Brenda Blethyn shares her heartfelt reasons for stepping away from her iconic role as Vera after 14 successful series
Newcastle: Brenda Blethyn is set to return as the beloved Geordie detective Vera in the last two episodes of the popular ITV crime drama. After that, there’s a documentary titled “Vera: Farewell Pet” that will celebrate the show’s legacy as she hangs up her iconic bucket hat and trench coat for good.
At 78, Brenda has been playing DCI Vera Stanhope since 2011. She recently opened up about why she decided to step down from the role. The final series will air on January 1 and 2.
ITV promises that these last episodes will blend thrilling murder mysteries with a touching look at Vera’s personal journey. Brenda shared that this will be her swan song as the sharp-witted detective, who’s much more clever than her scruffy look suggests.
She mentioned, “It was a lovely summer back in 2023. I realized I hadn’t spent a summer with my husband in 14 years. I missed my family and my dog Jack, who I barely saw because of my long work hours.”
Brenda loves her Vera family but also wants to be with her other family. She reflected on how she almost didn’t take the job back in 2010, but after 14 series, she feels it’s time to move on. “I wasn’t going to do more after series thirteen, but ITV asked me to wrap things up, so I agreed to a couple more episodes.”
She found it special to return for these final films, saying, “We’re all pretty close. Jon Morrison (DC Kenny Lockhart) has been with us since the second episode, and Riley Jones (DC Mark Edwards) joined in the fourth. It’s been a big part of their lives too.”
Living in Ramsgate, Kent, Brenda noted that the 300-mile distance between home and work became a challenge. “It’s sad to say goodbye to such talented cast and crew. I wish there could have been an episode where I stayed home in Kent: ‘Vera Goes South.’”
She understands that the series is rooted in Northumberland and the North East, which is where it belongs. Brenda also mentioned that the final series includes some nice moments with Vera’s current team, as the audience is saying goodbye to them too.
“Vera provided jobs for many people, and that weighed on my decision each year. I enjoyed working on the show, and I still wonder if I made the right choice. But spending time with my family is what matters most to me.”
Brenda feels proud of her time on the show, saying, “I’m glad Vera was a success. ITV would have kept it going if I wanted to. We’re all proud that Vera is a worldwide hit.”
Vera Series 14 will air on ITV1 and STV at 8pm on January 1 and 2, followed by the documentary “Vera: Farewell Pet” on January 3 at 9pm. You can catch all previous series on ITVX.
