Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Brenda Blethyn was snapped at the read-through for the first episode of the last series of Vera. The ITV programme will return for the final time next year as the Oscar-nominated actress prepares to bid farewell to DCI Vera Stanhope.
The 78-year-old was photographed holding onto a script, revealing the first episode's title, Inside. The star also posed alongside her co-stars Riley Jones and David Leon, who play DC Mark Edwards and DI Joe Ashworth.
The trio are gearing up for the 14th and final series of the crime drama, which will kick off filming in the summer. Brenda, who made her first appearance as the detective in 2011, confirmed she will be hanging up her infamous trench coat in a statement on Monday (April 22).
window.top.addEventListener('primisPlayerInit',e=>{try{if(e.detail&&e.detail.playerApiId==="v114945"){if(window.document.getElementsByClassName('jwplayer')[0]){e.detail.float('disable')}}}catch(e){}});document.addEventListener("tcfLoaded",function(){let el=document.createElement('script');el.setAttribute('src','https://live.primis.tech/live/liveView.php?s=114945&playerApiId=v114945');document.getElementById('ovp-primis').appendChild(el)})The TV star admitted she was "sad" to be leaving the role before thanking everyone who has worked on the show for the past 13 years. She began: "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."
READ MORE... Vera fans 'work out' Brenda Blethyn's replacement after star quits ITV series [LATEST]
Brenda Blethyn gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at the final series (Image: ITV)Brenda continued: "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."
She signed off the emotional statement: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart." Silverprint Pictures has produced the series since 2018, with Creative Director Kate Bartlett paying tribute to Brenda and the show's creator.
She commented: "It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over fourteen amazing series of Vera. So many wonderful and talented people have been involved in the making of Vera across all the series, but none of us would be here without two incredible women.
"Firstly, the absolutely extraordinary talent of the inimitable Brenda Blethyn. She is brilliant as DCI Vera Stanhope, a truly iconic character of our times. And - of course - the amazing Ann Cleeves, author of the original novels and creator of DCI Vera Stanhope."
Don't miss...
ITV Vera's final series 'ruined' ahead of heartbreaking last scenes [LATEST]
Vera author 'wasn't sure' about Brenda Blethyn as lead star for show [LATEST]
Brenda Blethyn's true thoughts playing Vera as she leaves show after 13 years [LATEST]
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20240416.min.js"She added: "We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show." Brenda has been honest about her future on the show in the past, admitting there was a time she wasn't sure about returning.
This followed Kenny Doughty's exit as DS Aiden Healey in 2023 after eight years on the series. Speaking at the TV Choice Awards (February 13), Brenda confessed there was one thing that could convince her to return.
The Emmy-nominated actress told Virgin Radio UK: “I didn't think I wanted to do any more… unless they could get David Leon back." David played Joe from series one to four before returning for series 13 in January 2024.
Vera returns to ITV in 2025.
Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares behind-the-scenes moment of final series after quitting
Play online games for free at games.easybranches.com
Guest Post Services www.easybranches.com/contribute