BRENDA Blethyn has been spotted in the region as filming for the next series of ITVs hit drama, Vera continues. 

The star, who plays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope in the show, was seen filming at Whitley Bay on Tuesday.

Camera crews, equipment and even her famous Land Rover were pictured by eagled-eyed fans in the North Tyneside town throughout the day.

Jill Hunter captured the moment Blethyn was seemingly preparing for the next shoot as crews could be seen wearing full PPE.

The Northern Echo: Brenda Blethyn filming in the region on Tuesday Picture: JILL HUNTER/JILL_HUNCLARABrenda Blethyn filming in the region on Tuesday Picture: JILL HUNTER/JILL_HUNCLARA

It is thought Blethyn will remain in the region for the next few days as this morning fans said they later spotted her up the road.

Stephney Rae Higham captured the ITV Vera film crew at Seaton Sluice while on a walk in the area on Wednesday morning.

Although saying there was "no sign" of Blethyn, film crews could be seen with from afar for a shoot by the Northumberland cliff.

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEPHNEY RAE HIGHAMPicture: STEPHNEY RAE HIGHAM

The Northern Echo: Picture: STEPHNEY RAE HIGHAM Picture: STEPHNEY RAE HIGHAM

This week's filming for the show comes as the first two feature-length episodes shot last year are set to air within weeks, according to ITV bosses.

Last week, they confirmed the 11th series of Vera would be hitting our screens in late Spring as they revealed the line-up for 2021. 

SEE MORE: When ITVs Vera will return to TV screens as County Durham scenes to feature

Filming for the first part of the new series, crowds gathered at locations including Chester-le-Street and Hartlepool as eagled-eyed fans tried to catch a glimpse of Blethyn filming. 

The Northern Echo: Filming attracted huge interest from far and wide Picture: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURESFilming attracted huge interest from far and wide Picture: NORTH NEWS AND PICTURES

The 11th series is set to open as the body of well-respected local builder, Jim Tullman, is found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument.

DCI Vera Stanhope, played by Blethyn, questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously.

SEE MORE: 22 pictures as filming for ITV Vera in Chester-le-Street wraps up

The mystery deepens when she discovers that Tullman was due to testify in court as the key witness in a violent assault.

The strong cast reunited with Blethyn includes Kenny Doughty who returns as Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, Jon Morrison who plays DC Kenny Lockhart, Riley Jones who plays DC Mark Edwards, Ibinabo Jack who plays DC Jacqueline Williams and Paul Kaye as Pathologist Malcolm Donahue. Guest stars include Lorraine Ashbourne, Mark Benton and Louis Emerick.