Vera fans seem to think they know what big star will step in to fill Brenda Blethyn's shoes on the ITV drama. The 78-year-old actress, who played the role of DCI Vera Stanhope, was a staple with her hit crime series but now she has bid a sad farewell after 14 years.
Before filming for the final few episodes has even finished, fans are already speculating about the series continuing without the beloved actress. Posting on social media, a few fans have suggested that Happy Valley's Sarah Lancashire dons the trenchcoat instead.
Not quite ready to let go of the series and posting to a Facebook group, one user said: "I think Vera should carry on. Someone should come in to take over and Vera shows them the ropes. They become close and trust each other and then Vera knows she can happily retire knowing her work will carry on in good hands."
Another replied: "Good idea", while someone else added: "I don't think anyone is trying to replace Vera, but if Vera is going to leave, Sarah could be introduced as the new recruit MAYBE."
Another social media user agreed as they noted that the actresses "look alike". They said: "She looks a little like Vera. Vera's love child from long ago liason?"
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But not everyone was in agreeance as one fan was dead against Sarah Lancashire being cast. They wrote: "Absolutely no, particularly to Sarah Lancashire. Wonderful as she is there is no resemblence to Vera as we know her.
"I am all for an endeavour type prequel, though a part for some upcoming new talent as opposed to an already established actor/actress."
Actress Brenda admitted she was "sad" to be leaving the role behind. In an emotional statement she 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.
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"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."
She added: "Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
