Fans of the long-run crime show, “Vera,” are heartbroken by the news of Brenda Blethyn leaving the series after 13 years.
Key Takeaways
- Brenda Blethyn, the remarkable actress, is leaving her hit show “Vera,” indicating that it will end in the 14th season.
- She previously mentioned that she had been thinking of “putting her feet up for five minutes” as filming takes its toll, which may be why she left.
- Although there isn’t official confirmation, fans demand a prequel of the show.
Portraying the title character, Blethyn has been the Detective Chief Inspector since 2011 and will finally get the retirement she always desired.
ITV has shared BTS pictures of Brenda Blethyn and co at today's read-through for the new and final season of #Vera ❤️ pic.twitter.com/N7tOso5C7B
— Radio Times (@RadioTimes) April 22, 2024
On 22 April, it was announced that the 78-year-old actress would be stepping away from the program, which will conclude its 14th season later this year.
The series will have a total of 53 episodes by the time the last two episodes come out.
Blethyn 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 14 years.”
Then, she thanked Ann Cleeves, the creator of Vera, Elaine Collins, who cast her, and the producers, cast, and crew.
🚨 | ITV confirm Vera will end after its next series, as Brenda Blethyn steps down:
— sᴜᴘᴇʀ ᴛᴠ (@superTV247) April 22, 2024
“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.” pic.twitter.com/MoGb7qK7wO
The actress ended her statement by saying, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
Adding Silverprint Pictures creative director Kate Bartlett, the one responsible for executive producing much of the show, she said, “It is the end of an era and has been an extraordinary journey over 14 amazing series of Vera.”
“We will all be very sad to say goodbye to Brenda and everyone involved in making the show.”
Will There Be A Prequel Of The Series?
Rumors of a prequel to the hit crime drama are circulating social media, but official news has yet to be released.
The television series is based on the Vera Stanhope series of novels by Ann Cleeves.
The show has garnered considerable critical acclaim. In 2017, the Royal Television Society named her Performer of the Year.
Likewise, the following year, UK viewership peaked for season eight, which raked in an average of 9.03 million viewers.
Of course, I’m sad Vera is coming to an end, but what a ride it’s been! Thanks so much to the magnificent @BrendaBlethyn and the team. https://t.co/U4rptNgX0j
— Ann Cleeves (@AnnCleeves) April 22, 2024
Fans showed their disappointment after the news went viral on social media. One user wrote, “There is only one vera. Sadly, the show will be missed.”
Another one followed, “Brilliant actress sadly overlooked for the awards. She needs recognition for her work.”
FAQs
Is Brenda Blethyn Married?
Yes, the actress is married to British art director Michael Mayhew. The couple have been dating since 1975 and married in June 2010. Before that, she was married to Alan James Blethyn from 1964 to 1973.
When Was Brenda Blethyn Appointed OBE?
In the 2003 New Year Honours, Blethyn was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for her services to drama.
Where Is Brenda Blenthyn From?
She was born in Ramsgate, Kent, to her mother, Louisa Kathleen, and father, William Charles Bottle. Blethyn is the youngest of nine children in a Roman Catholic, working-class family.
