Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting

BBC Breakfast: Ann Cleeves talks about Vera tv adaptation

Acclaimed actress Brenda Blethyn has revealed that although she is bowing out from her acclaimed role as DCI Stanhope in Vera, retirement isn't on the cards just yet.

In January, avid viewers are poised to witness Brenda's last performance as the beloved detective, but the finality of DCI Stanhope's journey remains a mystery.

With the concluding episodes on the horizon, Brenda opened up about life after Vera, hinting at possibly slipping into semi-retirement.

Understanding her character deeply, Brenda said: "I do understand Vera because I've played her for so long," but acknowledged the challenges fresh roles present. "When you come to a new job, quite often with the nature of filming, you have very little time.

"You turn up on day one and shoot a scene, and filming is not chronological, so it's hard to get under the skin of a character," reports Chronicle Live.

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The cast of Vera (Image: ITV)

She contrasted this with theatre's approach: "While in the theatre, you rehearse for a month and get to understand the character very well, and it is performed chronologically.

"But it's not the same in film and television. You've got to turn up knowing it, and that's it. You don't get much time to interact with the other actors."

"But obviously, for me, Vera was different. Because I've been on it for so long, I could enter her world more fully."

Brenda, who dedicated significant chunks of the year to filming the series, still cherishes her role but hinted at a desire to step back from the demanding schedule that comes with being the star of Vera.

"So I'm not retiring," she revealed. "Maybe semi-retired. I don't want to be doing jobs which means going away for long periods of time. I've done that for the last 14 years."

Brenda and David as Vera and Joe (Image: ITV)

"But, there again, never say never," she hinted playfully, suggesting a possible comeback as DCI Stanhope in the future.

Reflecting on her final moments on set, she shared her regret: "On that last day of filming for Vera, I couldn't help thinking, 'Oh, I'm making a mistake here. Why oh why, Brenda?'

"When March rolls around, the time I'd usually be gearing up to head north for another series of Vera, I might just feel a pang of regret. Yet, at this moment, it feels like the right choice for me and my loved ones."

The future of the beloved detective remains uncertain, but ITV chiefs have disclosed a significant loss in the upcoming series - the death of Joe's father.

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Brenda Blethyn as Vera Stanhope (Image: ITV)

The blurb for the concluding episodes teases: "In this final series, the personal and professional collide like never before when the sudden prospect of promotion confronts Vera with a life-affecting change.

"DI Joe Ashworth (David Leon) continues to grow in his new role, exploring his own investigative style. But despite his dogged dedication, it doesn't take Vera long to recognise something's not right with Joe.

"Struck by grief following the death of his dad, can Vera get through to him before his work seriously suffers? With all of this to contend with, Vera must also decide if her trusted team of diligent detectives, Kenny (Jon Morrison), Mark (Riley Jones), Steph (Rhiannon Clements) and pathologist Dr Paula Bennett (Sarah Kameela Impey) are ready to stand on their own feet.

"We first catch up with Vera when she is called to the banks of the Tyne after the body of a young delivery driver is discovered by morning anglers."

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"As Vera begins her investigation, she discovers the victim had recently been released from prison after serving time for GBH. Could this have something to do with his untimely demise? Has our former inmate been served cold justice? Or does his death run deeper? A broken relationship, secret love, grudges, regret, fraud...a complicated picture begins to emerge."

It continues: "As if this wasn't enough to unpick, Vera is tasked with investigating a high-profile cold case. A former steel union man has had his twenty-year conviction for killing his wife overturned, meaning her killer is still at large. With two high-profile cases to investigate, Vera has a huge amount to deal with and needs her team to be on top of their game to close these cases. But at what cost?

"In the soulful final episode, the violent death of a bright young student is next for Vera to unravel after a body is found beneath a mysterious local monument known as The Dark Wives in a village from Vera's childhood. Gang related? Ritualistic? One thing is for certain the body was moved there. But by who?

"Vera soon learns that our student was a volunteer at a local children's home, and one of their residents, a young girl, has gone missing overnight. Surely the two cases are related? Well, that's what Vera wants to find out."

Vera returns to ITV on January 1.

Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting

Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting

Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting

Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting

Vera confirms tragic death in series finale as Brenda Blethyn shares regret after quitting