Ashworth in Vera?
David Leon plays DS Joe Ashworth in series 1–3 and 9–13.
Who plays DS Aiden Healy in Vera?
Kenny Doughty plays DS Aiden Healy from series 4 onwards.
How many series of Vera are there?
Vera has 13 series, airing from 2011 to 2024.
Is Vera based on books?
Yes, Vera is based on the series of novels by Ann Cleeves.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026