How a charity shop find led to ITV detective drama favourite Vera

After 14 years, the popular ITV drama Vera has come to an end, but the author of the book series it was based on has revealed it was only by chance that it ever hit our screens in the first place.

Ann Cleeves released the first of the Vera books in 1999. It was called The Crow Trap and introduced us to DCI Vera Stanhope, as she investigated a murder at a remote cottage in Northumberland.

The television adaptation made its debut on ITV in 2011 and proved so popular that it continued for 56 episodes across 14 series.

Its success, though, all comes down to a moment of serendipity, when an ITV producer walked into a charity shop in London.

Speaking to ITV Tyne Tees, Ann Cleeves recalled: "It was astounding, just by chance.

"My fairy godmother, Elaine Collins, went into a Oxfam shop in North London looking for a book to read on her holidays.

"She picked up The Crow Trap which is the first of the various books. She just happened to be books executive for ITV Studios, and they were looking for something with a strong female lead, I think to replace Frost on the Sunday night.

"And that's how Vera came about on the television. So just luck. Amazing, amazing luck."

The plot of the television series doesn't always follow that of the original books, but Ann is happy with how it has been transformed."I'm very fortunate that the team acknowledge the books I suppose, that they're true to the books.

"Maybe not in details, I understand that plots have to be changed and cut and characters have to change, but I think the atmosphere and character of Vera - because Brenda's a great reader and always reads the books, even before they go into print - that that's true to the region and true to the novels."

While the series has ended its time on TV, Ann says she is not done with Vera's story just yet.

She said: "I'll do at least one more [book] I think. To take Vera one step on."

Reflecting on the series' success in capturing its audience, Ann puts it down to the main character herself.

She said: "I think she's a woman of a certain age who doesn't need anyone.

"Television detectives before that, female television detectives, were very glossy and they had long hair and they wore high heels and then there's this ordinary woman who doesn't depend on a family or a husband for company, who's authoritative, competent, in charge of a team, and really doesn't care what she looks like.

"I think there are quite a lot of older women who channel their inner Vera when they go to work, and I love that."

All 14 series of Vera are available on ITVX and Vera, Farewell Pet, a special celebratory documentary is on ITV1 at 9pm on Friday 3 January.

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