Fans of the hit detective drama “Vera” received bittersweet news today as Brenda Blethyn, the acclaimed actress behind the beloved Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, announced her departure from the series. Blethyn confirmed that she would return for one last series before hanging up her iconic trench coat.
The 78-year-old actress expressed her gratitude for her time on the show, stating, “Working on Vera has been a joy from beginning to end, and I’m sad to be saying Cheerio. But I am so proud of our achievements over the last 14 years.”
Blethyn continued, acknowledging the contributions of those involved in the production, including author Ann Cleeves, who created the character of Vera, and Elaine Collins, who cast her in the role. She also expressed her appreciation for the camaraderie and talent of the cast and crew, as well as the support of fans worldwide.
The final season of “Vera” will commence filming this summer, featuring two 120-minute episodes filled with the murder mysteries that have captivated audiences for over a decade. Blethyn has been a fixture on the show since 2011 and received the Rose d’Or Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021 for her portrayal of Vera Stanhope.
The drama, based on Ann Cleeves’ Vera Stanhope novels, has been a staple of British television, showcasing the captivating landscapes and compelling characters of the North East of England. Creative director Kate Bartlett of Silverprint Pictures, an executive producer on many of the series, reflected on the end of an era, praising Blethyn’s portrayal of the iconic detective and Cleeves’ original creation.
As fans prepare to bid farewell to “Vera,” anticipation mounts for the final chapter of this beloved series, promising to deliver the same intrigue, suspense, and stellar performances that have made it a television staple for over a decade.
For those eager to catch up on previous seasons or delve deeper into the world of “Vera,” ITV offers a wealth of content to explore, including other adaptations of Ann Cleeves’ novels such as “Shetland” and “The Long Call.
As the curtain falls on “Vera,” fans can take solace in the knowledge that while one chapter may be ending, the legacy of this iconic series will endure for years to come.
