A STAR actor of hit crime drama Vera has landed his first acting role since quitting the ITV series.

Kenny Doughty, who played DS Aiden Healy in the series - which comes to its conclusion next year - is moving on with a Channel 5 drama about an unsettling au pair.

Kenny, 49, waved goodbye to Vera earlier this year following the festive special of the much-loved series.

He explained that his departure as DCI Vera Stanhope's right-hand man was down to "lots" of personal and professional reasons.

And while the role was "life-changing", he felt it was the best time to move on as he looked for "new acting challenges".

Now, his first job has been revealed in Channel 5 series The Au Pair.

He joins big-name stars including Poirot actor David Suchet and Beyond Paradise's Sally Bretton in the cast.

It marks David's first telly role six years.

Sally plays Zoe Dalton, who appears to have it all - successful husband Chris (Kenny), two adorable stepchildren, a thriving business and a huge countryside home.

But not all is as it seems as her father George (David), moves in next door, and Zoe is forced to hire an au pair.

Sandrine, played by Lupin star Ludmilla Makowski, triggers an unsettling shift in the household and suspicions arise and truths are uncovered.

Channel 5's Sebastian Cardwell said: "We can’t wait to see this amazing cast bring this thrilling story to life!"

The four sixty-minute episodes will air on Channel 5. Last month, Vera was confirmed to end next year with series 14.