ITV Vera's Brenda Blethyn shares real reason for exit and declares 'I'm not sad'

Brenda Blethyn will be packing up her role as DCI Vera Stanhope on the ITV drama once and for all after the two-part finale airs next year.

The 78-year-old announced earlier this year that she would be leaving the show, but stated she was "proud of our achievements" since the show began in 2011.

She praised those she worked alongside, including producers, cast and crew, adding: "I'm going to miss them, but I won't forget their huge talent, the camaraderie, laugher or kindness we shared, not the friendship of the people of the northeast and our fans worldwide.

"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Five months on from her announcement, Brenda has spoken to GB News about her decision to leave the show - and admitted she's not sad about it.

She told the publication: "I'm not sad because I'm so happy to have done it."

When asked if her decision was a difficult one, she added: "Not really, because I was away from home for six months every year. And after 14 years, you know..."

But the star remained tight-lipped about what will become of her character, and fans have been letting their imagination run wild.

Many fans have been hoping she'll get a happy ending, but others have feared she will be killed off or take a bad health turn.

Fans took to a Facebook fan page dedicated to Vera to share their own thoughts and theories, with one suggesting DCI Stanhope's exit will be due to her health.

One theorised: "I wonder if they will kill her off cos she's got angina," (sic) while another replied: "Hope not though..."

Someone else penned: "Hoping that it will be a great ending and she isn't killed off."

Another pleaded: "I hope she retires, I really hope they don't kill her off, that won't be right."

"It has to be a positive ending, killing her off would be so wrong," one agreed.

Vera will return to ITV in 2025.