WE like our telly detectives a bit quirky — whether it’s Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes or Joan Hickson as Miss Marple.

The latest unusual character to prove a TV hit is Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, portrayed by the marvellous Brenda Blethyn. Vera is back for a fifth series and I can’t imagine how she escaped under my telly excellence radar before Series 4.

It’s set in Northumberland and there are invariably stunning shots of the beautifully raw countryside. Vera herself lives in an isolated spot.

She has subtle differences in the new series. She’s definitely slightly less bag-lady this time around and, although her outfits would still make a fashionista weep, she looks more like a smart eccentric now.

Vera has, however, started wearing more and better make-up. Whether this is for the US audience I’m not sure, but it suits her.

She’s as sharp as ever, and Blethyn portrays her with an intelligent warmth that is entirely believable. Long may she solve crimes, and continue to fascinate onscreen.