‘Final ever’ episode of huge ITV crime drama just days away amid fears show will be axed

THE 'final ever' episode of a huge ITV crime drama is just days away as its future hangs in the balance.

Brenda Blethyn has sparked axed fears for Vera as its 13th series nears the end.

The programme has been a staple of ITV's drama offering for over a decade now.

Brenda, 77, plays the lead role of DCI Vera Stanhope who is tasked with investigating complex murders.

However, the show could become a cold case as the star revealed ITV have not commissioned another instalment.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun's TV Mag, Brenda said: “At the moment there is nothing planned.

"But that’s not to say they’re not talking about it. There might be a winding up. I don’t know.

"Ann Cleeves is also writing her 11th Vera book. So, there’s also that to consider.

"But a whole series? I think not. We’ll see.”

For now the final episode of Vera is scheduled to broadcast on Sunday, January 21 at 8pm on ITV1.

Vera aired its first ever Christmas special in December as a fan-favourite departed the show.

Viewers watched as Kenny Doughty left as his character Aiden Healy bowed out.

Vera wasn't left without a companion for long as David Leon returned to the ITV soap after 10 years.

But not all fans were delighted to see DS Joe Ashworth back as some claimed the copper's personality had become unlikeable.