VERA fan theories have gone into overdrive after Kenny Doughty’s shock exit will see the departure of his character Detective Aiden Healy.
Paying an emotional tribute to his co-star Brenda Blethyn, the actor revealed earlier this week that he'd be stepping down from the role he's played for eight years.
Viewers of the hit ITV1 drama have wasted no time in speculating who could replace the character and have developed a number of fan theories.
The first was around the idea that Joe Ashworth (played by David Leon) who was Vera’s sidekick from series one to four, would reprise his role.
Meanwhile, others speculated that Mark Edwards (Riley Jones) - who has starred on the show since the beginning will step up into the more prestigious part.
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On the Vera fan’s Facebook page, one user started a debate asking other viewers whether Joe Ashworth should be written back into the series.
The replies were unanimous. One response said: “Malcolm and Aiden gone, hope Kenny, Mark and Jack stay on, David Leon could make a welcome return.” Another added: “Yes he needs to come back.”
It continued: "Listen pet he is welcome to come back.”Paying tribute to the actor, one said: “David Leon is one handsome guy would love to see him back again.”
At the forefront of the majority of Vera fans’ minds was how well Healy’s replacement would work with the show’s protagonist and if they’d have strong on-screen chemistry.
One said: “David Leon was always my favourite Sergeant of Vera’s. He and Brenda Blethyn were great together. There was always a closeness there.”
The overarching theme on the fan page was around using previous or existing cast members to step into Vera’s sidekick’s shoes.
One suggestion was that Kenny Lockhart (Jon Morrison) should be promoted to a more senior officer within the police.
Sharing the news of his departure on Instagram Kenny Doughty thanked Vera fans for their dedication.
He said: “You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty and love for the show.”
Selected series of Vera are available to stream on ITVX.
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