A HIT television show filmed in the North East is set to return to television screens across the nation with a brand new series.

Brenda Blethyn and cast are set to return for the hit ITV show, Vera after more than a year in the making and filming across the region.

The 11th series, which has been filmed across the region - including in Chester-le-Street, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough, has been highly-anticipated.

Read more: 17 pictures of Brenda Blethyn filming in the region - as new series of ITV Vera airs TONIGHT

But Vera fans, viewers and those curious will no longer need to wait as the show will kick off tonight - and here's everything you need to know.

When will it air and how to watch

Launching into the brand new series, a two-hour long feature length episode will air on Sunday, August 29 at 8pm on ITV.

The show, which will be available via TV on and the ITV Hub (click here), marks the first of two episodes airing this year.

A further four episodes from the same series will air at some point in 2022, although ITV has not confirmed when.

What to expect from Episode 1: Witness

When the body of well-respected local builder, Jim Tullman, is found beaten to death on the steps of the Collingwood Monument, DCI Vera Stanhope (Brenda Blethyn) questions how such a seemingly beloved and imposing figure could be attacked so viciously.  

The mystery deepens when she discovers that Tullman was to testify against Marcus Hynde (Lewis Cope), a promising cadet footballer facing charges of GBH.  

Are the two crimes connected? The traumatised victim, Victor (Noah Bailey), and his sister Monica (Amber James) demand their day in court, while Hynde’s delinquent brother Patrick (Conor Lowson) and fiercely protective mother Andrea (Sophie Stanton) insist that Tullman was wrong; Marcus is innocent!

As Vera delves deeper into Jim Tullman’s life she discovers unresolved bitterness between his estranged wife Barbara (Lorraine Ashbourne) and doting son John Paul (Micky McGregor), while tensions with old family friends Gary (Ged Simmons) and Lesley Clayton (Elizabeth Marsh) threaten to spill over.  

Vera must see through the web of family grievances, jealousies and lies to ensure justice is done.

To catch up on old Vera episodes on the ITV Hub - click here 

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