Vera film crews were spotted out on location this week ahead of the latest series of the hit ITV show.

Brenda Blethyn, donned in Vera’s trademark coat and hat, was spotted on the Fish Quay in North Tyneside on Friday (June 2) as filming for series 13 of the North East-based show continued.

Dressed in her signature coat, Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope in the hit show, was seen filming scenes with David Leon, who plays DS Joe Ashworth.

Read more: Stanley Iceland closed until August following fire

ITV confirmed that the show would return for a new series earlier this year, after series 12 concluded.

It was announced that actor David Leon would reprise his role as Vera’s sidekick DS Joe Ashworth after leaving the show in 2014. He will replace Kenny Doughty who has played DS Aiden Healey, Vera’s right-hand man, since Leon’s departure.

The Northern Echo: Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope, and David Leon, who plays DS Joe Ashworth, on set during the filming of the ITV crime drama Vera on the Fish Quay in North Tyneside.Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope, and David Leon, who plays DS Joe Ashworth, on set during the filming of the ITV crime drama Vera on the Fish Quay in North Tyneside. (Image: PA MEDIA)

Speaking at the time Brenda Blethyn said: “I'm absolutely over the moon to welcome David back to the show and can’t wait to get started.”

One of ITV’s biggest shows it regularly pulls in big viewing figures with an average of 6 million tuning in for the last series.

Crews have filmed around the region throughout May, with locations for Bank Holiday Monday (May 29) and Tuesday (May 30) revealed as the Points Bridge below Hagg Bank in Wylam.