RESIDENTS in a North-East street were left starstruck after seeing Brenda Blethyn filming for the next series of ITVs hit drama, Vera.
The star, who plays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, was again spotted on Monday as filming for the 11th series of the drama continues.
Last week, eagled-eyed fans spotted Blethyn and her famous Land Rover filming in parts of North Tyneside, and up the road in Seaton Sluice, Northumberland.
SEE MORE: Brenda Blethyn spotted as she resumes filming for next series of ITVs Vera
But this week, residents in Duke Street in Whitley Bay woke to see the cast and crew of Vera move in as the street was transformed into a set.
Victoria Wood, who lives nearby, captured the moment Blethyn was joined by Kenny Doughty, who plays Detective Sergeant Aiden Healy, as crowds watched on Monday.
Ms Wood, who was able to a close-up shot as filming commenced, said she had only been made aware filming was taking place after a friend had text her.
A "superfan" of the show, Ms Wood said she could not quite believe the cast and crew had turned up near her street.
She said: "I went on my lunch break and saw them - they were amazing, all really friendly."
Ms Wood had previously met the cast and crew when filming was underway for the series in Amble, Northumberland back in 2018.
She said: "They always make a point of, if they can, speaking to everybody there - it's just great publicity for the North-East."
Adding that Blethyn should not remain a stranger to the town, she added: "I'd say she's welcome back again any time, but just use my house next time!"
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.
Earlier this month, they confirmed the 11th series of Vera would be hitting our screens in late Spring as they revealed the line-up for 2021.
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.
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, 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.
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