THE final episode of series 11 of Vera will air tonight.

The hit ITV show made its long-awaited return last weekend following a mid-series break, with places in Hexham, Corbridge and Newton all featuring in the episode.

Tonight's series finale, titled 'The Way the Wind Blows', will see DCI Vera Stanhope question who would want a beloved mother and loyal friend dead after the body of Lisa Millworth is found washed up on the shore of the River Tyne.

With few clues to launch her inquiry, Vera soon learns that Lisa has been in the middle of a storm both professionally and personally.

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As Vera and the team piece together Lisa’s final movements, Vera must delve deep into her checkered past as well as deal with more recent and potentially deadly problems that Lisa has been up against.

Unresolved wounds,  grievances, betrayal, misplaced loyalty and corporate cover ups all bubble to the surface which means Vera has to work harder than ever to zero in on the killer.

Fans of the show don't need to worry about the region's favourite detective, played by Brenda Blethyn, disappearing after the end of series 11, with four episodes from series 12 following straight away on January 29 and February 5, 12 and 19.

You can watch tonight's episode on ITV at 8pm.

Vera, based on books by Ann Cleeves, first hit the screens in May 2011 and has grown in popularity ever since, with large audiences tuning in to the series which is filmed in locations across the North East.