‘It’s gonna be hard’ admits Brenda Blethyn as she addresses huge outcry from fans after quitting Vera
BRENDA Blethyn has broken her silence for the first time since it was confirmed that her much-loved show Vera would be coming to an end.
Fans of the ITV crime drama were left absolutely gutted to hear that the programme would be coming to a close after a whopping 14 years on the air.
ITV bosses confirmed the show would be no more with Brenda set to appear in two more episodes next year before it reaches a dramatic conclusion.
Now she has spoken out for the first time about how “hard” she will find walking away from her role as DCI Vera Stanhope.
Taking to X – formerly Twitter – the actress penned: “Many thanks to everyone for your good wishes. so very much appreciated.
“Getting ready to start filming Series 14 of Vera next week, gonna be hard saying farewell.”
Brenda was instantly met with supportive messages from her followers who wished her will on filming the upcoming final series as well as to thank her for committing to play the part for the last 14 years.
One fan said: “Very best wishes for the filming of the new series, Brenda. We’ve watched every episode, several times, and have always loved Vera.”
Another added: “I have loved the Vera character. You have been brilliant in your portrayal of her and the surrounding cast have always been excellent.
“I will continue to rewatch the episodes over and over, as they represent excellence on every level.”
As a third said: “Thanks for your rendition of Vera, what a detective, what a woman!”
Confirming that the show would be coming to an end earlier in the week, Brenda said: “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 fourteen
years. I’ll be forever grateful to the wonderful Ann Cleeves who created Vera, and to Elaine Collins who saw fit to cast me in the role.
“The Producers, dream cast and crew have been fabulous and I’m going to miss them, but I won’t forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laughter or kindness we shared nor the friendship of the people of the north east and our fans worldwide.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Vera will return for a final series early next year, with ITV commissioning just two episodes – each running for 90 minutes.
Originally based on the books by Ann Cleeves, Vera has since moved beyond its source material to focus on stories of its own.
The drama first aired in 2011 and has been a staple of ITV’s schedule ever since with 54 episodes broadcast to date.
Vera's cast over the last 14 years
Since its launch back in 2011 Vera has gripped ITV viewers with its crime stories - and dozens of actors have appeared in the show, including:
- Brenda Blethyn
- David Leon
- Jon Morrison
- Riley Jones
- Wunmi Mosaku
- Paul Ritter
- Cush Jumbo
- Sonya Cassidy
- Clare Calbraith
- Kingsley Ben-Adir
- Kenny Doughty
- Lisa Hammond
- Noof McEwan
- Christopher Colquhoun
- Steve Evets
- Ibinabo Jack
- Paul Kaye
- Sarah Kameela
- Rhiannon Clements
