Brenda Blethyn returning to Vera just weeks after ITV series drew to a close after 14 years
ACTRESS Brenda Blethyn is set to make a return to her role as beloved detective Vera.
The ITV drama ended earlier this year, but Brenda is set to delight fans as she will make a comeback at an event in Newcastle.
In March, the BAFTA winning actress will take part in ‘Vera – End of an Era’ at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday, March 13.
The event allows fans to hear from Brenda alongside Vera author Ann Cleeves as they discuss the final series and reflect on their favourite scenes.
Hosted by former BBC broadcaster Steph McGovern, the event is described as ‘unmissable’ for fans of the series and will also feature special guests.
Brenda first graced TV screens as the formidable detective DCI Stanhope, the matriarch of the fictional Northumberland and City Police force, at the beginning of 2011.
The role came to an end as the series aired its final episode at the beginning of January, with the last scene of Vera showing her strolling along a beach, having packed up her belongings and left the police headquarters moments before.
Following the finale episode earlier the month, Brenda took to social media and shared a poignant message to the show’s audience as she thanked them.
Writing on X, she penned: “A heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent such warm messages about the wining up of VERA.
“I loved every minute of working on the series and will miss it.
“The warmth and generosity of fans worldwide made it even more special.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Brenda x.”
Brenda also opened up on the storyline of the finale of the beloved ITV series, as she explained why she didn’t want the much-loved detective to die.
Speaking in documentary Vera: Farewell Pet, she shared: “I didn’t want Vera killed off.
“Because I’d suspected she’d be living on in the books.”
Addressing the character’s ending, the star said: “The final scenes were very emotional.
“One of them when she’s backing out of the office, I could’ve cried.”
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