ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
Fans are dreading the day, but a significant clue has been dropped about when the popular drama will conclude, after captivating millions for 14 years. The silver lining for eager viewers is that they won't have to wait much longer.
Vera, based on North East crime author Ann Cleeves' DCI Stanhope novels, premiered on ITV in 2011, with BAFTA winner Brenda Blethyn taking the lead role; a character that quickly established her as one of television's most beloved detectives.
After the pilot Hidden Depths, which featured a young Sam Fender as a corpse in a bathtub, attracted a large audience, more episodes were promptly ordered and the cherished show has now amassed 13 series, each proving to be a real ratings hit.
Over the past decade, Vera has expanded its appeal globally, gaining dedicated fans as far away as Australia and Japan. Therefore, there was considerable disappointment when ITV executives announced that the forthcoming 14th series would be its last.
Brenda and her co-stars, including returning sidekick David Leon, returned to the set one last time to film the two new feature-length episodes over the summer.
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Brenda Blethyn is the lead actress on ITV's Vera (Image: ITV)The filming of Vera saw the cast and crew journey across the North East, visiting spots such as Blyth, Hartlepool, Gateshead, and South Shields. At a recent exclusive event in London, eager fans were treated to a glimpse of what Series 14 holds
The celebration, hosted at the illustrious British Film Institute and dubbed 'Vera - End of an Era', featured a Q&A with Brenda, who took to the stage alongside Ann and host Emma Kennedy. They delved into various exciting snippets from the upcoming series.
One highlight for attendees was a preview of Series 14's opening episode, showcasing Brenda acting alongside guest star Kevin Whately. While details on the final episode of Vera remain closely-guarded secrets by its lead actress, compere Emma hinted at an air date for fans.
As the night came to a close and Brenda and Ann exited, Emma left those gathered with a tempting teaser: "And you can watch the final ever episodes of Vera in the new year," following announcements that Vera would appear on ITVs holiday lineup.
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It comes after fans in the auditorium admitted their heartbreak that the much-loved series was coming to an end.
Brenda explained, "It was a big decision because I loved the job. I loved the people I was working with, and I know they loved it too. It was also a bit of an emotional responsibility because if I stop, it will stop, too."
She recalled: "One day, I saw on the catering list that 76 people had to be fed. I consoled myself knowing that there is a big studio opening up in Sunderland. So there will be lots of jobs available in the North East.
"I was aware that there were people who would like to continue with it but wouldn't be able to, and that made me feel sad."
window.topArticlesScript="https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/js/dist/article-top-articles20241105.min.js"She added: "But as much as I love my Newcastle family, I have a family at home, and I haven't had a summer in 14 years. It was a difficult decision."
Following her confession, the actress was inundated with supportive messages from the audience. One onlooker praised her: "You have been absolutely brilliant, and I love the programme."
Another audience member remarked, "Brenda, you have given us so many years of absolute joy. I love watching it back."
ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
ITV Vera's final start date 'confirmed' as fans 'heartbroken' at Brenda Blethyn admission
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