Vera star Brenda Blethyn breaks silence after ITV drama is axed
Brenda Blethyn, known for her portrayal of the beloved detective Vera, recently took to social media to express her heartfelt sentiments as the iconic series approaches its end.
With filming for the 14th season set to begin soon, Brenda thanked fans for their unwavering support and shared her bittersweet feelings about bidding farewell to the role.
She posted: “Many thanks to everyone for your good wishes. so very much appreciated. getting ready to start filming Series 14 of Vera next week. gonna be hard saying farewell."
The announcement sparked an outpouring of love from devoted viewers, who reminisced about their fond memories of the show and praised Brenda's remarkable performance.
Messages flooded the comments section, with one penning: Very best wishes for the filming of the new series, Brenda. We’ve watched every episode, several times, and have always loved Vera. Living in Newcastle, we enjoy recognising many of the locations. You, the cast and crew have done a fabulous job. Thank you so much."
Another posted: "Sad but happy that we had the show and you for this long."
A third wrote: "What a character you gave us. We love Vera and the team. Enjoy your last series and then whatever comes next for you. In Australia your endearment term of ‘pet’ has been appropriated many times and gives me great joy. Thank you".
In a statement on her show exit, Brenda expressed gratitude to the creators, cast, crew, and fans for their dedication and support throughout the series.
She told fans: "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. 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.
"Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Since its debut in 2011, Vera has featured Brenda Blethyn in the lead role as Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope. Initially partnered with David Leon's DS Joe Ashworth for seasons one to four, the dynamic shifted when Kenny Doughty stepped in as Vera's new sidekick, DS Aiden Healy.
As fans eagerly await the final series airing in 2025, they can anticipate more intricate crime-solving adventures with Vera, Joe, and Aiden in Northumberland.
ITV recently released pics showing a sneak peek into the show’s final read-through. In the snaps Brenda could be seen sat in a room surrounded by colleagues as she held up the script for the fourteenth series' read-through. Despite her sadness at the show ending, she beamed a bright smile behind her reading glasses.
