Beloved Vera character returns for Christmas special after 12 years off screens – but with horrifying twist

VERA viewers were left delighted as a beloved character made a return to the show after a whopping 12 years off screens.

Brenda Blethyn was back as DCI Vera Stanhope for the Christmas special episode titled The Rising Tide and set in the tranquil Holy Island.

6

6

6

Back alongside sidekick DS Aidan Healy, played by Kenny Doughty, in his final ever show appearance, she was forced with taking on an incredibly complex case of a starry TV presenter and his rather suspicious death.

As the case got underway, it was clear from the outset that there was some murky circumstances surrounding what had been presumed to be a suicide.

Eagle-eyed Vera quickly clocked clues that pointed toward foul play and it wasn't long until her theory was proven correct.

Briefing her team on how best to proceed, a familiar face was soon seen popping up.

Read More on Vera

end is nigh

Vera's Brenda Blethyn details heartbreaking final scenes in Xmas Special

Festive re-union

Vera's Brenda Blethyn reveals fan favourite is returning to hit ITV show

PC Billington, known as Billy, played by Jake Ashton-Nelson, was back as he took on a new role 12 years after his first appearance on the ITV drama.

Fans will remember the character from when he played a front desk police officer who made a bumbling mistake when he believed someone with vital evidence was a time-waster.

For the Christmas special, it was revealed that Billy had transferred to the CID unit for a month-long secondment.

Referencing his move, Vera told her crew: "Now, you all know Billy from the front desk, PC Billington.

Most read in Drama

oh snow!

Dawson’s Creek fans only just realise show’s huge Xmas blunder - did you spot it?

bull-dozed

All Creatures Great and Small filming in chaos after a BULL escapes on set

PARADISE LOST

Death in Paradise teases character departure - as viewers rate new detective

on the case

Death in Paradise's new detective accused of being Santa killer in Xmas Special

"He is on secondment to CID for a month, he's requested this department for some reason!"

Billy then quipped back: "I wanted to learn from the best."

Keen to prove himself, Billy emerged himself in the case but it wasn't long before his forgetful mind put him in the bad books with Vera.

She became frustrated when he failed to check in on if the home in which the killing took place had a third set of keys, information which would prove vital in finding the culprit.

As enquiries continued and character's backstories divulged, Vera ordered him to find out and once and for all and was left delighted when he affirmed there was a third set of keys and was meeting the home's caretaker to find out more.

Viewers saw as Billy stood outside the property gazing across the Northumberland sea before a car began to approach.

Looking on, he quickly made a call to Vera.

Unimpressed at his constant phone calls and questions, Vera answered in a huff and said: "Billy, now what?"

Muffled sounds from the phone could be heard as it was clear that Billy had gotten into a scuffle with the mystery individual.

"Billy's in trouble," Vera exclaimed before the crews rushed back on over to Holy Island to help him.

A slew of police cars, and Vera, raced over before a search of the nearby beach took place.

"Where are you son?," Vera said in despair as she insisted she should "never have sent him on his own".

With his phone being located and smashed on the beach, they soon realised someone was in trouble on the causeway.

Holy Island is separated from the mainland by a causeway which is only accessible at certain points of the day owing to the tide.

Billy could then be seen with an oxygen mask on his face as it was clear that he was fighting for his life.

Shocked and saddened, it soon became clear to Vera who his attacker was and who had murdered the other victims.

It appeared as though Billy had not made it as Vera had a furious showdown with killer Daniel Rede and admitted that Billy could take "his last breath" at any moment.

With Daniel finally captured, the police force attempted to enjoy their annual Christmas party but the mood was low owing to Billy being missing.

To everyone's surprise, he had arrived just in time for the Secret Santa as it was revealed that he had made a full recovery.

READ MORE SUN STORIES

SAVVY HOLIDAYS

I'm a mum of two & spending Xmas holiday in Spain - it's SAVING me over £1k

ALL OVER?

Lily Allen 'splits from actor David Harbour' as she's spotted on dating app

He passed on his gift to Vera, a mug which read: "I've investigated and you're the best."

Vera could be seen overcome with emotion and elation as her happiness at Billy being alive and well was written all over her face.

6

6

6