UNFINISHED business

DAVID LEON on the drama to come following his surprise return as top cop Joe Ashworth

- HANNAH DAVIES

VERA SUNDAY, 8PM, ITV1 DRAMA

David Leon is relishing the challenge of reprising his fan-favourite role of Joe Ashworth in ITVI's Vera after almost a decade away from the hit detective drama.

The character was DCI Vera Stanhope's original partner-in-crime-solving, pounding the Northumberland beat from the first episode in 2011 until the end of series four in 2014.

But things have changed greatly for Joe over the years, and when he made a surprise return last week in season 13's opener, Fast Love, he soon ruffled feathers as it emerged he was there to scrutinise whether Vera (played by Brenda Blethyn) and her team were sticking to codes of professional practice.

The icy atmosphere shows no sign of thawing in this Sunday's new case, Tender, despite the pair teaming up to investigate the suspicious death of a vulnerable young girl who is found by a railway line.

Here, Newcastle-born David, 43, who previously made a brief comeback to direct season-eight episode Black Ice in 2018, tells us what lies ahead for Joe and the show...

How have you found returning to the show after a few years away, David?

It was something I hadn't really considered being an option. Although it was the one question I'd probably been asked by Vera fans every day since I left at the end of series four! It felt like there was some unfinished business there with Joe and Vera, so this was a nice opportunity.

It actually felt a very natural thing to put on Joe's clothes, walk back onto the set and feel at home. And, of course, working with Brenda comes very naturally, too. It's always been very enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. I think we get the best out of each other. She inspires me on a daily basis.

In what ways do you think Joe has changed since he left Northumberland and City Police in 2014?