Brenda Blethyn is set to delight fans by “returning” to Vera for a special event in Newcastle, just weeks after her heartfelt farewell from the acclaimed series.
The BAFTA-winning actress, celebrated for her role in Mike Leigh’s Secrets and Lies, initially starred as the formidable DCI Stanhope in early 2011.
Her captivating performance in the pilot episode of Vera led to the show’s decade-strong run, solidifying it as one of British TV’s most successful dramas over 14 years – even annual broadcasts were unaffected by Covid from 2011 to 2025, with its last episodes recently shown on ITV.
The final instalment, ‘The Dark Wives’, aired on New Year’s Day to wrap up series 14 and pulled in massive viewer numbers, Wales Online reveals.
Although tight-lipped about the future of her iconic character, the closing scenes featured Brenda contentedly walking along a beach after being seen leaving police HQ.
In a press interview last year, Brenda revealed her departure from Vera after a remarkable 14-year tenure was to allow herself more time with her family in the south, following many summers spent filming away from them since 2011.
It seems Brenda may have stepped away from filming Vera, but she hasn’t entirely left the beloved show behind.
Fans relishing the reruns on ITV have an opportunity to join the actress at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday, March 13, for ‘Vera – End of an Era’. This unique event will see Brenda and Vera’s author Ann Cleeves reflecting on the final series and sharing their favourite scenes.
TV host Steph McGovern will conduct the stage interview, with a few special guests also set to make an appearance. The night is being touted as ‘an unmissable chance’ for fans to bid a fond farewell to a cherished show and honour one of crime fiction’s most legendary detectives.
Vera – End of an Era will – will commence in Newcastle City Hall on Thursday, March 13.
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