Vera fans were taken aback on Wednesday when the first of the two episodes that will conclude the show’s final series was unexpectedly released online, hours before its scheduled broadcast.

The announcement in spring that Vera would be ending in 2025 has left fans eagerly anticipating how the series will wrap up after a successful 14-year run as one of Britain’s most popular dramas, gaining a worldwide fanbase.

Filming for Vera series 14 took place across the North East from May to July, with lead actress Brenda Blethyn and her co-stars filming in locations such as Blyth, Gateshead, South Shields and the village of Glanton in Northumberland for the final episodes.

Brenda Blethyn plays Vera

The latest installment, Inside, will air tonight on ITV at 8pm, and The Dark Wives, based on the Ann Cleeves book of the same name, will be shown the following evening.

However, sharp-eyed Vera fans who have access to ITVX got a surprise on Wednesday morning when Inside appeared on the streaming platform nearly 12 hours before its primetime slot on main ITV.

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Despite the thumbnail for the two-hour episode indicating ‘Today 8pm’, those who pressed play were able to watch the full episode.

Traditionally, Vera isn’t available for streaming until it has aired on TV, but with anticipation for its final series at an all-time high, many viewers undoubtedly will have taken advantage of the early release, reports Chronicle Live.

One fan wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter: “Loved seeing @ChelseaHP back on my screen in tonight’s new #vera watched it early, great stuff.” (sic)

Vera fans will be sad to see the show come to an end

They added: “Watched tonight’s new #Vera early, great stuff from @BrendaBlethyn @rhiannonclem @ChelseaHP @David_J_Leon @Riley_Jones_88 and Jon Morrison.” (sic)

Meanwhile, others are waiting until tonight, with one commenting: “Will be watching #Vera tonight, tomorrow then the Farewell Vera documentary Friday.” (sic)

Another added: “Looking forward to watch the final series of Vera. I definitely will missed watching Vera.”

One more wrote: “Oooh the new year means it’s national #vera day! Can’t wait.” (sic)

Inside introduces Vera viewers to the fresh character of Superintendent Khalon, portrayed by former Coronation Street actress Shobna Gulati.

Additionally, a retired detective is played by guest star Kevin Whately, who was recently honoured with an OBE in the New Year’s Honours.

Vera airs tonight at 8pm on ITV.