The rare chance to work alongside the likes of Brenda Blethyn and Kenny Doughty appeared online - as thousands scrambled.

A casting opportunity for people to work on the hit ITV series, Vera was opened at lunchtime on Wednesday, prompting huge excitement.

Posted by casting agency NE14.TV, bosses had asked open water and wild swimmers to apply for a role on the upcoming series of the show.

Read more: Brenda Blethyn sends fans into online frenzy after providing update on ITV Vera

It said it was looking for strong swimmers of all genders, heritages and those over 18 for a number of paid roles.

The Northern Echo: ITV’s Vera was spotted filming in Corbridge Picture: CLAIRE FRAZER/HEXHAM COURANTITV’s Vera was spotted filming in Corbridge Picture: CLAIRE FRAZER/HEXHAM COURANT

But barely 24 hours after going live, thousands had left comments on social media as many scrambled to apply for the job.

And in an update posted on Thursday, casting bosses updated their casting call as they closed any further applications due to demand.

They said: "We have had an amazing response to this role so will be unable to contact unsuccessful applicants, unfortunately.

Read more: ITV Vera's Brenda Blethyn praises dog salon in Sacriston in County Durham

"Please be sure to keep an eye on your email inboxes and spam inboxes, just in case."

It comes as eagle-eyed viewers will have noticed ITV Vera is yet to make an official return for series 12, but re-runs continue on ITV 3.

Show bosses have not yet revealed when the next series will air despite Blethyn and cast already shooting dozens of scenes since the first four episodes of series 11 concluded.

Last month, Blethyn confirmed there would still be another series coming to our screens amid concern from fans that nothing had been scheduled on ITV.

In response to a fan’s concern online, Brenda said production on a new series was well underway and filming had wrapped on episode 50 recently.

Blethyn added: “Yes. Series 12. Wrapped on episode 50 of VERA last week.”

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