The Dark Wives brought Vera to a close after 14 years, with a BBC star making an unexpected appearance in the final ever episode.

Vera returned to ITV for its final-ever instalment of the hit procedural drama with Brenda Blethyn starring in the titular role, but they quickly spotted another familiar face.

As thousands of viewers took to social media with their heartbreak at the gripping drama concluding, many others shared their surprise to see another legend return to the screen.

Casualty icon Derek Thompson made a shock appearance as Gordon Spencer, the grandfather of missing teenager Chloe Spencer, whom DCI Stanhope was eager to find due to growing concerns for her welfare, reports Chronicle Live.

However, his distinct accent and “body language” was instantly noticed by fans including one who wrote: “CHARLIE! Only recognised him by the body language.”

Another added: “Now the legend that is Charlie Fairhead (Derek Thompson) has turned up What a finale this is!!”

A third fan shared: “Watching #Vera sad knowing it’s the last ever episode, nice to see Derek Thompson (Charlie Fairhead) in it though.”

As a shocked viewer announced: “Charlie in Vera and with a Scottish accent,” While an uncertain fan questioned: “Charlie, is that you? #Vera #casualty.”

News of Thompson’s involvement in Vera first emerged when the cast lists for the new episodes were released in December.

His role as Gordon in the hit drama comes just months after his emotional departure as Charlie Fairhead from the beloved hospital-based programme, where he had been a fixture for decades.

Vera will come to an end with the two-hour finale, The Dark Wives (Image: ITV)

Ahead of the finale, Vera star Brenda Blethyn admitted the drama was coming to an end at the right time after 14 years on screen.

Although the series is filmed in the fictional location of Holy Island, the cast usually spends their summers filming in the North East of England, in places such as Newcastle upon Tyne and Northumberland.

Speaking on the ending, Blethyn revealed that she wanted to spend more time with her loved ones: “It was a lovely summer back in 2023 and I came to realise I hadn’t had a summer with my husband for 14 years.

“Naturally I missed my family. And my dog Jack, although he was with me in the North East.

“But I didn’t see him much because I was working all day. I love my Vera family, but I love my other family too.”