Written by Shona Smith on Jan 8, 2020. Posted in On Location

Vera returns to ITV after filming on location increases tourism to North East

Ten series of the detective drama have been filmed against the backdrop of the North East of England and the Scottish Borders and the series has won an RTS award for increasing tourism to the area. Four new feature length episodes were filmed on location from April to October 2019.

Produced by Silverprint Pictures, part of ITV Studios for ITV, Vera is one of the broadcaster's highest rated programmes recording a 28.8% share of viewers in 2019. The series has a strong international audience and is one of best-selling dramas across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Vera took home the Judges Award at the 2019 RTS North East Awards in recognition of its outstanding contribution in increasing tourism to the region. Since the first series is 2010, Vera has also spurred on the local industry talent base.

Four new feature length episodes of the detective drama will air on ITV in 2020 and continue to highlight the landscapes of the North East. Locations featured include Alnwick, Whitley Bay and Burnmouth in the Scottish Borders. Scenes for the first episode were filmed at the historic Tan Hill Inn in the Yorkshire Dales, which is the highest pub in Britain.

While the exteriors of Vera’s home are filmed on Holy Island, an exact replica interior set has been built at the show’s studio base in Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne. Filming on location is also carried out in and around the city. The tenth series will see the former Brett Oils factory on the banks of the River Tyne in Gateshead used as a location as well as Sunderland Greyhound Stadium.

Riley Jones (pictured right), who plays DC Mark and is local to the North East commented that in addition to increased tourism, “the other major impact that Vera has had on the region, is the discovery and nurturing of north east talent. Vera is strongly rooted in the north east and gives a great deal of opportunities to talent from the region. Quite often young talent that may not have had the chance to gain this level of experience before. I have a strong admiration for the production team for creating these types of opportunities”.

Image Credit: Silverprint Productions for ITV