Vera star David Leon says it was an “honour” returning to direct episode

Vera star David Leon says it was an “honour” returning to direct episode

As a long-time admirer of British television and its rich tapestry of characters, I must say that the return of David Leon to direct an episode of Vera was a delightful surprise. Having watched the series since its inception, it was fascinating to see Leon transition from a beloved cast member to a director, and then rejoin the cast once more.


David Leon has revealed it was a “privilege and honour” to return and direct an episode of Vera. 

For four seasons, the actor portrayed DI Joe Ashworth, a protege and confidant of Vera Stanhope, played by Brenda Blethyn, on the popular ITV series that ran for many years.

2014 saw Leon leaving the much-loved series, but his association with it didn’t come to a complete halt. Three years on, he made a comeback, directing an episode for season 8, titled “Black Ice.

In a conversation at the British Film Institute event named “Vera: The End of an Era,” actress Brenda Blethyn and Vera book writer Ann Cleeves delved into the changes the series has undergone since its launch in 2011.

At the event, Blethyn was accompanied by a number of her team members and fellow actors such as Leon, the actor portraying DC Mark Edwards, Riley Jones, and Sarah Kameela Impey, who takes on the role of Dr Paula Bennett.

Following our conversation about Blethyn’s involvement with the show, Leon shared that he initially came back as a director, and later, for seasons 13 and 14, returned to be part of the cast once more.

In my personal opinion, stepping into the movie set was an entirely distinct journey compared to my time on the show. However, I consider myself incredibly fortunate as Brenda and her dedicated team, including those who work tirelessly off-camera, were nothing short of exceptional in their support.

In essence, it’s often referred to as the Vera family, and this label is usually accurate. I believe there are individuals who have been involved with Vera from the beginning and truly grasp the essence of the series.

Vera star David Leon says it was an “honour” returning to direct episode

Additionally, he briefly acknowledged and commended his fellow actor Blethyn for creating the cheerful and inclusive environment on set, which he greatly appreciated.

However, what stood out most to me was the show’s culture, which is largely shaped by Brenda at the top and permeates throughout. Working on the show was an exceptional opportunity and truly a great honor to guide its direction.

Leon will return with Blethyn for the final two-part feature length episodes in season 14. 

Vera season 14 will arrive soon. Previous episodes are available to watch on ITVX.

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2024-11-17 01:03