Joe is back – but it wasn’t all smooth sailing between him and Vera. <\/p>
Following the departure of Kenny Doughty\u2019s DS Aiden Healy, the new season of Vera brings with it a new partner for Brenda Blethyn<\/a>\u2018s detective \u2013 or should that be an old partner?<\/p>\n With the first episode of the season having now aired, David Leon has explained his character Joe Ashworth\u2019s return, after he was last seen in the series in 2014.<\/p>\n In quotes provided exclusively to RadioTimes.com<\/a>, Leon revealed how Joe has changed since viewers last saw him, saying: \u201cJoe has been following his ambition, working for the Metropolitan Police in London. Working in a higher pressure and corporate environment.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s something very human about him now coming back to the place he feels grounded by. That he regards as being home. Working alongside this woman who is unconventional but brilliant at what she does and is a huge inspiration. And the complete opposite of everything he has learned and been taught in a much more rigid system in London.\u201d<\/p>\n Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n He continued: \u201cIt sparks something in him. At the same time as life is throwing other challenges at him. He\u2019s entering the middle stage of life, where his kids are starting to get to a point where they don\u2019t need him, while at the same time facing another family challenge. It\u2019s Vera who keeps him going through this difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n You can re-watch the scene in which Joe makes his first appearance in the new season right here now.<\/p> \n