Vera’s final episode, The Dark Wives, sees Brenda Blethyn’s Vera investigating a body found at the foot of local stones – and there’s a whole host of guest stars helping her

ITV’s beloved detective Vera, played by Brenda Blethyn OBE, is hanging up her hat with one last case to crack. But who will join her in her final episode?

The acclaimed actress makes a heartfelt comeback for the fourteenth and concluding series of ITV’s popular crime drama.

The cosy crime series is wrapping up with two final episodes. The first episode, ‘Inside’, will air on Wednesday, January 1 at 8pm on ITV1, followed by the second (and final) episode, ‘The Dark Wives’, airing the next evening on Thursday, January 2 at 8pm on ITV1.

The final episode takes Vera back to familiar territory when a body is discovered at the base of the local legendary stones known as ‘The Dark Wives’. With childhood memories lingering, Vera must delve deep to unravel the mystery behind why a promising young student was brutally assaulted and left so far from home.

Chronicle Live reports how ITV describes this poignant episode as a blend of past and present, making for a gripping and emotional goodbye. Season 14 will feature the drama’s final two episodes, so here’s all you need to know about the guest stars for ‘The Dark Wives’.

Who’s in the cast of Vera The Dark Wives?

: Brenda Blethyn on set of Vera. ( 
Image:
ITV)
Rhiannon Clements as DC Steph Duncan

DC Steph Duncan is a dynamic, dedicated detective who “thrives at the heart of an investigation”.

Rhiannon, who joined the Vera cast in the penultimate series 13, has had roles in Doctor Who, The Other One, Platform 7 and Daddy Issues.

Fans of Hollyoaks will remember her as Summer Ranger from the E4 and Channel 4 series. She played Cormac Ranger’s daughter between 2020 and 2021.

Rhiannon has also been featured in Big Boys, Ridley, Sister Boniface Mysteries, Maryland, and The Power of Parker.

Shobna Gulati as Chief Superintendent Khalon

Former Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati stars in the Vera finale ( 
Image:
ITV)
Joining Vera in the nick of time for the eleventh series is Chief Superintendent Khalon, played by Shobna Gulati, who Brenda Blethyn has termed “rather severe”.

Good news for Vera though, as Khalon offers the seasoned detective a well-deserved promotion.

ITV’s Coronation Street aficionados will recall Shobna Gulati’s portrayal of Sunita Alahan. She was more recently spotted in the smash musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

Anthony Flanagan as Chris Worsten

Anthony Flanagan has previously appeared in Happy Valley ( 
Image:
BBC)
Making a guest appearance on the very last episode of Vera is TV and film actor Anthony Flanagan as Chris Worsten.

He might be recognised by some as policeman Tony from Channel 4’s Shameless or as Ser Steffon Darklyn on House of the Dragon.

Throughout his television career, he’s featured in Survivors, Appropriate Adult, Human, Around the World in 80 Days, Happy Valley, and COBRA.

Kevin Whately as Gary Creelan

Very little about Kevin Whatley’s character other than he’s a retired detective. Could he be a suspect, a victim, a witness, or even a love interest of our Vera?

The 73-year-old is best known for Nev Hope in the comedy-drama Auf Wiedersehen Pet, Robert Lewis in Inspector Morse and Lewis, and Jack Kerruish in Peak Practice.

Derek Thompson as Gordon Spencer

Derek Thompson appeared in more than 900 episodes of Casualty. ( 
Image:
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Derek is best known for his role as the much-loved character Charlie Fairhead in Casualty, from 1986 to 2024. With a whopping 901 appearances, Charlie was one of the original characters from the very first episode, until he decided to hang up his stethoscope in 2024.

In addition to Casualty, Derek has graced our screens in Blue Lights, Brookside, Harry’s Game, and The Gentle Touch.

Cathy Tyson as Kath Oliver

Seasoned actress Cathy Tyson joins the Vera finale as Kath Oliver. She’s most recognised for her role as Simone in Mona Lisa and her appearances in Wes Craven’s film The Serpent and the Rainbow, Band of Gold, Boiling Point and Raquella Berto-Anirul in Dune: Prophecy.

Cathy’s also had roles in Grange Hill, Emmerdale, McDonald and Dodds, Maternal, The Sandman, Death in Paradise, and Wolfe.

Freya Parks as Stella Marsh

Freya Parks appears in the final episode of Vera ( 
Image:
BBC/Banijay Rights/Kudos)
British actress Freya Parks plays Stella Marsh. She’s best known for her role as Amy Jessop in the family comedy Here We Go, a part she’s played since 2020, alongside Katherine Parkinson, Jim Howick, and Alison Steadman.

Her other credits include Jane Eyre, This Town, Grace and Les Miserables.

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

Charlotte Bradley – Chloe Spencer

Tracey Jacks – Sarah Priddy