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The final two episodes of Vera will see the detective solve her last ever case – but who will star alongside her in the concluding chapter of the ITV series?

ITV’s much-loved detective Vera is closing the book on her career with one last case – but which stars will be joining her for the grand finale?

Award-winning actress Brenda Blethyn OBE reprises her role as the iconic detective for the 14th and final series of the hit crime drama.

The popular series will conclude with a two-part finale, kicking off with episode one, Inside, airing on Wednesday, January 1 at 8pm on ITV1, followed by the second and final episode, The Dark Wives, on Thursday, January 2 at 8pm on ITV1.

In The Dark Wives, Vera is back on familiar ground when a body is discovered near the legendary local stones of the same name, triggering memories of her childhood. As she digs deeper into the case of a young student found brutally attacked and left far from home, Vera must confront the past to unravel the mystery.

According to ITV, this poignant episode weaves together past and present in a gripping and emotional farewell. The 14th series consists of just two episodes, and here’s what you need to know about the guest stars in The Dark Wives.

Who’s in the cast for Vera: The Dark Wives?

Lewis actor Kevin Whately

DC Steph Duncan is an energetic and driven detective who “thrives at the heart of an investigation”. Rhiannon, who first appeared in Vera in series 13, has also had roles in Doctor Who, The Other One, Platform 7, and Daddy Issues.

Hollyoaks aficionados will recall her as Summer Ranger from the popular E4 and Channel 4 drama, where she portrayed Cormac Ranger’s daughter from 2020 to 2021.

Rhiannon Clements has also graced screens in Big Boys, Ridley, Sister Boniface Mysteries, Maryland, and The Power of Parker.

Riley Jones, Rhiannon Clements, Brenda Blethy

LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Riley Jones, Rhiannon Clements, Brenda Blethyn and Sara Kameela attend the NTAs 2024 at The O2 Arena on September 11, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for the NTA’s) (Image: Getty Images for the NTA’s)

Shobna Gulati as Chief Superintendent Khalon

Vera welcomes a pivotal character in its climactic moments with Chief Superintendent Khalon, whom Brenda Blethyn has termed “rather severe”.

Yet, Khalon’s arrival spells good news for Vera, offering the seasoned detective a step up the career ladder.

Shobna Gulati, familiar to ITV’s Coronation Street viewers as Sunita Alahan, has also shone in the acclaimed stage production Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Anthony Flanagan as Chris Worsten

The final chapter of Vera sees Anthony Flanagan take on the role of Chris Worsten.

Recognisable to many for his portrayal of policeman Tony in Shameless on Channel 4 or as Ser Steffon Darklyn in House of the Dragon, Flanagan boasts an extensive TV repertoire including Survivors, Appropriate Adult, Human, Around the World in 80 Days, Happy Valley, and COBRA.

Cathy Tyson

Renowned TV actress Cathy Tyson (Image: Vitor Vilela)

Kevin Whately as Gary Creelan

Details are scant about Kevin Whately’s character, other than he’s a retired detective. His involvement remains a mystery is he a suspect, a casualty, a witness, or could there be a romantic spark with Vera?

Whately is renowned for his roles as Nev Hope in Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Robert Lewis in Inspector Morse and Lewis, and Jack Kerruish in Peak Practice, bringing a wealth of experience to the role.

Derek Thompson as Gordon Spencer

Derek is best recognised for his portrayal of the much-loved character Charlie Fairhead in Casualty from 1986 to 2024. With a staggering 901 appearances, Charlie was one of the original characters from the inaugural episode until his retirement in 2024.

Beyond Casualty, Derek’s acting credits include Blue Lights, Brookside, Harry’s Game, and The Gentle Touch.

 BBC series, This Town.

Freya Parks also appeared in This Town (Image: Nick Wilkinson/Birmingham Live)

Cathy Tyson as Kath Oliver

Veteran actress Cathy Tyson graces the Vera finale as Kath Oliver. She gained fame for her role as Simone in Mona Lisa and has starred in Wes Craven’s The Serpent and the Rainbow, Band of Gold, Boiling Point and Raquella Berto-Anirul in Dune: Prophecy.

Her other notable appearances include Grange Hill, Emmerdale, McDonald and Dodds, Maternal, The Sandman, Death in Paradise, and Wolfe.

Freya Parks as Stella Marsh

The British actress is renowned for her role as Amy Jessop in the family comedy Here We Go, a part she has held since 2020 alongside Katherine Parkinson, Jim Howick, and Alison Steadman.

Her filmography also includes Jane Eyre, This Town, Grace and Les Miserables.

Anthony Flanagan  Happy Valley

Anthony Flanagan previously starred in Happy Valley (Image: Lookout Point,Matt Squire, BBC)

The wider cast also includes:

Vera Stanhope – Brenda Blethyn

DI Joe Ashworth – David Leon

DC Kenny Lockhart – Jon Morrison

DC Mark Edwards – Riley Jones

Zachary Martin – Bryan Moriarty

DC Steph Duncan – Rhiannon Clements

Dr Paula Bennett – Sarah Kameela

Josh Worsten – Jonathan Iceton

Will Marsh – Graeme Hawley