{"id":31316,"date":"2023-03-21T11:54:20","date_gmt":"2023-03-21T10:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.radiotimes.com\/?p=1803724"},"modified":"2023-03-21T13:55:21","modified_gmt":"2023-03-21T12:55:21","slug":"vera-star-kenny-doughty-quits-after-eight-years-of-itv-drama","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/radiotimes\/rss_feed\/vera-star-kenny-doughty-quits-after-eight-years-of-itv-drama\/","title":{"rendered":"Vera star Kenny Doughty quits after eight years of ITV drama"},"content":{"rendered":"

Doughty joined Vera in 2015 as the titular detective’s new sidekick DS Aiden Healy. <\/p>

By Molly Moss\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 21 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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Kenny Doughty has announced he is leaving ITV drama Vera<\/a> after eight years.<\/span><\/p>\n

The actor \u2013\u00a0who plays DS Aiden Healy<\/a> in the show \u2013\u00a0took to Instagram on Monday (20th March) to announce the news while thanking co-star Brenda Blethyn, who portrays Vera Stanhope. <\/span><\/p>\n

He wrote<\/a>: \u201cAfter 8 years & 35 Vera films I\u2019ve made the difficult decision of handing over DS Healy\u2019s badge. I can confirm I am leaving Vera.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

He continued: \u201cI want to thank everyone who\u2019s made this amazing time so joyous, ITV, Silverprint, all the brilliant cast and crew BUT of course my buddy & inspiration Brenda Blethyn. The perfect leading star who I owe so much to.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI feel lucky to have you as a friend, you make me howl with laughter & have been a rock for me over the years. I can\u2019t thank you enough. Precious times.\u201d<\/span><\/p>

Turning his attention towards fans, he then added: \u201c<\/span>And finally the Vera fans: without you and your support I would never have made so many films. You really are the best fans in the world. Thank you so much for your loyalty & love for the show. X.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Doughty joined Vera in 2015 as Vera\u2019s new sidekick DS Aiden Healy, replacing DS Joe Ashworth (David Leon) and soon became a fan favourite.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Doughty\u2019s character played a key role in Vera\u2019s recent run, which\u00a0<\/span>wrapped up on ITV1 at the end of February.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The cast of Vera.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The actor then sparked speculation among fans that he had quit after sharing a selection of photos<\/a> of him on the Vera set and writing alongside in a caption: \u201cThank you for the memories.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

ITV has not confirmed if there\u2019s any plans for season 13<\/a> yet, but\u00a0<\/span>Brenda Blethyn recently sparked concern amongst fans when she revealed the toll filming Vera 300 miles away from home has on her, admitting she\u2019s unsure whether she can \u201cdo it anymore\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n